The Appalachian Trail (AT)

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE AT

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• It runs 2,197 miles along the Appalachian Mountains between Springer Mountain (Georgia) and Mount Katadin (Maine).

• The trail passes through 14 states: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

• A complete thru-hike takes between 5 and 7 months, with the average being just under 6 months.

• It's the shortest of the three trails that make up the the Triple Crown of Hiking, which includes the Pacific Crest Trail with 2,650 miles and the Continental Divide Trail with 3,028 miles.

• Most successful thru-hikers carry a backpack weighing between 20 to 35 pounds, fully loaded with food. Note there is no need to carry water on the AT.

• It’s estimated that 3 million visitors hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail each year.

• There were 1,201 reported successful thru-hikes in 2023.

  • ~67% male

  • ~50% are between 20-29 years old