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The
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
is a 2,167-mile footpath from Maine to Georgia which follows the ridge tops of
the fourteen states through which it passes. Each day, as many as two hundred
backpackers are in the process of hiking the full length of the trail. On
average, it takes about four to five months to hike the entire leng th.
More than 250 backcountry shelters are located along the
Appalachian Trail at varying intervals, as a service to all Appalachian Trail
hikers. A typical shelter, sometimes called a “lean-to,” has a shingled or metal
roof, a wooden floor and three walls and is open to the elements on one side.
Most are near a creek or spring, and many have a privy nearby. Hikers occupy
them on a first-come, first-served basis until the shelter is full. They are
intended for individual hikers, not big groups. The
Appalachian Trail Conservancy website has more complete information for
hikers who intend to camp on the trail. This organization consists of local
hiking clubs and volunteers, oversees maintenance and improvement of
the trail. Every year, more than 6,000 volunteers improve and
maintain the trail from Maine to Georgia.
The Trail, which passes though North Carolina, was conceived by Benton MacKaye
in the 1920s. With the support of local hiking clubs and interested
individuals, MacKaye’s dream eventually became a reality. By 1937 the trail was
completed by opening a two-mile stretch in a densely wooded area between
Spaulding and Sugarloaf Mountains in Maine .It may be entered at many points as
it passes through North Carolina for over 300 miles.
Website:
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Location: The trail passes to the north of
Asheville
Address: Appalachian Trail Conference Southern Regional Offices: 160-A Zillicoa
St., Asheville, NC 28801
Telephone: (Appalachian Trail Conservancy) 828-254-3708
Distance: From Asheville, approximately 30 miles—a 45-minute drive
Resources:
Appalachian National Scenic Trail (National Park Service) PO Box 50, Harpers Ferry WV
25425; 304-535-6278
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry
VA 25425, 303-535-6331.
Directions: Closest access is at Sams Gap, on the North Carolina/Tennessee line.
Take US 19/23 north to the state line. Look for the parking on the west side.
Just before the parking lot at the crest of the ridge is a trail sign. The
parking lot is just before 19/23 becomes a four-lane road. After parking, walk
back along 19/23 about 100 meters to access the trail.
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