The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, sometimes known as the Appalachian Trail or merely the A.T., is a defined hiking trail in the Eastern United States that spans from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The trail is about 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers) long, though the actual length varies depending on when sections are relocated or renovated. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Appalachian Trail is the world’s longest hiking trail.
Table of Contents
Here is everything you need to know in this guide:
- Brief history of Appalachian trail
- What are the 8 Stunning Viewpoints along the Appalachian trail?
Brief history of Appalachian trail
The Appalachian Trail was built to link the Appalachian Mountains to the north and south. The trail’s 1st portion, from Maine to New York, opened in 1923. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy was founded in 1925 as a result of a conference.
Ned Anderson created the Connecticut section of the Appalachian Trail in 1929. Myron Avery took the long length of the trail in 1936. Paul M. Fink was instrumental in setting up the trail in Tennessee and North Carolina in the 1920s. The ATC was formed in 1923, a year after Benton MacKaye’s proposal.
What are the 8 Stunning Viewpoints along the Appalachian trail?
Out of many stunning Viewpoints along the Appalachian trail, below are SOME of those stunning Viewpoints:
1. Maine’s Mount Katahdin – Mount Katahdin (5,268 feet) is the tallest peak in Maine and the northern terminus of the AT. It is the AT’s longest sustained climb, achieving 4,000 feet in 5 miles of trekking. Katahdin, the highlight of Baxter State Park, is part of a stunning 210,000-acre wildlife reserve.
2. The Pinnacle Pennsylvania – The Pinnacle is a localized crowning achievement on the Appalachian Mountains’ Blue Mountain crest. Hikers visit the Pinnacle for its destination on the Appalachian Trail and reputation as being one of Pennsylvania’s best views. A select range of thru-hikers, school groups, and observant day hikers found their way all along moderate trail to take in The Pinnacle Summit’s splendor. From this stony vantage point along the Blue Mountain Ridgeline, tourists can glance out across Pennsylvania’s gorgeous, rolling farmlands.
3. Smoky Mountains TN/NC – The Great Smoky Mountains have by far the most old growth forest in the East, as well as the most black bears. The spruce-fir forest is stunning. Not even to indicate passing through Clingman’s Dome, the Appalachian Trail’s highest point at 6,643 feet. It’s important to note that the smoke is definitely a hazy vapor generated by vegetation exhaling organic compounds.
4. Clingmans Dome, Tennessee – At 6,643 feet in elevation, Clingmans Dome offers a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains upward from the treeline. Clingmans Dome is the maximum Appalachian Trail standpoint from Georgia to Maine because the Appalachian Trail proceeds through this one. Hikers can get a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding hills from this man-made observation deck. The tower can see all seven neighboring states on a clear day: Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia.
5. Grayson Highlands, VA – Several hundred years ago, ponies were introduced to Grayson Highlands State Park. They have since grown to a herd of over 100 animals that freely graze the grasslands. The Grayson Highlands section, in addition to ponies, has long, flat trails with expansive views at 5,000 feet above sea level. 17.7 mile distance (mile 493.0 to 510.7)
6. McAfee Knob , Virginia – McAfee Knob, at 3,197 feet above the water, is a geological formation on Catawba Mountain near Catawba, Virginia, United States.. It was named after a Scotch-Irish setter from the 18th century.
7. Shenandoah Valley, VA – A never-ending rolling forest with a high concentration of black bears. Many people believe that this is how the real AT’ looks. Visitors from all over the world come to see the fall foliage in the Shenandoah Mountains. This stretch runs alongside Skyline Drive Scenic Highway, which means there are dozens of parking spots to allow you to customize the length of your hike.
8. Tinker Cliffs, Virginia – Tinker Cliffs, which hangs 3,000 feet above the Catawba Valley, is a great place to stop for lunch and take in the scenery. Despite the fact that the hike is relatively strenuous, reaching Tinker Cliffs will provide you with a bird’s eye view of the surrounding mountains, including McAfee Knob to the south.
Conclusions
The majority of the trail is through rugged wilderness with jaw-dropping natural wonders. However, some sections of the trail pass through or near farms, roads, and towns. From Georgia to Maine, the trail passes through more than a dozen states. Just enjoy the viewpoints along the Appalachian trail and follow what are the rules stated.