Hiking the AT: 10+ Unforgettable Landmarks and Natural Wonders

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is one of the most iconic hiking trails in the United States. Running for approximately 2,190 miles (3,524 kilometers) from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, the AT passes through 14 states and offers hikers a diverse range of landscapes and experiences. Along the way, there are many interesting things to see and experience that can make your AT hike even more memorable. Here are just a few:

Amicalola Falls State Park

The southern terminus of the AT is located in Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia. The park features a stunning 729-foot (222-meter) waterfall that can be viewed from a variety of hiking trails, including a section of the AT. The park also offers a lodge and camping facilities for hikers who want to start their AT journey in comfort.

McAfee Knob

Located in Virginia, McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots on the AT. The Knob offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and it’s a popular spot for hikers to take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Wild Ponies of the Grayson Highlands State Park

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This park in Virginia is known for its wild ponies, which are descended from a herd that was released into the park in the 1970s. The ponies roam freely throughout the park and are a unique sight for hikers on the AT.

The Roller Coaster

A section of the AT in Virginia is known as the “Roller Coaster” due to its frequent ups and downs. This challenging section of the trail is a rite of passage for many AT hikers and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The White Mountains

The White Mountains

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The AT passes through the White Mountains in New Hampshire, which offer some of the most rugged and challenging terrain on the trail. Hikers can summit several of the highest peaks in the range, including Mount Washington, which is the tallest peak in the Northeastern United States.

Baxter State Park

The northern terminus of the AT is located in Baxter State Park in Maine. The park features stunning wilderness areas, including Mount Katahdin, its highest peak in Maine. Hikers who complete the AT are rewarded with breathtaking views from the summit of Katahdin.

The Great Smoky Mountains

The AT passes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is known for its stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The park is home to the highest peak on the AT, Clingmans Dome, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The Blue Ridge Parkway

The AT passes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is known for its stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The park is home to the highest peak on the AT, Clingmans Dome, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Hot Springs, NC

Hot Springs is a small town in North Carolina that is home to a natural hot spring. Hikers can take a break and soak in the hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.

The Pennsylvania Rock Maze

Located in Pennsylvania, the rock maze is a unique geological formation that offers a fun challenge for hikers. The maze is made up of boulders that are piled on top of each other, creating a complex network of narrow passageways and tunnels.

The Hundred-Mile Wilderness

The Hundred-Mile Wilderness is a section of the AT in Maine that offers some of the most remote and rugged terrain on the trail. Hikers must be self-sufficient and carry all their supplies for the entire 100 miles (161 kilometers), making it a true test of endurance.

Katahdin Stream Falls

Located in Maine, Katahdin Stream Falls is a stunning waterfall that hikers can visit on their way to the summit of Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the AT. The falls are a great spot to take a break and cool off on a hot day.

The Roan Highlands

Located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Roan Highlands offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area is known for its unique ecosystem, which includes high-elevation balds and sprucefir forests.

The Mahoosuc Range

Located on the border of Maine and New Hampshire, the Mahoosuc Range is known for its rugged terrain and challenging climbs. Hikers must navigate steep ascents and descents, rocky trails, and narrow ridgelines.

Max Patch

Located in North Carolina, Max Patch is a grassy bald that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a popular spot for hikers to watch the sunset or camp overnight.

Bear Mountain State Park

Located in New York, Bear Mountain State Park is home to a section of the Appalachian Trail that offers stunning views of the Hudson River Valley. The park also features a zoo, a museum, and several hiking trails for visitors to explore.

The Iron Mountain Trail

Located in Tennessee and Virginia, the Iron Mountain Trail is a 24-mile (38.6-kilometer) section of the AT that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is named for the iron mines that once operated in the area.

While the Appalachian Trail is known for its stunning scenery and challenging terrain, some hikers may find themselves spooked by the ghost stories that haunt the trail. But don’t worry, as long as you keep a flashlight handy and a sense of humor about things that go bump in the night, you’ll be just fine. ACLM