What Is the Appalachian Trail? | America’s 2,197-Mile Footpath

Designated the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the A.T. stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin in Baxter State Park, Maine. The first National Scenic Trail created under the National Trails System Act of 1968, it remains a singular achievement in American conservation—a continuous footpath protected along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains.

The trail draws millions of visitors each year, from day hikers tackling a short section to thru-hikers attempting the entire distance in one season. The recent rise in outdoor recreation has made the trail more popular than ever: the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) recorded 16.9 million recreation visits in 2025.

How Long Is the Appalachian Trail and Where Does It Run?

This figure shifts periodically as the route is relocated and measurement techniques improve. The National Park Service (NPS) describes it simply as a 2,190+ mile trail, reflecting those ongoing adjustments.

The trail passes through 14 states: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Along the way, it climbs over the Great Smoky Mountains, crosses the Shenandoah and White Mountains, and rivals terrain found in far more remote ranges.

One common source of confusion: the Appalachian Trail is not the same as the Appalachian Mountains. The mountains span a much larger region; the trail is a specific, managed footpath that runs along their spine.

Does It Cost Money or Require a Permit to Hike?

Walking the trail itself is free, and no entrance pass is required to access it. You do not need a membership or permit simply to hike a section. However, the Appalachian Trail corridor includes land managed by multiple agencies, and some connected parks, forests, and campsites charge fees or require reservations.

The most notable exception is Baxter State Park in Maine, home of the northern terminus at Katahdin. The NPS notes that A.T. thru-hikers can use a designated permit costing $40, valid for 38 days from issuance and allowing 8 days and 7 nights to cross the park. Non-thru-hikers overnighting on the trail within the park need a General Backcountry Permit. Always verify local rules before planning an overnight trip—no single permit covers the entire trail.

Who Builds and Maintains the Appalachian Trail?

Completed in 1937, the A.T. became part of the National Park System and is today managed by a partnership: the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, other federal and state agencies, and thousands of volunteers.

Volunteers are the backbone of the effort. Their work keeps the trail open and safe for everyone, and travelers can find more than 260 backcountry shelters spaced along the route—many built and maintained entirely by volunteer crews.

For anyone planning a first trip on the trail, a good multi-tool is worth carrying for gear repairs and stove adjustments along the way. Our guide to the best Appalachian Trail multi-tools breaks down the lightest and most durable options.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Appalachian Trail

Is the Appalachian Trail the longest trail in the world?

It is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world at roughly 2,197.9 miles. Longer trails like the Pacific Crest Trail or Canada’s Great Trail span greater distances, but they are not exclusively hiking-only corridors. The A.T.’s status as a footpath solely for hikers remains unmatched in length.

Can you hike the Appalachian Trail in one season?

Yes, at least one thru-hike is completed every year. A typical thru-hike takes five to seven months, covering roughly 15 miles per day, with resupply stops in towns along the route. Most northbound hikers start at Springer Mountain in spring and aim to reach Katahdin before Baxter State Park closes in autumn.

How crowded is the trail during peak season?

Day hikers and section hikers dominate use. Crowding concentrates near road crossings and iconic peaks, while many sections see light traffic in the middle of the week. Arrive early for shelters on weekends and in the Smokies or White Mountains.