In early America Mountain Men and Native Americans had developed a series of foot paths they used for traversing mountains and following game animals. America developed, Mountain Men and some Indian tribes became history, but many of their paths through the woods and over mountains remained. In 1921 the American Congress approved the concept of determining which foot paths could be connected as a means of preserving past ways and heritage while offering traverse of rural American woods and desert. In the 1930s with the help of Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) some of the trails were extended and opened to the public. The Appalachian Trail (AT) is one of them.
The AT is a marked foot path about 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers) long. Located in 14 Eastern States it wanders North and South. By design many of the areas it traverses are designated as National or State Parks and intentionally kept wild and rural. In some parts of the trail a person hiking may be more than 30 miles from the nearest town or paved road. There are places where the trail unavoidably descends into a town and passage through the town is unavoidable, but those are intentionally rare. Wild animals (both dangerous ones and not dangerous ones) are often encountered on the trail. Much of the AT is over mountainous terrain. It is not unusual for someone hiking the entire Appalachian Trail (thousands do so every year) to lose 50 or more pounds (i.e., 80+ kilos) during the months long hike. It is said if you are not physically fit when you begin, you probably will be by the time you finish the Trail.
The AT does cross many roads. Sometimes by an overhead bridge, and sometimes you have to run or walk across the road. It also of course connects with or crosses many other trails, some marked, some not marked. Some go East and West, some go no where in particular. Follow the patches of white paint on trees and signs (a few posted by volunteers) to not get lost. You need to bring your own food and water and a sleeping bag. Be prepared to go to the bathroom in the woods as public latrines are few. Please bury your poop and don't litter. For the most part weapons are prohibited on the trail, but camp knives are permitted in most of the states.
Hikiing the AT is considered a rite of passage. It changes you. Many start the hike, then quit after only a few days. When it rains the rocks get slippery and everything becomes mud. The scenery is often beautiful and breath taking. Hopefully you remain hydrated on the really hot days. If the idea of waking up in the morning to find a spider crawling on you, or see a snake slithering by terrifies you, the AT is not for you.
Two weeks ago with my friend (unofficial step daughter) I hiked a portion of the AT in Maryland. Maryland is considered one of the easiesr states on the AT because much of it is flat. Nonetheless I hiked up to Annapolis Rock (elevation 1,700 feet). A fairly rocky and steep walk of several miles. We saw folks of all races doing the hike. Men, women and even some with children. I enjoyed it a lot and recommend the AT to all.
Annapolis Rock from the ground
Annapolis Rock from the top facing West. 2 years ago a tourist slipped and fell to his death from here.
Me on the trail in MD (on the flats)