Hiking Boots & Walking Stick - Appalachian Trail

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Distance : 2158miles (3474km)

Location : The trail traverses 14 states, along the length of the Appalachian Moutains, which flank the eastern coast of US.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail starts in Katahdin in Maine runs down to Springer Mountain in north Georgia. The trail passes through 14 States including, Maine - New Hampshire - Vermont - Massachusetts - Connecticut- New York - New Jersey - Pennsylvania - Maryland - West Virginia- Virginia - Tennessee - North Carolina - Georgia.

Each year several thousand people will attempt the thru-walk, but of these, only about 10% will succeed. Perhaps the better option, is hiking the trail in segments, and taking several seasons to complete. The thru-hikers usually start in the south, as the season is longer in the south, than the north. Most start mid-April and finish in mid-October. There are more than 250 three-sided shelters scattered along the trail, most about 10 miles apart. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Along many segments, camping is not permitted between shelters.

History of the trail
The trail isn't an old Indian trail, as many people think. It was the brainchild of forester Benton Mackaye, who suggested the idea, in an article in 1921. By 1936 the trail was completed as a continuous route. It is maintained and managed by volunteers. It is the first continuously marked recreational hiking trail in North America and the first national scenic trail designated by US Congress in 1968.

The trail was first hiked end-to-end by Earl Shaffer in 1948.

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		To buy hiking/camping gear or get prices visit our equipment store Appalachian National Scenic Trail Distance : 2158miles (3474km) Location : The trail traverses 14 states, along the length of the Appalachian Moutains, which flank the eastern coast of US. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail starts in Katahdin in Maine runs down to Springer Mountain in north Georgia. The trail passes through 14 States including, Maine - New Hampshire - Vermont - Massachusetts - Connecticut- New York - New Jersey - Pennsylvania - Maryland - West Virginia- Virginia - Tennessee - North Carolina - Georgia. Each year several thousand people will attempt the thru-walk, but of these, only about 10% will succeed. Perhaps the better option, is hiking the trail in segments, and taking several seasons to complete. The thru-hikers usually start in the south, as the season is longer in the south, than the north. Most start mid-April and finish in mid-October. There are more than 250 three-sided shelters scattered along the trail, most about 10 miles apart. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Along many segments, camping is not permitted between shelters. History of the trail The trail isn't an old Indian trail, as many people think. It was the brainchild of forester Benton Mackaye, who suggested the idea, in an article in 1921. By 1936 the trail was completed as a continuous route. It is maintained and managed by volunteers. It is the first continuously marked recreational hiking trail in North America and the first national scenic trail designated by US Congress in 1968. The trail was first hiked end-to-end by Earl Shaffer in 1948.