The Appalachian Trail

Ted. This legendary 2,400 mile hiking trail meanders through the Appalachian Mountains from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt Katahdin, Maine passing through some of the most beautiful regions of the Eastern US.

Over the years, Judy and I have taken many day hikes along stretches of the trail in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. 

2019 - Charlie's Bunion, TN

At some point we came up with the notion of taking at least one day hike in each of the 14 states through which the trail passes. 

Five years ago we took a road trip to Pennsylvania to visit our friend, Vishal and that was when we took some of the first steps (literally) towards achieving our goal. 

2021 - Grayson Highlands, VA

At one point on that journey, we spent a month in Frederick, Maryland. This beautiful town lies strategically near the AT as it passes from Virginia to West Virginia to Maryland and then into Pennsylvania. During that stay, we got to know Ian and Cari who were Servas hosts and hikers with three great kids. 

2021 - Weverton Cliffs above Potomac, MD

By the end of that trip, we had hiked a small portion of the southern seven states. 

On this road trip, We were able to take at least one day hike in each of the seven northern states. 

One shouldn't generalize about an entire state's trails based on a day hike but it sure seems like the northern states are tougher with lots of rocks and steep trails. Apparently, northerners don’t believe in switchbacks. Rather than slowly zig zagging up a mountain, the trails always seemed to shoot straight up. 

2026 - Mombasha, NY

However, the AT was remarkably consistent in several ways. The trail was invariably well marked and easy to follow and the folks we met were always friendly. 

Since we started in Maine and worked our way south to New Jersey, we didn’t run into any thru hikers (folks walking from Georgia to Maine) until we got to Massachusetts. But then we saw plenty. We also met a number of section hikers. These people break the trail up into sections of several hundred miles and walk one of them each year until they have eventually hiked the entire trail. They all have a trail name which they proudly tell us.

"Romper" hails from Georgia

L to R, "Speed Bump," "Avalanche" & "Captain"

The Appalachian Trail is world famous for a reason. It’s sheer length makes it daunting. It is also a great way for visitors from other countries to learn about the America. Most hikers are young Americans and this often gives them a good look at their own country. 

"Angel"

In the end, though, whether one hikes the entire trail, a multi-day section, or a simple day trip, there is always a wonderful sense of accomplishment. “Hey - I can do whatever I set my mind to!” And in this time of great frustration, that feeling is especially important.

2026 - Annapolis Rock, MD