Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail (AT)

Undoubtedly America’s most famous hiking path, the Appalachian Trail (AT) rambles approximately 229.8 miles through the Blue Mountain Region of southeastern and eastern Pennsylvania.

Map from www.kta-hike.org/major-trails-and-find-a-club.html

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 AT enters from Maryland atop South Mountain and then plunges down into Cumberland Valley at Boiling Springs.

After several miles of unique rural walking, the AT climbs Cove Mountain above Carlisle and proceeds to the Susquehanna River at Duncannon. After crossing the river on a highway bridge, the AT continues northeast toward New Jersey, almost exclusively following the crests of Peters Mountain, Blue Mountain, and Kittatinny Ridge. Near Stroudsburg, the AT 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 office in Boiling Springs 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 AT 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 AT and 5 miles of side trails. Join the Facebook group: "Keystone Trails Association (KTA) Lehigh Gap A.T. Section Group".

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 guidebook at bookstores, outfitters, or directly from the ATC or KTA's Bookstore. A new edition is currently in development. Additionally, the ATC publishes guidebooks and other educational literature about the AT.

For membership or publication information, contact:
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
P.O. 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
4 E. First St.
Boiling Springs, PA 17007
(717) 258-5771
Other resources:
►Appalachian Trail Conservancy

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