Things To Do Near Appalachian Trail
If you plan to through-hike the Appalachian Trail, climb to the top of Mount Springer in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests by following the eight-mile trail from behind the visitors center at Amicalola Falls State Park. Then, start following the trail markers across Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. You will hike through six national forests, two national wildlife refuges, 67 state-owned facilities, and more than 12 municipal watersheds before completing the hike about six months later. About 51% of this trail runs across private property. Many hikers report that they have the most trouble hiking through Virginia because the southern part of the state contains many ridges that must be climbed before reaching the constant up and down of the roller coaster section.
Hiking Trails
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Benton MacKaye Trail
Start hiking the Benton MacKaye Trail at Davenport Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and finish its 300-mile length on top of Springer Mountain at the start of the Appalachian Trail. It crosses through eight wildlife management areas. It gains over 5,100 feet in elevation as it crosses Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Location
Davenport Gap, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Length
300 miles
Intensity
Difficult
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Winding Stair Gap Trail
This trail starts off U.S. 64 at Winding Stair Gap. This first half of this trail is almost a solid climb from about 1,000 feet in elevation to over 5,000 feet. This trail passes through the Nantahala Gorge, Little Tennessee River Valley, and Fontana Lake before ending at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Location
Winding Stair Gap, Daniel Boone National Forest, U.S. 64, London, Kentucky 40744
Length
27.8 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Camp Smith Trail
The Camp Smith Trail in Hudson Highland State Park Preserve starts on Bear Mountain Road near the park's entrance. Start the steady climb on this trail that parallels the road to reach the top of Manitou Mountain, where you can see stunning views of New York City's skyline. The trail then heads back down the mountain.
Location
Entrance, Hudson Highland State Park Preserve, Bear Mountain Road, Cold Spring, New York 10516
Length
3.7 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Reece Heritage Farm
See the restored 20th-century farm buildings, including barns, corn crib, chicken house, smokehouse, and a spring house at Reece Heritage Farm near Blairsville, Georgia. Musicians often play on the weekends at this facility that is open from April to May. Your children will love petting the heritage animals at this location, where farming is done using traditional methods.
Location
8552 Gainesville Highway, Blairsville, Georgia 30512
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Nantahala Outdoor Center
Whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, and ziplining are available at Nantahala Outdoor Center. They also offer outdoor learning and survival classes, which could be invaluable to someone hiking the Appalachian Trail. Three restaurants are available.
Location
13077 U.S. 19 West, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713
Museums
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Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia
Explore how the Meaders, Hewell, Dorsey, and Ferguson families passed pottery-making skills from one generation to the next at the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia. See a historically accurate pottery shop, and learn how the potter used various tools to create unique vessels. Explore the meaning of common folk-art symbols.
Location
283 Highway 255 North, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia 30571
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Appalachian Trail Museum
The Appalachian Trail Museum in Pine Grove Furnace State Park is dedicated to preserving historical artifacts related to the trail. Learn more about the men and women who have been inducted into the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame. Tour the Ironmaster Hostel, which was one of the first hostels along the trail. See the famous Pine Grove General Store, where some of the first hikers attempted to eat a half-gallon of ice cream in one setting to celebrate reaching the halfway point along the trail.
Location
Pine Grove Furnace State Park, 1120 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, Pennsylvania 17324
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Walton's Mountain Museum
If you love The Waltons television show, then tour this museum located where the director went to school. The rooms in this home are filled with memorabilia from the series. Additionally, learn the role that the soapstone industry played in this community.
Location
6484 Rockfish River Road, Schuyler, Virginia 22969
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Trailful Outdoor Company
Find backpacking supplies, including tents and backpacks, at Trailful Outdoor Company. They also sell clothes and boots for the whole family. If you are through-hiking the trail, they offer a mail-drop service.
Location
75 North Main Street, Hiawassee, Georgia 30546
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Mountain Crossings
The Appalachian Trail runs right in front of Mountain Crossings. Get resupplied with food and clothes at this location. They also offer books and maps of the Appalachian Trail. If you are not a hiker, check out their Appalachian Trail gift selections.
Location
12471 Gainesville Highway, Blairsville, Georgia 30512
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Los Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant
Select your favorite Mexican entrée at Los Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant. You will love the Mexican art on the walls and tables. This restaurant offers many large platters at very reasonable costs.
Location
3110 TN-126, Blountville, Tennessee 37617
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The Yellow Deli
The Yellow Deli is open 24 hours a day, five days a week, so that hikers can refuel anytime. Their sandwiches are a superb option if you are hiking the trail and tired of cooking, or try their delicious fruit salad.
Location
23 Center Street, Rutland, Vermont 05701