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Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail
Hiking trail
NameAppalachian Trail
LengthApprox. 2181 mi (3510 km) 
LocationAppalachian Mountains|Length=Approx. 2181 mi (3510 km) 
TrailheadsSpringer Mountain, Georgia
Mount Katahdin, Maine
UseHiking
Elevation Change515000 ft (156972 m)
Highest Point
Clingmans Dome 6643 ft
Lowest Point
Hudson River 124 ft
Trail DifficultyModerate to strenuous
SeasonSpring to Fall
SightsAppalachian Mountains
HazardsSevere weather
American Black Bear
Tick-borne diseases
Mosquitos
Yellowjackets
Biting flies
Chiggers
Steep grades
Limited water
Diarrhea from water
Poison ivy
Venomous snakes

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The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is approximately 2181 mi (3510 km) long. Along the way, the trail passes through the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The path is maintained by 30 trail clubs and multiple partnerships, and managed by the National Park Service and the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The majority of the trail is in wilderness, although some portions traverse towns and roads, and cross rivers.

The Appalachian Trail is famous for its many hikers, some of whom, called thru-hikers, attempt to hike it in its entirety in a single season. Many books, memoirs, web sites and fan organizations are dedicated to this pursuit.

An unofficial extension known as the International Appalachian Trail, continues north into Canada and to the end of the range, where it enters the Atlantic Ocean.

The Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail form what is known as the Triple Crown of long distance hiking in the United States.


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