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Appalachian Trail (A.T.)

Undoubtedly America’s most famous hiking path, the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) rambles approximately 230.2 miles through the Blue Mountain Region of southeastern and eastern Pennsylvania.
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Map from www.kta-hike.org/major-trails-and-find-a-club.html
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This approximately 2,190-mile-long footpath extends from Georgia to Maine, and its midpoint is currently at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County. Pine Grove Furnace is also the site of the Appalachian Trail Museum, located adjacent to the Trail. The Pennsylvania portion of the A.T. enters from Maryland atop South Mountain and then plunges down into Cumberland Valley at Boiling Springs.

​After several miles of unique rural walking, the A.T. climbs Cove Mountain above Carlisle and proceeds to the Susquehanna River at Duncannon. After crossing the river on a highway bridge, the trail continues northeast toward New Jersey, almost exclusively following the crests of Peters Mountain, Blue Mountain, and Kittatinny Ridge. Near Stroudsburg, the A.T. descends into Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area before continuing into New Jersey.

The Appalachian Trail is marked by 2-by-6-inch white blazes. Road crossings are frequently marked by signs installed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Shelters and campsites are found throughout the trail’s length, with space available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hikers are advised to carry their own camping equipment, as the shelters are often full, especially on weekends and during the prime long-distance hiking season. Camping in state game lands is prohibited except for thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Some restrictions apply. Contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Mid-Atlantic Regional office in Carlisle in advance to ensure that specific regulations are met.

Founded in 1925, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (formerly Conference) is a nonprofit educational organization that built the A.T. and now maintains it in conjunction with member clubs and various local, state, and federal agencies. The construction and continuing maintenance of this long-distance recreational trail is perhaps the largest volunteer effort of its type in American history. 

​KTA maintains a section of the Appalachian Trail in the Lehigh Gap area, north of Allentown.  KTA's section includes 11 miles of the A.T. and 5 miles of side trails.  Learn more here.

Other clubs maintain portions of the A.T.: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Mountain Club of Maryland, Cumberland Valley 
Appalachian Trail Club, York Hiking Club, Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club, Allentown Hiking Club, Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club, AMC Delaware Valley Chapter, Batona Hiking Club, and New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.

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The Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Guide, published by KTA, contains detailed trail information and maps for the Pennsylvania section of the AT. You can purchase the 13th edition (2023) guidebook at bookstores, outfitters, or directly from the ATC or KTA's Bookstore. Additionally, the ATC publishes guidebooks and other educational literature about the A.T.


For membership or publication information, contact:
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
PO Box 807
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425


The ATC also maintains a regional office to coordinate activities on the AT in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states. For specific information, contact:
ATC Mid-Atlantic Regional Office
Craighead House
318 E Old York Rd
Carlisle, PA 17015

Mailing Address:
PO Box 122
Boiling Springs, PA 17007

Phone: 717.258.5771

Other resources:
►Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Allegheny Front Trail
Appalachian Trail
Baker Trail
​Black Forest Trail
Bucktail Path
Chuck Keiper Trail​
​Conestoga Trail
Donut Hole Trail
​Golden Eagle Trail
​Horse-Shoe Trail
John P. Saylor Trail
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Lost Turkey Trail
Loyalsock Trail
Mason-Dixon Trail
Mid State Trail
North Country National Scenic Trail
Old Loggers Path
Pinchot Trail
Quebec Run Trails
Quehanna Trail
Rachel Carson Trail
Standing Stone Trail
​Susquehannock Trail
Thunder Swamp Trail
Tuscarora Trail
Warrior Trail
West Rim Trail

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  • About
    • News >
      • Newfoundland 2024 Trip Report
      • Newsletter Archive
      • Meet PA Hikers
      • Trail Care Stories
    • Contact
    • About KTA
    • Work For KTA
    • Strategic Plan
    • Volunteer with KTA
    • Our People
    • Our Story
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Press
    • Multimedia
  • GET INVOLVED
    • Advocacy >
      • Kids Trail Ambassador Program
    • Donate >
      • Monthly Giving: Keep Trails Alive
      • Planned Giving: The Heritage Society
      • Giving for the Future: Endowment Fund
      • Hike to Give: 100-Mile Trail Challenge
    • Membership
    • Events >
      • Philadelphia Hiking Weekend 2025
      • 2025 MST Everett SP Survey
      • KTA Leave No Trace Level One Training
      • Wales 2025 >
        • Wales Interest Form
      • Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend 2025
      • Backpacking for Beginners 2025
      • LHHT Slackpack 2025
  • GET OUTDOORS
    • KTA Gear Loaner Program
    • Trails
    • Pennsylvania Hiking Trail Trailers
  • Trail Care Program
    • FAQs Trail Care
    • Report a Trail Issue
    • 2025 Weekday Trail Care
    • #02 WMRT/RGST
    • #03 Donut Hole
    • #04 BFT
    • #05 A.T. section
    • #6 MST-Everett
    • #11 CKT CO
    • Trail Love Events
    • KTA’s A.T. Section
  • Hiking Awards
  • Store
  • CLUBS
    • Hiking Clubs
    • KTA Grants-to-Clubs
    • Report Club Hours