The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,174-mile footpath along the ridgecrests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. The trail traverses Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is used by day, weekend and other short-term hikers, section-hikers and thru-hikers. Thru-hikers hike the entire length of the Trail in one season.
If you want to do a day hike on the Appalachian Trail, you can go to the Hot Springs area to enjoy the panoramic vistas at Max Patch or go to the Great Smokies and hike to Clingmans Dome or Charlies Bunion. See our Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guide for more on these hikes.
 Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
How is the Trail marked?
The Appalachian Trail is marked for daylight travel in both directions, using a system of two-inch by six-inch paint "blazes" on trees, posts, and rocks. There are some local variations, but most hikers grasp the system quickly. Above treeline, and where snow or fog may obscure paint marks, posts and rock piles called "cairns" are used to identify the route. White-paint blazes mark the A.T. itself. Side trails and shelter trails use blue blazes; blazes of other colors and shapes mark other intersecting trails. Two white blazes, one above the other, signal an obscure turn, route change, incoming side trail, or other situation that requires you to be especially alert to changes in direction. In some states, one of the two blazes will be offset in the direction of the turn.
Where can I get maps?
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and its member clubs publish the official guidebooks and maps for the Appalachian Trail, available for purchase online at the Ultimate A.T. Store or by phone at 1-888-AT STORE.
Do I need a permit?
The Appalachian Trail is open for all to enjoy. No fees, memberships, or paid permits are required for walking on the Trail. However, the A.T. passes through numerous state and national parks, forests and public lands, a few of which require permits, fees, or reservations to stay overnight in shelters or campsites.
Where can I camp?
More than 250 backcountry shelters are located along the Appalachian Trail at varying intervals, as a service to all A.T. users. A typical shelter, sometimes called a “lean-to,” has a shingled or metal roof, a wooden floor and three walls and is open to the elements on one side. Most are near a creek or spring, and many have a privy nearby. Hikers occupy them on a first-come, first-served basis until the shelter is full. They are intended for individual hikers, not big groups. If you're planning a group hike, plan to camp out or to yield space to individual hikers who may not have the resources you do. Many shelters are near good campsites for tenting.
Where are the restrooms?
Few and far between. Many A.T. shelters have privies, but often you will need to "go in the woods." Proper disposal of human (and pet) waste is not only a courtesy to other hikers, but is a vital Leave No Trace practice for maintaining healthy water supplies in the backcountry and an enjoyable hiking experience for others.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are permitted along most of the Trail, but they impose additional responsibilities on hikers who bring them along. If you want to hike with your dog, be considerate of others (and your dog) by planning carefully, educating yourself about local regulations, and keeping your dog controlled at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina, Baxter State Park in Maine, and the Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center in Bear Mountain State Park, New York. Dogs are required to be on a leash on all National Park Service-administered lands—or more than 40 percent of the entire A.T. More: Hiking with Dogs.
Can I ride a bike or horse on the A.T.?
Generally, no. The Appalachian Trail is designed, built, and maintained by hikers for foot travel. More: Permits, Fees, and Regulations.
Are bears and snakes a problem?
The problem with snakes and bears is that you won't see them often. Sometimes you only see signs of them, such as tracks or a shed snakeskin. That's because snakes and bears, and most other animals, shy away from humans. If you do see a snake or a bear, don't try to touch or feed them. Animals along the Trail are wild and should be left alone. More: Health and Safety.
How safe is it?
Hiking the A.T. is no more dangerous than many other popular outdoor activities, but, although the Trail is part of the national park system, it is not the proverbial "walk in the park." Preparation is the key for a safe and healthy trip. Choose clothing and equipment carefully, and make sure you have adequate food, water, and shelter available. More: Health and Safety.
How long does it take to thru-hike?
From four to eight months, depending on how fast you hike. The average is slightly over six months.
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