Appalachian Trail | 2,200 miles of American wilderness, one epic footpath

Explore the Appalachian Trail: full-route overview, total elevation gain (~465,000 ft), state-by-state mileage, section-hiking advice, and nearby towns for resupply. Ideal for new thru-hikers or section-hikers plotting their adventure.

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Quick Trail Facts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Distance: 2200 mi

Elevation Gain: 465,000 ft

Spring Mtn, Georgia – Mt Katahdin, Maine

Average Time: 5-7 Months

Permit Required?: true

The Appalachian Trail (AT) stretches 2,198 miles from Georgia to Maine, crossing 14 states, with nearly 515,000 feet of elevation gain — roughly the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest 16 times. Most thru-hikers take 5–7 months to complete it, but it’s equally accessible for section hikers and first-time long-distance backpackers.

Southern Appalachians (Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee)

Distance: ~470 miles
Terrain: Lush forests, rolling ridges, iconic balds, high humidity, Smokies alpine summits

What to Expect

This region introduces hikers to gradual climbs, dense green tunnels, and the first taste of Appalachian balds, open grassy mountain tops with 360° views. Trail culture begins here, including hostels, trail angels, and early trail towns.

Key highlights: Springer Mountain, Blood Mountain, Max Patch, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Clingmans Dome (highest point on AT)

Water availability: Excellent, frequent springs and streams except in summer drought pockets

Climate: Cool mornings, humid afternoons; snow and ice possible in March/April in Smokies

Trail Town Resupply Options

Neel Gap, GA (Mile 31): Famous outfitter & gear shakedown option
Franklin, NC (Mile 109): Full services, shuttles, lodging, grocery
Hot Springs, NC (Mile 274): AT runs directly through town
Erwin, TN (Mile 342): Popular zero-day destination with hostels and groceries
Gatlinburg, TN (via Smokies): Major tourist town, lodging, resupply

Mid-Atlantic Ridgewalks (Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania)

Distance: ~920 miles
Terrain: Long ridge walks, historic towns, rock fields, green countryside

What to Expect

This is the longest continuous region of the AT, nearly half the entire trail. Known for its rolling terrain, ridgeline cruising, and dense town infrastructure, this is where many hikers find rhythm. Pennsylvania introduces rocky, ankle-twisting miles known as the “Rocksylvania” challenge.

Key highlights: Shenandoah National Park, McAfee Knob, Harpers Ferry (AT HQ), Mason-Dixon Line

Water availability: Good, but occasional stretches with unreliable spring flow

Climate: Generally mild; hot in mid-summer with bugs and humidity

Trail Town Resupply Options

Damascus, VA (Mile 470): Legendary trail town & home of Trail Days festival
Pearisburg, VA (Mile 630): Full grocery, hostels
Daleville/Troutville, VA (Mile 728): Large stores right off trail
Waynesboro, VA (Mile 861): Gateway to Shenandoah NP
Harpers Ferry, WV (Mile 1,025): Psychological “halfway point”; services, mailstop
Boiling Springs, PA (Mile 1,124), Duncannon, PA, Delaware Water Gap, PA

New England Wilderness (New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts)

Distance: ~290 miles
Terrain: Swamps, rolling forests, rocky scrambles, steep short ascents

What to Expect

This region transitions into smaller climbs, rugged ridges, and scenic farmland. Fewer thru-hikers, quieter trail, and subtle terrain shifts. Excellent for short section hikes and first-time backpackers.

Key highlights: Bear Mountain, Hudson River crossing, Greylock summit, trail wildlife, bog bridges

Water availability: Good, but some swampy or stagnant sources… filter carefully.

Climate: Mild; muggy and buggy in summer, wet in spring

Trail Town Resupply Options

Unionville, NY
Greenwood Lake, NY
Kent, CT
Great Barrington, MA
Dalton / North Adams, MA

Northern High Peaks (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine)

Distance: ~518 miles
Terrain: Alpine ridges, rugged climbs, deep wilderness, major elevation shifts

What to Expect

This is the most physically and mentally demanding section of the AT. Northern New England introduces scrambles, roots, mud, bogs, and exposed alpine traverses. The White Mountains and Maine are known for their slow pace and limited resupply, often requiring 7–10 day food carries.

Key highlights: Franconia Ridge, Presidential Range, Mt. Washington, Mahoosuc Notch, 100-Mile Wilderness, Mount Katahdin

Water availability: Excellent, reliable springs, streams, ponds

Climate: Unpredictable, high winds, snow in shoulder seasons, wet and cold conditions