The Appalachian Trail stretches over 2100 miles across 14 eastern U.S. states. It goes from the hot, southern climate of Georgia to the most northern reaches of the continental U.S. in Maine. An unofficial extension continues on into Canada.
Thus the Appalachian Trail, actually officially known as the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, offers varied natural beauty as it winds from lowlands in the south up through sub-alpine regions, and even some true alpine areas where you might find yourself above the timberline.
Out on the trail you have the rare opportunity to encounter any one of 2,000 rare, threatened, or endangered plant and animal species. You’ll also have a chance to see more customary animals such as deer, elk, and moose. Black Bear sightings are especially common in the Shenandoah National Park and New Jersey sections.
Along the entire length of the Trail, hikers encounter “Trail Magic.” These are the “Appalachian Trail Angels” that volunteer as guardians and Good-Samaritans for the hikers and backpackers. Many do their good deeds anonymously – you might come through a thickly wooded area into a clearing to find coolers alongside the trail, filled with bottles of chilled water and cans of cold beer, or find a net of sodas chilling in a creek.
Other Angels offer their version of Trail Magic by inviting hikers to a free barbecue meal at their home. These volunteers can serve up to 2000 meals over the course of a season. And still other Angels will give you a free ride to the trailhead.
The hikers of the Appalachian Trail have created a sub-culture of “thru-hikers” – those who make the entire 2100-mile trek in one season, generally a six-month commitment. Thru-hikers have “hiker handles” – names by which they are known along the Trail, such as Badger, Whitefang, and Monk – which have become infamous in Appalachian Trail lore.
Since the Appalachian Trail was specifically designed with hikers in mind, resources are available to assist the hiker to have a good experience. Following the trail is easy with markers with white paint blazes.
Markers that show the direction to over 250 campsites and shelters have blue paint blazes. Shelters are generally spaced a day’s walk apart, and can range from simple 3-sided lean-tos to more elaborate structures. Up and down the entire Appalachian Trail the shelters are maintained by the Angels.
Three to four million people hike some portion of the Appalachian Trail every year. But that number is spread out over 2100 miles, 14 states, and an entire season. This is one outdoor activity where you can feel completely alone, enjoy a silent communion with nature, and at the same time know you are not alone if you’re ever in need of help, or just want to make new friends.
Alice Perkins is a timeshare travel blogger for RedWeek.com the largest online market place for timeshare rentals, where vacationers can find luxury accommodations for less than the cost of a typical hotel room.
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