The Appalachian Trail is the longest continual footpath in the world, traversing some of the most scenic beauty of the eastern U.S. from Georgia to Maine. The 2,150 mile trail began as a vision of planner-forester Benton MacKaye in 1921.  Existing trails were linked and new sections carved from Rhododendron thickets, grassy balds and forests.

In 1968, the Appalachian Trail became the first "National Scenic Trail."  Today it passes through fourteen states, eight national forests, six national park system units, sixty state parks and game lands and scores of small communities. The rugged and narrow footpath is marked by white blazes painted on rocks and trees.  One hundred and fifty miles of this exceptionally scenic footpath pass through the Cherokee National Forest.  It traverses areas with colloquial place-names like Lemon Gap, Buzzard Roost Ridge, Locust Pole Knob, Beauty spot, Jane Bald and a host of locations commemorating Appalachian family names.

for more information...

Appalachian Trail Conference
799 Washington Street
PO Box 807
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807
304-535-6331

ATC membership:
membership@appalachiantrail.org

Trail and Hiking questions:
info@appalachiantrail.org