The Appalachian Trail

What is the Appalachian Trail? How big is the trail? Why is it so special? And most importantly, is it worth the time, effort, and money to hike it? These are some of the questions I’ll be answering in this post. The Appalachian Trail is more than just a big hike; it’s a vast, potentially genuinely iconic journey for every trekker, that spans almost 2,200 miles. Thanks to its immense size and numerous access points, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most accessible long-distance trails in the world. Whether you're a thru-hiker(a person attempting to hike right from one end to the other) or just curious about what makes it so special, I'll be breaking down what makes this trail stand out and why it continues to draw every kind of adventurer from all over the globe.

The Appalachian Trail is a continuous footpath that stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia all the way to Mount Katahdin in Maine. This enormous and iconic trail passes through 14 consecutive U.S. states, forming, arguably, the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the United States. It passes through what’s believed to be 1.1 billion-year-old mountains, five different types of forests, and of course, a multitude of picturesque valleys, allowing hikers a unique opportunity to experience nature in its rawest form.

Though the Appalachian Mountains formed naturally over a billion years ago, the trail itself was envisioned by a man named Benton MacKaye in the 1920s, designed not just as a hiking path but as a way for people to reconnect with nature and find respite from the modern world. Today, it stands as one of the longest and most well-known long-distance hiking trails in the world. The Appalachian Trail is managed by many organizations, including the National Park Service and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Quite a feat considering the trail passes through 14 states. Due to this, it’s known for its untouched wilderness and well-preserved infrastructure. Many hikers can’t resist the challenge of the thru-hike, though equally, it’s extremely popular for shorter hikes thanks to the many access points the trail has throughout.

The Appalachian Trail is just shy of 2200 miles or 3540 kilometres. The closest measurement puts the Appalachian Trail at 2198.4 miles. The length will vary though depending on the route you take (and how straight you walk). The more challenging trails often tend to be shorter and quicker, and so the longer routes will be slower due to attempting to avoid more dangerous paths and crossings. You'll also find that, as the trail gets more popular, it’s being extended, mile by mile. For a Thru-hiker, the full trail end-to-end, will take between 5 and 7 months. Not something you could do on a whim, but something that takes months of preparation and years of practice and experience to complete. Completing this trail could be considered the mecca of hikes for a zealous hiker of any skill level.

Of course, the entire trail is 2,200 miles long and takes 6 months to complete. That sort of commitment is simply not possible for most. This means that most opt to hike the shorter sections which allows hikers to experience parts of the trail without that huge commitment to the resource and serious dedication a full thru-hike requires. For example, many hikers choose to start at Springer Mountain in Georgia, the most common starting point, which is the southern terminus of the trail, and hike a section of the trail northward. You can take the Georgia to North Carolina stretch, which is about 70 miles long and typically takes around 4 to 6 days to complete. This section offers a good challenge and is a much more manageable hike compared to the 6-month thru-hike.

Another common starting point is Harper's Ferry in West Virginia, which most consider to be the halfway point of the trail. Starting in the centre of the trail is much more accessible and from there, you can choose to hike north or south. A common choice is to hike north to Duncannon in Pennsylvania, a challenging hike of almost 100 miles. This portion can take around 7 to 10 days. Hiking those two shorter options, or any shorter sections, is an excellent way to experience the AT without committing to the months-long trek of a thru-hike.

The physical and mental test: First and foremost, any successful multi-day or extended hike is a physical and mental challenge. Walking a dozen miles a day for many days will seriously show you your physical strength and endurance. The more time out there on the trail, the more you’ll come to understand your limits and capabilities. You’ll learn how to push through exhaustion and discomfort, adapting to the trail and shifting your comfort zone. However, you’ll learn it’s not just about physical endurance. Hiking for extended periods also tests your mental resilience. You will suffer periods of doubt, isolation, and tough weather, but overcoming these obstacles builds a sense of accomplishment and strength.

Escape from day-to-day monotony: The Appalachian Trail is an immense physical challenge, though it offers more than just that. It provides a chance to disconnect from the distractions of daily life and to connect with nature and the outdoors. Out on the trail, there are no emails to check or meetings to attend, just the simplicity of walking, breathing, and being able to enjoy the moment. On the trail, you leave behind the noise and discord of modern life and become surrounded by the natural world. The trail offers an opportunity to engage with the environment in a way that’s hard to find in the rush of everyday life.

Unless you’re planning to go on a shorter hike then you’ll want to take care and consideration when planning what gear to take with you. How much care do you take when planning a holiday? Now take that and imagine that at the end of each day, you’ll be in a different location and be responsible for if you’ve got a barrier between you and the elements, multiplied by how many days your adventure is. If you’ve forgotten an important piece of kit it can be a serious hindrance to your journey in regards to not only your comfort on the trail, or the pace at which you travel, but potentially your health and wellbeing. Here’s our list of recommended kit and necessities:

• Backpack: Large, lightweight and durable.
• Shelter: Tent, sleeping bag, and pad.
• Clothing: Moisture-wicking layers, hiking pants, waterproof jacket, and socks.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots.
• Cooking Gear: Stove, fuel, cookware, and water filter.
• Navigation: Maps, compass, and GPS device.
• First Aid Kit: Basic supplies and personal medications.
• Lighting: Headtorch with extra batteries.
• Power: Portable charger for devices.
• Extras: Walking poles, sun cream, insect repellent, and refuse bags.

The Appalachian Trail isn't just an epic hike, it really is the adventure of a lifetime. Whether or not you’re aiming for the full thru-hike of 2,200 miles or trekking the shorter sections, the trail offers a unique opportunity. With the right preparation and gear, this iconic trail has the power to leave a lasting impact.