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Appalachian Trail facts for kids

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Appalachian Trail
ANSTLogo.jpg
Appalachian Trail logo
Length 2,197.4 miles (3,536.4 km) in 2024
Location Appalachian Mountains
Designation National Scenic Trail
Trailheads Springer Mountain, Georgia
Mount Katahdin, Maine
Use Hiking, backpacking
Highest point Kuwohi, 6,643 ft (2,025 m)
Lowest point Bear Mountain State Park, 124 ft (38 m)
Difficulty Easy to strenuous
Season Early spring to autumn for thru-hikers; year-round for other users
Hazards Severe weather
American black bears
Tick-borne diseases
Mosquitos
Yellowjackets
Biting flies
Chiggers
Steep grades
Limited water
Dangerous fordings
Diarrhea from water
Poison ivy
Venomous snakes
Website Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Trail map
Map of Appalachian Trail.png

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, often called the Appalachian Trail or the A.T., is a very long hiking trail in the eastern United States. This famous trail stretches between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is about 2,200 miles (3,500 km) long, which is like walking across the country! The exact length can change a little bit over time as parts of the trail are improved or moved. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy says the Appalachian Trail is the longest trail in the world made only for hiking. More than 2 million people hike on some part of the trail every year.

Building the Appalachian Trail

The idea for the Appalachian Trail began in 1921. It took more than ten years of hard work to complete the trail, and it was officially finished in 1937. Even today, changes and improvements are made to the trail every year. Many different groups help keep the trail in good shape. Thirty-one trail clubs and many other partners work together. The National Park Service, the United States Forest Service, and the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy all help manage it.

Where the Trail Goes

Most of the Appalachian Trail goes through forests and wild areas. However, some parts also pass through small towns, roads, and farms. The trail goes through 14 different states! These states are:

Hiking the Entire Trail

Some adventurous hikers try to walk the entire Appalachian Trail in one season. These hikers are called thru-hikers. The number of people who complete the whole trail has been growing steadily. For example, in 2017, 715 people hiked the trail from south to north, and 133 hiked it from north to south.

Many books, movies, websites, and fan groups are dedicated to the Appalachian Trail. Some super-dedicated hikers even walk the entire trail from one end to the other, and then turn around and hike it back the other way! This amazing feat is known as a "yo-yo."

Staying Safe on the Trail

The Appalachian Trail offers incredible views of the Appalachian Mountains. While hiking, it's important to be prepared and stay safe.

  • Weather: Be ready for different kinds of weather, which can change quickly.
  • Wildlife: You might see animals like American black bears. It's important to know how to act around wildlife.
  • Insects: Be aware of insects like Tick-borne diseases, Mosquitos, Yellowjackets, Biting flies, and chiggers. Using insect repellent can help.
  • Plants: Learn to identify plants like Poison ivy to avoid touching them.
  • Water: Always carry enough water or know how to safely get water from natural sources.
  • Terrain: Some parts of the trail have steep hills or tricky river crossings. Always be careful and watch your step.

Official sites

  • Appalachian Trail

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Sendero de los Apalaches para niños

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