The Appalachian Trail covers approximately 2,190 miles of footpath along the U.S. East Coast. It traverses 14 states, from Georgia’s Springer Mountain up to Katahdin, Maine. Innumerable smaller routes can be taken throughout the A.T., and it is common for hikers to tackle it in parts over an extended period. Some thru-hikers do attempt to complete it in one continuous journey, though.
The piecemeal approach, however, can be particularly effective when taking on some of the trail’s more challenging segments, such as the final leg through the state of Maine. The trail passes through almost the entirety of the state, with a total length of about 282 miles. The Mahoosuc Notch is considered as the toughest mile of the A.T., and the Hundred-Mile Wilderness is the largely uninhabited and rugged terrain surrounded by dense forests. The Maine stretch also features numerous stream crossings without bridges, among other challenges.
Hikers must plan both full and segmented A.T. hikes, considering the time of the year and other weather conditions to minimize the risk of getting into any accident. This precaution must be taken especially when hiking the Maine section of the trail as winter snows and spring flooding can render numerous parts impassable.
