Appalachian National Scenic Trail


The Appalachian Trail is a 2,180+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.

There are many points of access along the Appalachian Trail, whether it is by car, train, bus or plane. For more detailed directions, please refer to the "Directions" section of our park webpage.

  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Compass and GPS
  • Orienteering
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Hands-On
  • Citizen Science
  • Volunteer Vacation
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Snowshoeing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching

  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Horses (wild)
  • Climate Change
  • Forests and Woodlands
  • Coniferous Forests
  • Deciduous Forests
  • Lakes
  • Mountains
  • Natural Sounds
  • Night Sky
  • Astronomy
  • River and Riparian
  • Scenic Views
  • Trails
  • Watersheds
  • Headwaters
  • Waterfalls
  • Wetlands
  • Wilderness

McAfee Knob

Silhouette of a man with backpack standing on McAfee Knob at sunset with mountains in the distance.

McAfee Knob is one of the most popular locations along the A.T. to take photographs.

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail runs across a mountain ridge line with views to the horizon of mountain range.

Crossing into thirteen states, hikers experience a variety of scenery along the way.

The Infamous White Blaze of the A.T.

A white blaze marks a tree in the foreground, with a man and child walking away on the wooded trail.

The white blaze marks the Appalachian Trail as a way for hikers to identify the route.

Volunteer on the A.T.

A volunteer is carrying a split log while walking across a wooden footbridge in the woods.

The Appalachian Trail is maintained largely by volunteers.

Winter on the A.T.

A snowy winter view from the A.T. overlooking snowy mountains and clouds in the distance.

Hikers can experience many seasons along the A.T. all year round. It is important to be prepared.