Copyright 2008 by Lewis Harris. All rights reserved. |
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The Appalachian Trail is a footpath following the
Appalachian Mountain Range from Georgia to Maine.
Extending more than 2100 miles, the trail passes
through fourteen states, introducing travelers to rugged
mountains, peaceful river valleys, tranquil farmlands,
and forests thick with wonder. For almost two
decades, whenever I’ve yearned for adventure, I’ve
buckled on my backpack and headed for the
mountains—often for months at a time. I’ve logged
over 3500 miles on the trail and spent more nights than
I can recall curled in my cozy tent. For me, a journey on
the trail is an opportunity to see the world with fresh
eyes. The generosity of spirit and diversity of fellow
backpackers has never failed to impress me. The
Appalachian Trail reminds me that all things are
possible—one step at a time.
Appalachian Mountain Range from Georgia to Maine.
Extending more than 2100 miles, the trail passes
through fourteen states, introducing travelers to rugged
mountains, peaceful river valleys, tranquil farmlands,
and forests thick with wonder. For almost two
decades, whenever I’ve yearned for adventure, I’ve
buckled on my backpack and headed for the
mountains—often for months at a time. I’ve logged
over 3500 miles on the trail and spent more nights than
I can recall curled in my cozy tent. For me, a journey on
the trail is an opportunity to see the world with fresh
eyes. The generosity of spirit and diversity of fellow
backpackers has never failed to impress me. The
Appalachian Trail reminds me that all things are
possible—one step at a time.
Lewis Harris Books
| What is the Appalachian Trail? |
| Marker atop Springer Mnt., the southern terminus of the trail |
| What is Backpacking? |
Backpacking is heading out on foot with everything
you need right on your back. It's the ultimate in no frills
travel. Or lots of frills --if you want to carry them! One
luxury that I like to have when backpacking is a
tomato. Doesn't sound like much of a luxury, does it?
But it is! Do you have any idea how much a tomato
weighs? I know, I know...depends on the tomato.
When backpacking, everything you bring along must
be carefully considered. After all, you might have to
lug it over a mountain or across a river. Will it be worth
the effort? When your pack is loaded down, do you
want it to weigh 20 pounds or 50 pounds? For my first
backpacking trip I hiked from Springer Mountain in
North Georgia to Harper's Ferry in West Virginia.
That's about a 1000 miles. What did I carry? Too
much! Take a look!
you need right on your back. It's the ultimate in no frills
travel. Or lots of frills --if you want to carry them! One
luxury that I like to have when backpacking is a
tomato. Doesn't sound like much of a luxury, does it?
But it is! Do you have any idea how much a tomato
weighs? I know, I know...depends on the tomato.
When backpacking, everything you bring along must
be carefully considered. After all, you might have to
lug it over a mountain or across a river. Will it be worth
the effort? When your pack is loaded down, do you
want it to weigh 20 pounds or 50 pounds? For my first
backpacking trip I hiked from Springer Mountain in
North Georgia to Harper's Ferry in West Virginia.
That's about a 1000 miles. What did I carry? Too
much! Take a look!
| A typical shelter on the Appalachian Trail |
| Backpacking in the Wyoming Teton Range |
But back to tomatoes...
What does a hiker eat on the trail? Macaroni and cheese
is always a big backpacker favorite, although I never
carried it too much myself. I always liked the Lipton Noodle
Dinners...mmm...or Ramen noodles. Carbohydrates are
definitely a backpackers best friend! And Pop-tarts!
Doesn't dinner look yummy?
What does a hiker eat on the trail? Macaroni and cheese
is always a big backpacker favorite, although I never
carried it too much myself. I always liked the Lipton Noodle
Dinners...mmm...or Ramen noodles. Carbohydrates are
definitely a backpackers best friend! And Pop-tarts!
Doesn't dinner look yummy?
| Backpacking in Alaska |
--At almost 2200 miles, the Appalachian Trail is the
longest marked trail in the United States.
--The A.T. is marked by more than 160,000 "blazes" 6
inches by 2 inches in size. Primarily found on trees,
one can follow the trail of blazes all the way from
Georgia to Maine.
--The A.T. passes through 14 states: Georgia,
Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia,
Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York,
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New
Hampshire, and Maine.
--More than 250 shelters can be found along the trail.
Sometimes called a "lean-to", the shelters are
generally a three-walled structure with a wooden floor
and roof. Some hikers travel without tents, preferring
to hike shelter to shelter.
--It is estimated that 5 million steps are required to
complete the trail.
--Vigorous backpackers can complete the A.T. in four
months, but most hikers require 5 to7 months.
--The highest point on the A.T. is 6625 feet at
Clingman's Dome in The Great Smoky Mountains
National Park.
longest marked trail in the United States.
--The A.T. is marked by more than 160,000 "blazes" 6
inches by 2 inches in size. Primarily found on trees,
one can follow the trail of blazes all the way from
Georgia to Maine.
--The A.T. passes through 14 states: Georgia,
Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia,
Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York,
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New
Hampshire, and Maine.
--More than 250 shelters can be found along the trail.
Sometimes called a "lean-to", the shelters are
generally a three-walled structure with a wooden floor
and roof. Some hikers travel without tents, preferring
to hike shelter to shelter.
--It is estimated that 5 million steps are required to
complete the trail.
--Vigorous backpackers can complete the A.T. in four
months, but most hikers require 5 to7 months.
--The highest point on the A.T. is 6625 feet at
Clingman's Dome in The Great Smoky Mountains
National Park.
| Trail Facts |