Appalachian Trail 2018

The AT

🥾 General Info:

  • Length: ~2,198 miles (3,537 km)
  • Route: From Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine
  • States Traversed: 14 (GA, NC, TN, VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA, VT, NH, ME)
  • Highest Point: Clingmans Dome, TN – 6,643 ft (2,025 m)
  • Lowest Point: Bear Mountain State Park, NY – ~124 ft (38 m)
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: Approx. 515,000 ft (157,000 m) total over the entire trail


🧍‍♂️Hikers & Usage:

  • Thru-Hike Attempts Per Year: 3,000–4,000 (northbound, southbound, and flip-flop combined)
  • Successful Thru-Hikes: ~20–25% complete the whole trail
  • Average Thru-Hike Time: 5–7 months
  • Day Hikers & Section Hikers: Millions annually


🌲 Trail Facts:

  • Established: 1937
  • Managed By: National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and volunteers
  • Number of Shelters: Over 250 along the trail
  • Trail Volunteers: ~6,000 annually