Appalachian National Scenic Trail
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Contact Information:
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
PO Box 807
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
304-535-6331
http://www.nps.gov/appa
Length: 2,174 miles
Description: The Appalachian National Scenic Trail hugs the crests of the Appalachian Mountains from Mount Katahdin, Maine through New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, to Springer Mountain, Georgia. It is open only to hikers, and facilities along the way include campgrounds, picnic areas, cabin rentals, groceries, visitor centers, and exhibits. Shelters are spaced for convenient overnight stays. The Trail passes through 6 units of the National Park Service, 8 national forests and 60 state parks and forests. Only a few miles still need protection through public ownership. Almost 400 people each year hike the entire trail.
Activities: The AT offers opportunities for short and long-term hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, and other backcountry recreation.History: The Appalachian National Scenic Trail began as a vision of forester Benton MacKaye and was developed by volunteers and opened as a continuous trail in 1937. It was designated as the first National Scenic Trail by the National Trails System Act of 1968.
For Further Information: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (formerly known as the Appalachian Trail Conference) is a volunteer-based, private nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Established in 1925, the Conservancy works with 30 maintaining clubs and multiple partners for the purpose of managing and protecting the AT. Contact the ATC (304-535-6331) to find out how to become a supporting member, to join a volunteer program, or for information about obtaining guidebooks and maps.
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Scenic Trails
