Appalachian Trail  

Winding through the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States, the Appalachian Trail traverses 14 states from Maine’s Mount Katahdin to the waterfalls of Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia. Completed as a continuous trail in 1937, it was developed largely by volunteers and later designated one of the first national scenic trails under the National Trails System Act of 1968. Although only about one-third of the trail passes through national parks, it remains one of the most visited units of the National Park System, drawing over 16.9 million visitors each year.

The National Trails System contains America’s most significant trails as designated by Congress. However, this system is incomplete and vulnerable. While the Appalachian Trail’s footpath through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia is permanently protected, the land surrounding the trail—the stunning, breathtaking views that visitors have loved for nearly a century—is at risk of development, and threats to wildlife remain. With help from our partners and local communities, Trust for Public Land is working to ensure that the integrity of this beloved national treasure is kept intact—conserving the landscape, protecting drinking water, continuing access for hunting and fishing, and supporting tourist economies.

Trust for Public Land has identified 39,000 acres that must be protected to maintain and enhance the Appalachian Trail experience for the millions of hikers, campers, and visitors who enjoy the trail each year. We can preserve these lands and secure an American treasure for generations to come, meaning more miles to hike, more nature to experience, and more memories to be made.

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