Appalachian Trail
USA · North America · Thru-hike / long-distance trail · score 88/100
At a glance
| Countries | USA |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Eastern USA (Georgia to Maine) |
| Type | Thru-hike / long-distance trail |
| Length | 3540 km |
| Typical duration | 165 days |
| Difficulty | 4/5 (Hard) |
| Max altitude | 2025 m |
| Best season | Mar-Oct (spring NOBO start) |
| Start | Springer Mountain, GA |
| End | Mount Katahdin, ME |
| Permit / guide | No single thru-permit; registrations required in Great Smoky Mountains NP, Shenandoah NP and Baxter SP |
| Special gear | none (trekking poles recommended) |
Score
88/100
World's most iconic thru-hike with unmatched trail culture and accessibility; scenery great but less alpine drama than western trails
How the score works: scoring method. Information confidence: high.
Notes
Length ~3,540 km (varies slightly year to year)
Sources
Information compiled from public sources, as of October 19, 2026. Trail conditions, permits and closures change: verify with local authorities before you go.
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