| AN OVERVIEW The Appalachian Trail, called the "AT" by most hikers, is the premier hiking trail in the United States, a continental-scale wilderness pathway set aside for recreational foot travel only. The route of the AT closely follows the ridge line of eastern America's Appalachian Mountain chain for 2,168 unbroken miles, beginning at the summit of Springer Mountain in northern Georgia and ending on the summit of Mt. Katahdin in central Maine. As it winds its way through the mountains, it passes through fourteen states, eight national forests, six national parks, and numerous state and local parks. About 99% of the route is on publicly owned lands, and no fee is charged nor is special permission needed to hike anywhere on the trailway itself, though in some high-use areas registration is required for overnight stay and fees may be charged for use of shelters and other facilities. The entire trail route is clearly marked with white blazes (2-inch wide by 6-inch high rectangles painted on trees, rocks, etc.) and a serties of three-sided lean-tos or shelters, each spaced about a day's journey apart, closer in many areas, is available to all trail users on a firts come-first serve basis. Water is available from numerous springa and streams, and the trail route passes through or near many towns and hamlets where long-distance hikers can resupply. More than four million people use some part of the AT annually, according to surveys, and about 2,500 hardy individuals attempt to backpack the entire Appalachian Trail in one continuous journey each year. Q&A ABOUT THE TRAIL HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO THRU-HIKE? Four to eight months, depending on how fast you hike. The average is slightly over six months. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? From $1,000 to $5,000, not including equipment, with an average of about $3,000. The low end of the spectrum requires going without restaurant meals or motels, which few hikers can pass up when their fellow hikers are indulging. Most people spend $1,000 to $2,000 on equipment. WHICH DIRECTION IS BETTER TO HIKE, AND WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO START? Hikers have tackled the Trail at all times of the year, and with varied itineraries. Traditionally, most northbounders begin at Springer Mountain in March or April; southbounders generally leave Mt. Katahdin in June or July. Alternatives to an end-to-end thru-hike are commonly known as "flip-flop" or "leapfrog" hikes - for example, starting from a point in the middle of the trail, hiking north, then flipping back to hike south and complete your trip. The ATC encourages these alternative hikes as a way to even out the flow of hikers and minimize resource damage to the Trail. These alternatives can offer the hiker benefits in terms of terrain and climate. HOW DO THRU-HIKERS RESUPPLY? The Trail passes close to, or through, many towns allowing for a variety of resupply options. Some hikers shop in stores, others use post offices to mail themselves packages to Trail-town post ofices addressed to General Delivery, or employ a combination of both. The Appalachian Trail Data Book and the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion provide annually-updated information on Trail-town services. BUT CHAD, WHAT ABOUT BEARS??? |
| HERE ARE SOME FACTS AND COMMON QUESTIONS REGUARDING THE TRAIL |
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