Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Hikers enjoy the views from McAfee Knob in Virginia.

A through-hiker reaches the summit of Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail in Maine.

Volunteers on the trail's Konnarock Crew work on a relocation of the trail in Virginia.

The 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail stretches from Katahdin in central Maine to Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. The trail has more than 500 access points and offers short- or long-term hiking, wildlife and bird-watching and other backcountry pursuits.

The trail crosses 14 states, eight national forests, six other national parks and 60 state parks and game lands.

Three-sided shelters are provided approximately every 10 to 12 miles along the trail and other lodging is often available nearby.

The trail is maintained by more then 6,000 dedicated volunteers, including two groups of L.L.Bean employees.

Pack animals, horses, bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited.

Most of the trail users are day hikers. Of the approximately 1,500 people who attempt to hike the entire trail length each year, about 26 percent succeed.

Some sections of the trail are wheelchair-accessible.

Canoeing, kayaking and rafting are available near the trail.