35 Reasons to Hike the Appalachian Trail

35 REASONS TO HIKE THE APPALACIAN TRAIL D iscover why so many hikers visit the American trail that spans 14 STATES and more than 2,180 MILES. Most hikers start in the south so GO DIRECTLY TO GEORGIA FINISH Be a 2000-Miler When You Finish You can tell everyone you hiked approximately 2,184 miles. Bragging rights! ME 100-MILE WILDERNESS AHEAD No roads for 99.7 miles Mount Washington THE STATE OF MAINE HAS Experience where the second highest wind speed in the world was recorded, a staggering 231 mph gust in1934. 283 MILES of TRAIL WITH MORE THAN 100,000 FEET of CLIMB THAT'S 3 MT EVERESTS 85% NH FORESTS Hanover, N.H. 35 PEAKS ARE ABOVE 3,000 FEET Pass through Hanover, the first town for southbound hikers and the last for northbound hikers. VT Stratton Mountain Observe the spiritual birthplace of both the AT and Long Trail, America's oldest long-distance trail. In Vermont, the trails overlap for more than 100 miles Killington Ski Resort Let the resort gondola transport your weary self to the summit of Killington Peak. MA Dalton, Mass. Stop by Tom Lavardi's home. This famous trail angel provides a water hose for thirsty hikers, a porch to sleep on and backyard to campout in. Mount Greylock Catch a magnificent view at 3,491 feet of the highest point in Massachusetts. Taconic Highlands CT Wander through old-growth forests, waterfalls and a 17-mile stretch without a single road. NY Nuclear Lake Stroll by the former home to an atomic bomb research facility, where a plutonium spill occurred in 1972. The spill has since been cleaned. Dante's Inferno High Point Monument CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH A SERIOUSLY EXPOSED Scope out a 220-foot granite and quartz tower completed in 1930 to honor war veterans. ROCK SCRAMBLE NJ PA Swatara State Park "Where Boots Go to Die" RIP BOOTS Hunt the park's fossil pit for 430 million-year-old Ordovician starfish fossils. The 16-mile stretch from Wind Gap to the Delaware Water Gap has been dubbed "where boots go to die." Hike this brutal section to make others seem like a breeze. Port Clinton Hotel Dig into the biggest plate of fresh-cut French fries you'll find on the trail (or even the planet). Pine Grove Furnace State Park Compete in the "half-gallon challenge" at the local store. This daunting task includes a half gallon of ice cream and a wooden spoon! Ashby's Gap Visit an important spot during the Civii War for both the Confederate and Union armies. Cheeseburger Sightings MD Catch a glimpse of deliciousness at five eateries at Shenandoah National Park, Perfect for when you've had enough of "roughing it." PSYCHOLOGICAL MIDPOINT Shenandoah National Park HARPERS FERRY It's said to have the highest density of BLACK BEARS in the world. WATCH OUT! WV VA FEELING LOST? McAfee Knob Look for one of 160,000 WHITE BLAZES on trees that are 6 inches x 2 inches. These mark the path of the AT. Take a picture at the most photographed spot on the AT with a 270 degree panoramic view of the Catawba Valley. 3.5 Grayson Highlands State Park Forget bears! Wild ponies are known to nab hikers' food near MILLION Thomas Knob. PEOPLE HIKE THE TRAIL EACH YEAR ONLY ABOUT 13% FINISH Jefferson National Forest Mount Rogers Enjoy 1.8 million acres of public land-one of the largest blocks in the eastern U.S. At 5,729 feet, stand atop the highest natural point in Virginia. KY Laurel Fork Gorge Hot Springs Resort and Spa Hike underneath Laurel Falls, a popular 75-foot waterfall with an upper and lower section. Take a dip into the steamy mineral baths for "legendary healing powers." Great Smoky National Park PARK Roan High Knob Prepare yourself for 800 square miles of dense forest and 71 miles of intense hiking. At 6,285 feet above sea level, it's the highest shelter on the AT. Experience Christmas snow year round! Clingman's Dome Watch the sun rise at the trail's highest point which stands tall at a little less than 6,700 feet. Fontana Lake Dam Shelter Dubbed the Fontana Hilton, it has loads of amenities like toilets that flush, an all-you-can-eat buffet and a post office. SC Rainbow Springs Campground Called an oasis with its welcoming showers and a store. IT TAKES MONTHS & MILLION STEPS START HERE TO WALK THE ENTIRE TRAIL END TO END. GA HIKE NORTH Hiking Boots.com