History
I wasn’t surprised to find one of the world
longest footpaths in the US. Where else than in the nation with the most cars? There are more than 2150 Miles of trail between Georgia and Main along the Appalachian, one of the earth oldest chain of mountains. Unlike the Pony and Klondike Trail or ancient paths of the native people, this trail is rather artificial. Around 1900 there were some hiking clubs, e.g. the Appalachian Mountain Club, especially in New England. The idea of an adjacent path along the entire Appalachian ridge was published by Benton McKaye in 1921. Besides his vision of a trail he also proposed hostels, outdoor education centers and even independent communities along the trail. In 1925 the Appalachian Trail Conference was founded, a non-profit organisation existing until today. They first intended to connect both Mount Mitchell/NC and Mount Washington/NH as these are the mountains with the highest altitude in the East. Under Chairman Myron H. Avery the trail grew more and more. To ensure the typical character of the trail, 200 ft of each side of almost the entire path were bought to keep the trail in public hand. The trail was officially opened on August 14, 1937. However, McKaye’s visions were never realized.

Trail Conditions
A white, rectangular blazer, painted on trees marks the trail. Each 7 to 15 Miles a simple shelter and/or a campsite, often with water pump and privy, invites for overnight stays. Since the path is maintained by volunteers only, some blazer may be unrecognizable and some tree may block your way, but this happens rather seldom. Trees you’ll see most of the time and occasionally some hikers (or not) – depending on the season and section of the trail. Watch your food bag since wild animals have a strong interest in stealing your nutrition. There are even certain sections with a bear population.
Thru Hiker (those, who do the whole thing) usually start around April in Georgia, Springer Mountain and reach Maine, Mount Katahdin, when the leaves changes their colours in September. Among the 7,500 reported hikers who walked the trail from Georgia to Maine over the past 60 years, has been a blind man, a girl of 8 and a 69 years old woman. (about 25% of the hikers are woman)
It is not surprising that the level of difficulties varies enormously along the entire trail. A few parts are fairly level but most of the time you go up and down and this sometimes steep and endless. But only this way you can enjoy the magnificent views the trail offers. Access to the trail is rather difficult, for there is no public transportation on either end and only occasionally along the path. When crossing a street, there are still miles to go to the next village to get supply.

Trail Philosophy
The absence of civilisation, being responsible for yourself and exposed to the power of nature – that’s what it is all about. The reduction to the essentials: Water, food and a place to sleep. Time becomes meaningless. Literally, the way is the goal. Forgotten or pushed away issues may become conscious – problems and sorrows are left behind. A perfect place to retreat and to pilgrim. You won’t find noisy people in coloured shorts and you don’t have to be a well trained muscle (wo-) man to hike this way successfully. Everything you need is in your backpack but most important is your strong will. Typical is the atmosphere among the hikers in the evening when the miles are done. Everyone cooks, cares for the equipment, adds to the journal or has a little chat with you on the campfire. Position and income doesn’t matter. Same trees, same water and same weather for everyone. That and the satisfaction of achievement, as an 81years old hiker (trail name EZ 1) told me, are reasons why so many of them return.