Appalachian Trail

This popular 5.9-mile stretch crosses rolling farmlands before climbing Catawba Mountain at Beckner Gap. Bring your camera: Major viewpoints showcase magnificent views of valley.

Travel under The Guillotine--a large boulder hanging precariously over the trail--and test your mettle with a ridge climb to Highcock Knob on this 13.7-miler. Watch for seasonal blueberries and box turtles along the trail.

You'll gain 3,000 feet by the end of this 12.9-miler that runs from Jennings Creek to the top of Apple Orchard Mountain.

This 6.1-miler runs from Bearwallow Gap, traces the horseshoe-shaped ridge of Cove Mountain, and descends to a great swimming hole in Jennings Creek.

Locals say Bigfoot lives in the wooded foothills on this 14.7-mile segment. Take photos, if you see the hairy beast (evidence is weak), and camp out at Eagles Nest Shelter.

There's no shortage of scenic overlooks on this 14.8-mile section that crisscrosses the Blue Ridge Parkway four times.

Save this 11-miler for leaf-peeper season when the hills are brushed in reds and browns. Don’t miss the incredible overlook at milepoint 1.9.

Wind through mid-Atlantic woodlands and farmland to Fullhardt Knob on this 5.3-mile dayhike. Along the way, pass a collier’s pit where charcoal was made for nearby iron furnaces during the 19th century.

Highlights of this 19.8-miler include an overhanging rock ledge at McAfee Knob, spectacular views along Tinker Cliffs, and a ridgewalk above Carvin Cove Reservoir.

Watch hawks and eagles soar thermals above The Pinnacle, Pulpit Rocks, and Hawk Mountain on this 26.5-mile backpacking trip, arguably the most scenic section of the AT in Pennsylvania.

Swimming is not a common word on the AT, but a highlight on this 16.5-mile hike at Griffith Lake. There is a fun rock scramble on Baker Peak too.

This 16.4-mile leg leads to Stratton Mountain--legend says this same mountain is where Denton MacKaye conceived the idea of the Appalachian Trail.

The hotspot on this 21.1-miler is Glastenbury Mountain, a 3,748-foot summit that Native Americans believe is cursed and a place where several people went missing in the mid-1900s.

On this 27.7-mile course into Maine, you'll hike, climb--even scramble hand-over-foot--over glacial leftovers and up the rocky flanks of Goose Eye Mountain in the Mahoosuc Range.

Best done in three days, this 19.6-mile leg traces ridgelines, drops into deep-cut notches, and offers breathtaking views of nearby mountains.

The lofty goal on this 23.5-miler--more than half of which runs above treeline--is Mount Washington, the most notorious and highest peak in New Hampshire. On bluebird days, views stretch for 100-plus miles. Tip: Check the forecast before you go; weather blows in fast.

The windy skyways above this 15.4-mile section attract gliders (migrating birds, paragliders, and some hang gliders). The rocky trail attracts birdwatchers and photographers to several outcrops overlooking tawny farmlands and the Delaware River.

This 19.4-miler is a test in balance and nerve as you pick routes through mind-numbing boulder fields. The payoffs are scenic ridges with 180-degree views and toned calf muscles.

See why thru-hikers nickname this area Rocksylvania. This 13.5-mile leg runs along a knife-edge ridge, then scrambles around sedan-sized boulders, and ends at a refreshing swimming hole in the Lehigh River.

Go from muddy pastures to riverside views to rocky summits on this 26-mile segment.

Trace the peaceful banks of Little Black Branch to White Rocks Mountain on this 8.5-mile dayhike. Other highlights: Swimming at Little Rock Pond and nice vista views.

Link the wooded summit of Hazeltop Mountain, the rugged cliffs of Blackrock, and Big Meadows (home to deer and black bear) on this 6.9-mile route in Shenandoah National Park.

Grab some rare solitude on this 19-mile section that runs steep ridges and old forest roads to the appropriately-named vista called The Lookout (2,439 ft.).

This 8.5-mile hike passes vertical cliffs, weaves through spruce and fir stands, and traverses the northern slopes of Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak in Shenandoah.

Treat yourself to far-reaching panoramas from Marys Rock—arguably some of the best views in Shenandoah National Park—before a steady descent to Thornton Gap on this 6.9 miler.

Countless views, fragrant pines, and a worthy side trip to South River Falls highlight this 11.6-mile hike in Shenandoah National Park.

On this 8.8-mile hike, you’ll wind around Big Flat Mountain and gaze at Shenandoah peaks from Ivy Creek Overlook. Kodak moment: Take the side trip down Doyles River Trail to photograph several waterfalls.

Savor postcard-worthy views of the Blue Ridge from Hightop Mountain on this 10.9-mile hike in Shenandoah National Park.

This quick 3.2-mile hike in Shenandoah National Park traverses the Blue Ridge to Doyles River Overlook, where views extend south across wooded slopes.

This rolling Blue Ridge hike travels 5.2 miles and features bird's-eye views from Bear Den Mountain before its descent to Beagle Gap.

Find your rhythm as you ascend, descend—again and again—between rocky overlooks and deeply cut gaps on this 15-mile trek in Shenandoah National Park.

Roll over piney ridges into lovely valleys and lonely pastures on this 21.3-mile leg. Don't miss: Take side trip to Cloudland Farm where organic ice cream is only a few bucks away.

This challenging 27.7-mile section traverses the Willey Range, and the Zealand, Garfield and Franconia Ridges. The payoff: Postcard mountain views, beautiful mountain huts, and the longest stretch of roadless wilderness in New Hampshire.

This 15.8-miler climbs more than 3,500 feet past mountain lakes and waterfalls--all deserving of a lunchtime break or a pause for photographs.

Travel through white ash and yellow poplar, skid down steep ridges, and sing Hallelujah at the scenic outposts on this 12.3-mile leg in Shenandoah National Park.

Frequent overlooks, lush landscapes, and three Blue Ridge summits highlight this 14.3-mile section in Shenandoah National Park.

This 18.8-miler traverses High Knob’s southern slopes, passes three shelters and ends with an optional side trip into Sky Meadows State Park.

Go up, down, and around several geological obstacles and into shady stream hollows on this 6.8-mile dayhike.

Pass the 1,000-mile-marker on the AT (for northbound hikers) on this 13.4-mile trip to Raven Rocks promising breathtaking views of Shenandoah Valley. Don't miss the bench swing at David Lesser Shelter.

Perfect for a day hike or longer out-and-back, this 6.1-miler rolls through mid-Atlantic woodlands then descends into Harpers Ferry, the merging point of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.

On this 11.8-mile stretch, you’ll climb a seven-foot stile (arguably the AT’s tallest), cruise cow-filled fields, pass a centuries-old cemetery, and briefly trace the North Fork Holston River.

Go from flat lowlands to high ridgetops--you'll gain more than 2,000 feet--on this 17.1-miler that traverses wildflower-laced Chestnut Ridge and the rocky backbone of Garden Mountain.

Bag four summits on a weekend Northwoods traverse.

This 4.3-mile hike starts at Three Ridges Overlook, then contours wooded Blue Ridge slopes to Dripping Rock—a prime spot to watch the sun drop over pastoral landscapes.

This leg runs through wild pig country, up Tray Mountain, and past the site of an old cheese factory.

This relocated section avoids frequent stream crossings along Little Wolf Creek. Instead, you’ll cruise an old road and railroad grade, then contour the slopes of Brushy Mountain (covered in seasonal mountain laurel blooms).

A fantastic four-season trek, this 5.5-mile hike near the Appalachian Trail roams around Hogback Mountain in Shenandoah National Park.

Catch the Jefferson National Forest in peak wildflower bloom on this 27-miler in the Virginia mountains.

On the 24-mile shuttle hike up to the Moxie Bald summit, the Maine wilderness unfolds a dizzying array of flora and fauna, and panoramic lake, valley, and peak views.

Ascend to the second highest point east of the Mississippi on this 8-mile point-to-point that begins at Newfound Gap and winds through misty coniferous forest.

Pick a sport: fish, bird watch, or hike. Next: tour parts or all of this 5.8-mile loop for a quick getaway from the noisy Capitol City.

Follow this cascading stream to scenic Shenandoah vistas along this 12.1-mile loop.

The AT continues its rollercoaster ride across the Blue Ridge on this 7-mile ridge-to-hollow route that passes Bears Den Rocks overlook where classic views of Shenandoah Valley are revealed.

Pass Dartmouth College, hike over Smarts Mountain, and explore thick woodlands on this multi-day, 36-mile trip. Peakbaggers: Several side trails lead to nearby summits.

Trek deep into the Smokies on this 24.3-mile weekend trip that traces the North Carolina-Tennessee state line, passing two trail shelters and forests of mossy hardwoods.

After hiking past boulder fields, this 4.7-mile loop climbs up the spine of Hawk Mountain and stops at overlooks perfect for scoping hawk migrations.

Bag one of the Smokies' most thrilling peaks on this 12.6-mile shuttle hike that takes in ridgetop views before tackling a rocky, high exposure descent.

Hop on the Appalachian Trail at its halfway point and navigate creek crossings and a steep boulder scramble to above-the-trees vistas of Michaux State Forest.

Trek to the border of New Jersey along PA's finest section of the Appalachian Trail.

Bag three peaks above 4,000 feet on this classic 8.2-mile Franconia Ridge Loop in the White Mountains.

The reward on this famous, 7.5-mile hike is a sweeping ridgeline view of the Catawba Valley framed by a striking rock ledge.

This rocky climb up Cove Mountain ends with a heart-pounding scramble to the top of the Dragon's Tooth, a 35-foot quartzite and sandstone tower.

Tackle two 4,000-foot White Mountain peaks (and 4,000 feet of climbing) on this 10.1-mile out-and-back to a tree-covered ridgeline with panoramic views.

A two-day peak-bagging trek in the White Mountains, this 15.4-mile shuttle traces the spines of the Carter and Wildcat Ranges, cresting five 4,000-foot peaks.

A peakbagger's dream, this 31-mile Smokies backpack loops across forested ridgelines, offering the opportunity to tag eight 6,000-foot summits along the way.

This well-trodden route passes fishermen, cyclists, and AT thru-hikers before ascending the quiet, sun-dappled slopes of southwest Virginia's Iron Mountain.

This *3.3-mile loop behind Big Meadows Lodge drops past rocks and ridgelines to Shenandoah's 4th highest falls.

Explore an 1890's mountain farm on this 4.3-mile lasso loop that tackles a 700-foot climb to craggy boulders for expansive parkway views.

Bag four scenic peaks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Have no time to thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail? No worries. Tackle this 40.5-mile section hike through Maryland over the course of a long weekend.

Hike 24.8 miles around the source of the Nantahala River on the Appalachian Trail and camp atop Albert Mountain for night-sky views. On night two, pitch your tent on 5,498-foot Standing Indian, a treeless bald with front-row sunset vistas.

Meander through Civil War history on this 10.5-mile section hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Multiple peaks, steep climbs, and open meadows highlight this weeklong trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Appalachian Trail.

Hike 42.9 miles on the AT in 24 hours, in the process traveling across the borders of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

These men and women were photographed as they thru-hiked the 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail, from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. They each walked more than 2,000 miles—enduring the Smokies, the Shenandoahs, and the White Mountains—to get

This tireless trail angel is firing up a new generation of backcountry stewards.

Having just broken the speed record for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Jennifer Pharr Davis sits down to discuss gear, preparation, and the joy of a stellar hike.

Head out on one of these trails in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

The last lonely stretch of the AT beckons from the mountains of western Maine.

The upside to being downsized? Having time to hit the nation's long trails.