Reasons to Hike the Appalachian Trail
We found a great infographic from HikingBoots.com and had to share it. They listed 35 reasons why you should walk the Appalachian Trail. But first, what is the Appalachian Trail? The Appalachian Trail is officially known as the Appalachian National Scenic Trail — it is a marked hiking trail in the USA running from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The total length is approximately 2,200 miles (3,500km) and crosses through 14 states, though slight changes to routes mean the trail length is often changing.
So why walk the Appalachian Trail? Here are a few of our favourites from HikingBoots.com's list of 35 reasons:
- It takes 5 months and 5 million steps to walk the trail.
- Clingmans Dome is the trail's highest point at 6,700ft, a great place to watch the sun rise.
- The Hot Springs resort and spa, with its steaming mineral bath said to have legendary healing powers.
- Laurel Fork Gorge, with its 75ft waterfall.
And of course, at the end you can tell people you have walked over 2,000 miles and completed the trail.
Walked the trail? We'd love to hear your advice or favourite experience along the way.