Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is an approximately 3500 km long distance hiking trail. It is located in the U.S. and runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Overall, the route runs through 14 states. The traversed by the Appalachian Trail are among the oldest mountains on earth and have heights of up to 2037 m (Mount Mitchell). The entire track itself has no historical origin, such as the Pony Express, Chilkoot Trail, or old Indian trails.

For the special character of the purchase of around 70 meters in length, on both sides of the path added, so that almost the entire route is in the public sector. He belongs to the National Scenic Trails and is managed by the National Park Service in cooperation with local organizations.

Formation

By 1900 there were some hiking clubs, especially in the New England states (such as the Appalachian Mountain Club ). The idea of a coherent pathway was published in 1921 by Benton MacKaye. Along the way, hostels, nature stations, and even self-sufficient communities should arise. The Appalachian Trail Conference ( ATC) was founded in 1925 as still existing non-profit organization. At that time the target was the connection of the highest points in the east: Mount Mitchell at 2037 m and Mount Washington with 1917 m. Hiking clubs attacked MacKayes idea quickly on, and 1922 were built around Bear Mountain by volunteers the first kilometer of the way. 1925 was held to further promote the project, the Appalachian Trail Conference. The path length increased steadily, especially under the ATC chairman Myron H. Avery. The official opening took place on 14 August 1937 but does not cause unusual interest.