The Appalachian Trail marks 75 Years

On August 16, 1937 the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp P-66 sent a letter to Myron Avery, chairman of the Appalachian Trail Conference, confirming completion on August 14 of a two-mile stretch on Sugarloaf Mountain in central Maine, the final stretch of the Appalachian Trail.  After more than 15 years of construction, the Trail was finally finished.

The concept of the Appalachian Trail began in 1921 with an idea promoted by Benton MacKaye, a regional planner and forester for the U.S. Forest Service, to fill the need for preserving a connection with natural settings during the rapidly increasing industrialization of American society. In 1923 construction of the Trail began with a 45 mile section built by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference just north of New York City.

In 1925 the Appalachian Trail Conference , now the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, became the coordinating agency for the volunteers who were essential to the completion of the Trail. Under the National Trails System Act, The Appalachian Trail was named a National Scenic Trail in 1968 and today is a national park managed through a on-of-a-kind  partnership between the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, 31 trail-maintaining clubs and assorted state and local agencies.

The Appalachian Trail covers approximately 2,180 miles between Springer Mountain in north Georgia and Mount Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine traversing 14 states, 8 national forests, 6 national parks and numerous state forests.  Elevations ranging from 6,644 feet atop Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to 124 feet at the Bear Mountain Bridge across New York's Hudson River.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy estimates that 2-3 million people hike the Trail each year, with 1800-2000 attempting a “thru-hike”. 1 in 4 who attempt a thru-hike successfully completes the journey.  The A.T. has hundreds of access points and is within a few hours drive of millions of Americans, making it a popular destination for day-hikers. Mapping and GIS data is available from the Conservancy with online links.

A.T. at Max Patch near Hot Springs

The Appalachian Trail travels along 300 miles of beautiful North Carolina mountains. Well known by the locals as offering some of the most dramatic views, here are some top hikes to get you back in touch with mother nature. Roan Mountain: Known for it's expansive grassy balds and flowering rhododendrons this area of the AT offers gorgeous panoramic views. Visit the Roan Mountain recreation area to find restrooms, picnic tables and a paved half-mile trail. Or park at Carver's Gap for a longer seven-mile hike. Clingman’s Dome: At 6,643 feet, this is the highest point along the AT. From here you can hike on a number of different trails that provide stunning mountain vistas. Max Patch: Located near Hot Springs, Max Patch offers 360 degree views atop 350 acres of open grassy field. The AT passes right through the middle and is a popular place especially during leaf season.

Learn more about the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina on the NC Parks Guide.