How long is the Appalachian Trail? – Breaking down the miles

As of 2021, the Appalachian Trail is 2,193.1 miles (3,529.5 km), stretching across 14 states from its southern terminus at Springer Mountain in Georgia to its northern terminus at Mount Katahdin in Maine. However, the total mileage varies from year to year due to rerouting and more precise measurements.

Mileage History of the Appalachian Trail

Dating back to its inception in 1934, the Appalachian Trail’s official mileage has changed numerous times, from just under 2,000 miles to almost 2,200 miles. The official mileage by year, according to the ATC, is listed below.

As you can see, the miles have gone up and down but have been trending up on average since the Appalachian Trail’s inception. Notably, the official mileage has grown by 149.6 miles since 1934. One key outlier was in 1965, when the total miles of the A.T. dipped below 2,000!

How long is the Appalachian Trail in each state?

Now, let’s break down how long the Appalachian Trail is in each state. This is useful for those who are planning long section hikes of the trail. However, the mileage listed below should be considered approximate because the overall mileage changes from year to year.

Source: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

From the data above, you see Virginia has the most miles of the trail and West Virginia has the fewest. However, some of the Virginia miles are shared with the border of West Virginia. This number is around 20 miles according to Wikipedia, but I have not found an official number. These miles have been allotted to Virginia only.

With North Carolina and Tennessee, the mileage shared along these two states’ borders are known and make up a large percentage of the trail. In fact, here is a chart I created to break down how long the Appalachian Trail is in each state by percentage.

It is easy to see that Virginia, once again, is a quarter of the entire journey, while West Virginia’s 4 miles are hardly visible. If you follow the chart clockwise starting at the 12 o’clock position (Georgia), you can even see that the halfway point of the trail (6 o’clock) is just inside Pennsylvania. Somewhere in Vermont, you will have completed 3/4 of the trail.

Now, let’s summarize the miles for each state.

Georgia

Unless hiking SoBo or flip-flopping, most hikers start their Appalachian Trail thru hike at Springer Mountain in Georgia. Not included in Georgia’s approximate 78 miles of trail is the AT Approach Trail. Starting at Amicalola Falls State Park visitor center, the Approach Trail is an additional 8.8 miles that many choose to hike as a prelude to their thru hike.

North Carolina / Tennessee

North Carolina and Tennessee have almost 400 miles combined with approximately 226 of those along their shared border. The AT crosses between the two states multiple times, so it is hard to separate the two. Over 70 miles are within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States. The highest peaks of the Appalachian Trail are within these two states.

Virginia

Virginia has approximately 555 miles of the Appalachian Trail. This makes it a quarter of the total distance. Due to the long trek through this state, many thru hikers get what is called the “Virginia Blues”, a term used to describe a low point in their journey. Notably, the trail takes you through the Grayson Highlands and Shenandoah National Park during this long stretch.

West Virginia

While only having 4 dedicated miles of the Appalachian Trail, West Virginia shares an additional 20 miles (approximate) with Virginia along their border. Though it has the fewest miles of the trail, West Virginia offers some amazing scenery within those few. Additionally, the trail leads you through Harpers Ferry, a historical town celebrated as the psychological halfway point.

Maryland

Maryland offers the second shortest distance on the Appalachian Trail at just under 41 miles. During these handful of miles, you will pass the first Washington Monument, completed in 1827, standing 30ft high.

Pennsylvania

There are almost 230 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. The southern half of the trail in this state offers some of the easiest hiking you will find on the AT. However, the northern section offers steep and rocky climbs. The rocks of Pennsylvania have earned the state its nickname, “Rocksylvania.”

Pennsylvania has several state-owned lands you will pass through on the AT, including Pine Grove Furnace State Park which is nearby the actual midway point of the trail.

New Jersey

Most of the Appalachian Trail’s 72 miles in New Jersey are along the Kittatinny Ridge, which is never too far away from the cities. However, don’t let this fool you into believing wildlife will be scarce. In fact, New Jersey has a very lively black bear population, so know what to do in case of an encounter.

The trail passes through High Point State Park, home of the highest peak in New Jersey, but you’ll have to take a side trail to reach the summit.

New York

Within New York’s 90 miles is the lowest elevation on the Appalachian Trail at Bear Mountain, in which you’ll also pass through the Trailside Museum and Zoo. Bear Mountain is where the first 20 miles of the AT was established.

Prospect Rock is the highest point on the trail in New York and can afford you a view of the New York City skyline on a clear day.

Connecticut

The Appalachian Trail has approximately 51 miles in Connecticut, making it the third shortest state. The trail summits Bear Mountain, the highest peak in the state. However, Mount Frissell (not on the AT) is a higher elevation but doesn’t come to its peak until crossing over the border into Massachusetts.

Massachusetts

All of Massachusetts’ 90 plus miles are in Berkshire County, climbing Mount Everett and Mount Greylock, the highest peak in the state, both of the Taconic Mountains.

Vermont

The Appalachian Trail shares 100 miles in Vermont with the Long Trail, a 272 mile trail. In total, the AT is 151 miles long in the state often referred to as “Vermud”. Vermont gets its nickname due to regular muddy conditions.

The trail summits Stratton Mountain and Killington Peak while passing through the southern portion of the Green Mountains. You will also reach elevations over 4,000ft which would not have been seen since leaving Virginia, if heading NoBo.

New Hampshire

Most of New Hampshire’s 161 miles are in the White Mountains National Forest. Elevations will reach over 6,000ft here, summitting Mount Washington, the fourth highest peak on the Appalachian Trail and part of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. Many of the miles of trail here are above tree line, meaning severe weather can be a threat.

The White Mountains are considered the most physically challenging part of the Appalachian Trail due to their ruggedness. A hiker should be sure to be in top shape before tackling these difficult slopes.

Maine

The final 282 miles (or first if heading SoBo) of the Appalachian Trail are in Maine, home of Mount Katahdin, the ultimate goal for most thru hikers. Mahoosuc Notch is deemed the hardest mile on the trail, often taking veteran hikers more than an hour to complete.

You will also pass through the “Hundred-Mile Wilderness”, said to be the most isolated segment of the Appalachian Trail. This segment will end just outside Baxter State Park, of which Mount Katahdin awaits.

The journey of a thousand miles, begins with one step

Are you planning a thru-hike of the AT? “How long is the Appalachian Trail?” is typically only the first question someone with a newfound interest asks about the trail. Beyond that, I recommend reading my article on how long it takes to hike the Appalachian Trail. This will then help you prepare for the next step: covering the costs. For more information on the financial aspect, check out my post on the costs of an AT thru-hike.

Happy hiking folks!