AT Fun Facts

AT-map

  • The Appalachian Trail (AT) is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, measuring roughly 2,180 miles in length.
  • The AT goes through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian mountain range from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the trail’s northern terminus at Mt. Katahdin, Maine.
  • More than 250 three-sided shelters exist along the trail.
  • Virginia is home to the most miles of the Trail (about 550), while West Virginia is home to the least (about 4).
  • Maryland and West Virginia are the easiest states to hike; New Hampshire and Maine are the hardest.
  • The total elevation gain of hiking the entire A.T. is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times.
  • The A.T. is home to an impressive diversity of plants and animals. Some animals you may see include black bears, moose, porcupines, snakes, woodpeckers, and salamanders. Some plants you may encounter include jack-in-the-pulpit, skunk cabbage, and flame azalea.
  • Thousands of volunteers contribute roughly 220,000 hours to the AT every year.

Fun Facts taken from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.