Online Guides to Hiking the Appalachian Trail

Whether you're ready to hit the trail now or are planning for a trek when you're retired, why not hike the Appalachian Trail? This challenging journey, which 2,500 people attempt each year, is 2,160 miles from northern Georgia to central Maine.

As it winds its way through the mountains, the Appalachian Trail passes through fourteen states, eight national forests, six national parks, and numerous state and local parks. About 99 percent of the route is on publicly owned lands, and no fee is charged to hike.

Although there are many lean-to style shelters along the clearly marked trail, you may want to stay at a nearby inn or facility on occasion. Naturally, you need training and preparation to make the trek, and a good place to start is Trailplace.

The Web site provides background on the trail itself and forums, so you can interact with those who have already gone on the journey. Whether you plan to hike part or all of the trail, you'll find the color maps and other resources extremely helpful.