Appalachian Trail

Some of the best hiking, camping and back-country experiences around are available on the Appalachian Trail, located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

At a Glance

The Appalachian Trail, completed in 1937:

• Is a privately manages unit of the national park system.
• Is the nation's longest marked footpath, at approximately 2,181 miles.
• Is the first completed national scenic trail, designated in 1968.
• Crosses six other units of the national park system.
• Traverses eight national forests.
• Touches 14 states.  Houses more than 2,000 occurrences of rare, threatened, endangered and sensitive plant and animal species at about 535 sites.
• Crosses numerous state and local forest parks.
• Is maintained by 31 trail clubs and multiple partnerships.

Fun facts about the Appalachian Trail:

• Lowest elevation: 124 feet - near the Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain, New York
• Highest elevation: 6,625 feet - on Clingmans Dome in Tennessee
• Approximately 165,000 white paint blazes mark the Trail's route.
• More than 10,000 people have reported hiking the length of the Trail.
• It takes approximately 5 million footsteps to walk the entire length of the Trail.
• More than 6,000 volunteers contribute about 200,000 hours to the Appalachian Trail every year.

For more information about specific trails on the A.T.:

• McAfee Knob
• Overnight Backpacking Loop
• Dragon's Tooth
• Dragon's Back

Get for information on the  Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club`s website.

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