Elevation on the Appalachian Trail – Highest to Lowest Point
The Appalachian Trail stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, crossing through 14 states and climbing some of the tallest mountains in the eastern United States. While the Appalachian Trail isn’t as long as the PCT or CDT, it is still considered to be the most physically challenging trail among America’s triple crown. This is because of the ruggedness of these ancient hills and the elevation gain a thru hiker must conquer during their nearly 2,200-mile trek. So, lets highlight the highs and lows of the Appalachian Trail’s challenging slopes.
If you are preparing for a thru-hike of the AT, or just want more details, be sure to check out my posts on “How long it takes to Hike the AT” and “Appalachian Trail thru-hike costs“.
What is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail?
The highest elevation on the Appalachian Trail is Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) on the NC/TN border at 6,625 feet, though the summit is 6,643 feet above sea level. It is also the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi River behind Mount Mitchell (6,686 ft) and Mount Craig (6,647 ft) that are further east in the Black Mountains of North Carolina.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also home of the second and third highest points of the Appalachian Trail, Mount Guyot at 6,621 feet and Old Black at 6,370 feet. Thunderhead Mountain inside GSMNP is summited on the AT as well and stands at 5,527 feet tall, making it the eighth highest elevation along the trail.
Other than Mount Washington in New Hampshire (6,288 ft), the fourth highest point on the AT, the ten highest elevations along the trail are all in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
What is the lowest point on the Appalachian Trail?
Once you leave Virginia, the elevation on the Appalachian Trail won’t break 4,000 feet again until you reach Vermont. Even in Virginia, you’ll find yourself hiking at elevations as low as 265 feet.
The lowest point on the Appalachian Trail is at Bear Mountain in New York rising only 124 feet above sea level. Bear Mountain is located near the Trailside Museum and Zoo, of which the AT passes through.
Highest and lowest elevations on the AT by state
Note: Due to various claims from separate sources, elevations are to be considered approximate.
| State | Highest Point | Lowest Point |
| Georgia | 4,461 ft | 2,510 ft |
| North Carolina | 5,498 ft | 1,725 ft |
| Tennessee | 6,625 ft | 1,326 ft |
| Virginia | 5,500 ft | 265 ft |
| West Virginia | 1,200 ft | 265 ft |
| Maryland | 1,880 ft | 230 ft |
| Pennsylvania | 2,080 ft | 320 ft |
| New Jersey | 1,685 ft | 350 ft |
| New York | 1,433 ft | 124 ft |
| Connecticut | 2,316 ft | 260 ft |
| Massachusetts | 3,491 ft | 650 ft |
| Vermont | 4,010 ft | 400 ft |
| New Hampshire | 6,288 ft | 400 ft |
| Maine | 5,267 ft | 590 ft |
How much elevation change is on the Appalachian Trail?
The Appalachian Trail has approximately 464,464 grueling feet of elevation change between Georgia and Maine. That is nearly 90 miles, enough to have summited Mount Everest (29,029 ft), the highest elevation on Earth, 16 times!
The Pacific Crest Trail reaches much higher elevations and is over 450 miles longer than the Appalachian Trail, but only has an elevation change of 489,418 feet! That’s approximately 5% more elevation change for a trail that is 21% longer than the AT and reaches elevations over 13,000 feet!
High or low, expect challenges
While the Appalachian Trail doesn’t have the highest peaks, it still rewards its hikers with stunning views whether at high or low elevations, but expect to be challenged if you have plans to thru hike or even day hike the longest footpath-only trail in the world. These mountains are rugged, yet beautiful, and are sure to amaze you regardless of how high above sea level you pitch your tent.
