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