Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Stretching from Georgia to Maine, the 2,180 mile Appalachian Trail covers a variety of ecosystems. (Photo: Courtesy of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Benjamin Hays)

Stretching from northern Georgia to central Maine, the 2,180 mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail negotiates rich and varied ecosystems throughout its extent along the Appalachian Mountains for which it's named. Completed in 1937, the trail hosts 2-3 million visitors per year, only 1,800-2,000 of which attempt to through-hike the arduous path in a single trip. With such close proximity to east coast communities, the trail serves as a protective corridor for both boreal and subtropical plant and animal species alike, not to mention the humans who seek sanctuary along its track.

Best Hikes: As the longest continuously marked trail in the world, there is no shortage of section hikes to satisfy any day tripper or weekend warrior. Each state offers its own unique features and hiking opportunities. Find a hike best suited for the season, ability level and region through the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's easy-to-use tool. For the die-hard hiking enthusiast, tackling the trail from start to finish is no walk in the park, but rather a six month journey in rain, snow, heat, and blisters up and down unending ascents and descents from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the summit of Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Only one quarter of the thousands who attempt the strenuous undertaking complete the journey each year.

Where to Stay: Staying along the Appalachian Trail can take different forms, most of which require a sleeping bag and headlamp. Over 250 shelter sites are available throughout the extent of the trail. Think more of a lean-to than rustic cabin, with exposure to the elements and a surprising number of rodents. Designated campsites can also be found, where hikers can pitch their own protection from the elements. Areas in Virginia and Southern Appalachia also allow dispersed camping, however backpackers must take care to leave no trace. If a sleeping pad isn't your idea of luxury accommodations, hostels, motels and inns can be found in towns just off trail.

Wildlife: Due to its peaks, valleys and vast sprawl across the USA, the Appalachian Trail has some of the greatest biodiversity of any unit of the National Park Service. Black bears and white-tailed deer can be found all along the mountainous path, whereas dangerous moose are more commonly sighted in Maine. Among other species of which hikers must take heed, rattlesnakes and copperheads can be found slithering through dry rocky outcroppings, although run-ins are rare. The trail is also a haven for bald eagles, bluebirds and several species of owls, including the Great Horned Owl, which has a wingspan of almost five feet.

Iconic Features: "Blazing" the Appalachian Trail takes new meaning after a few miles of following the white paint markings that designate the trail from start to finish. Where there is a lack of trees or posts to blaze, rock cairns (piles of stones) keep hikers from steering off course. Another iconic feature of the trail is known as "trail magic." Whether a through-hiker or just out for the day, random acts of trail kindness (ie. trail magic) can elevate any hiker's spirits. Trail magic can take the form of a ride into town by a selfless local or an unexpected picnic for hikers to replenish their energy and spirits.

Source by: http://experience.usatoday.com/america/story/national-parks/2014/06/05/appalachian-national-scenic-trail/10026339/