The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a 2180-mile footpath which follows the Appalachian Mountains, crossing many of the highest peaks in the range. It begins on Springer Mountain in Georgia, then heads north, passing through North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire, with a dramatic conclusion on Mount Katahdin in Maine.
The AT’s white rectangular blazes mark an often steep path through 6 national parks, 8 national forests, and numerous historic landmarks. While the trail predominantly wanders through wild forested mountains, its path also connects dozens of small towns.
Northbound thru hikers typically begin the trail in March or early April, and finish in September. Thus, in addition to witnessing a great diversity of plants and animals, thru hikers get to experience the change of seasons on their journey.