Fun Facts About the Appalachian Trail

Each year the journey is a little different, and each person's walk is their own.

Stretching over 2,000 miles through the Eastern United States, the Appalachian Trail offers a truly one-of-a-kind hiking experience. From lush forests to panoramic mountain views, this trail has it all. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the AT in 2025 is:

• 2,197.4 miles long

• Has an elevation change of 6,500 feet

• Crosses 14 states from Georgia to Maine, including 85 counties and 164 townships and municipalities

• Traverses 400,000 acres of state and federal protected (at least for now!) lands, including 8 national forests and 6 national park units

• Contains 1,800 rare, threatened, and endangered plant and animal species.

However, the most daunting statistic the ATC shared this year is that they expect to have 3,800 attempted thru-hikers, and just 1 in 4 are likely to complete the Trail. This means, of course, that there's no shame in not succeeding. After all, look how few people even attempt this feat. But Bob is a unique and special individual who has a single minded focus on projects. He has prepared well and is going to try his best. With so many unknowns, no one can predict the outcome, but I'm sure we can all agree that it will be an interesting journey.

One of the things Bob is looking forward to experiencing on the Appalachian Trail is the sense of community it fosters among hikers. From trail names to trail magic, there are unique characteristics of this journey. And none of it would be possible without the hard work of trail maintainers and AT clubs all across the East Coast. In particular, Bob would like to give a shout-out to the people of Western North Carolina who suffered devastating losses during and after Hurricane Helene and the trail maintainers and supportive businesses who are working hard to support hikers this year.