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The Appalachian Trail at a Glance
The Appalachian Trail, completed in 1937:
• Is a unit of the National Park Service
• Is the nation’s longest marked footpath, at approximately 2,178 miles.
• Is the first national scenic trail, designated in 1968.
• Crosses six national parks.
• Traverses eight national forests.
• Touches 14 states. Houses more than 2,000 occurrences of rare, threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and animal species.
• Crosses numerous state and local forests and parks.
• Is maintained by 30 trail clubs and multiple partnerships.
The above information provided by The Appalachian Trail Conservancy www. appalachiantrail.org
The Appalachian Trail in Georgia:
• Home to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain in Amicalola Falls State Park
• Is 75 miles long
• Has a difficulty rating of 6 (on a 10 point scale where 1 is flat and 10 requires the use of hands, offers precarious footing, and is not recommended for those with a fear of heights)
• Has elevations ranging from 2,510 to 4,461 feet
• Is best hiked in April to May or September to October when crowds and weather have cooled off
• Is sponsored by the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, www. georgia-atclub.org
