can you visit the appalachian mountains

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The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.

On the A.T. there are endless hiking opportunities from Georgia to Maine, plan your visit now!

Volunteers are the backbone of the Appalachian Trail. Find a club near you to get involved and make a difference.

The A.T.'s continued existence is due to the hard work donated by volunteers, clubs, and partners each year.

Last updated: April 26, 2023

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Authored by Zubin Panday of Going Locations

The Appalachian Mountains are a place that I know far too well as I have lived in this region my whole life. I have traveled up and down the region several times and have seen some of the Appalachian Mountains’ best spots, that’s what I’ll be covering today.

The Appalachian Mountains are a mountain range that runs through 14 states along the East Coast of the United States. The easiest way to experience the mountain range is through the Appalachian trail, a 2,190-mile hike that runs from Maine to Georgia.

Many of the spots on this list involve the Appalachian trail, while others are only a few miles off. This list covers mountain towns, ski resorts, national parks, waterfalls, and even the world’s largest cave system.

So without further waiting, let’s jump right into the best places to visit in the Appalachian Mountains.

12 Great Places to Visit in the Appalachian Mountains

Gatlinburg, tennessee.

There’s no better way to start this list than by a small mountain town at the heart of the Smoky Mountains.

Gatlinburg Tennessee is arguably my favorite place in the Appalachian Mountains because of its charm and proximity to so much. This small town receives over 12 million visitors per year but still maintains its secluded and iconic feel.

The main attraction in the town is the Gatlinburg Skybridge , which is the longest suspension bridge in the United States. The bridge spans over 1,800 feet in length and suspends 140 feet over the forest floor.

Gatlinburg also boasts nearby ski slopes, a mountain coaster, scenic points, and zip lines. The town is under an hour away from Pigeon Forge with Dollywood, and under ten minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains, which we’ll cover below. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Under a mile from Gatlinburg will get you to the Great Smoky Mountains, a 522,000-acre national park receiving over 10 million visitors each year.

Hiking is the main thing here with over 150 trails spanning over 800 miles. Venture into the park to reach Clingmans Dome, one of the East Coast’s tallest peaks complemented by a huge circular-like structure.

Cades Cove on the west side of the park is one of the park’s few valleys and was home to many settlers before the national park’s formation.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park is a place I’ve visited countless times. I’ve grown to love this place and all its scenery.

The park is within 75 miles of Washington DC , meaning that a day trip here is possible. Skyline Drive runs straight through the park and connects all of the best viewpoints by car.

The Blue Ridge Mountains stretch 600 miles and run through Shenandoah National Park, the mountains look blue from afar and are iconic. Luray Caverns is a must-see place to discover, four million years of evolution have created this cavern, the largest on the east coast.

Massanutten is a place I’ve visited countless times, this resort is home to ski slopes, hiking trails, a zipline, and even one of the largest indoor waterparks in the country. 

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Kentucky

Cumberland Gap is a spot filled with history, it was the first gateway to the West for the settlers with a history that dates back to the 1670s.

This spot brings you to the center of the Appalachian Mountains with the best views. The national park is split between three states: Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Inside the park are many viewpoints including Pinnacle Overlook , a great chance to see the surrounding area. If you plan on visiting in the fall, overlooks like these will be just that much better. 

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, West Virginia

New River Gorge feels like a hidden gem in the heart of West Virginia. The national park backs onto New River and is famously known for one thing.

Just outside of Fayetteville is the New River Gorge Bridge, an incredible arch bridge spanning over 1,700 feet in length and 876 feet in height.

Of course, driving on the bridge is a highlight but viewpoints such as Long Point Overlook and Tunney Hunsaker Bridge provide even cooler views of the bridge.

Ithaca, New York

Ithaca feels like a small charming town centered right on the Finger Lakes. This town is in the heart of Upstate New York at the south edge of Cayuga Lake.

Cornell University is the most iconic part of the town, the University is ranked 12th in the nation and has stunning 1800s architecture.

Take a short drive to Watkins Glen State Park and hike Gorge Trail , the rock formations are crazy with stunning waterfalls.

Asheville, North Carolina

Whether you visit in winter, spring, summer, or fall, Asheville, North Carolina has got it all. This small charming town attracts over 10 million visitors every year eager to see the town and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.

Several ski resorts are located under an hour’s drive from Asheville, a fantastic way to ski without the need to go north. The town is close to Pisgah National Forest, home to Mount Mitchell.

This is the tallest mountain on the East Coast at nearly 7,000 feet. The best part about this mountain is that you can drive up it, so the spectacular views from the top can be seen by everyone.

Stowe, Vermont

We can’t talk about the Appalachian Mountains without mentioning skiing. Stowe Mountain Resort is often considered the best ski resort on the East Coast . You have 40 miles of ski slopes spread out among 116 trails.

Stowe gets a crazy amount of snow per year meaning that most of the slopes consist of natural snow. The views from the top of the ski lifts are insane as the entire area is covered by a blanket of snow.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, Stowe Mountain Resort is sure to give you a great time. 

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

The name speaks for itself, Mammoth Cave National Park is the world’s longest cave system with over 400 miles explored. Take a tour and see this incredible underground marvel for yourself.

Lights are scattered throughout the cave with paved trails so that everyone can enjoy this place, you’ll be blown away by the size of this cave.

That’s not all at this park, as 70 miles of above-ground trails take you straight through the Kentucky forests. Mammoth Cave National Park is a great scenery change from mountains and is one worth visiting.

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

If you’ve ever heard about how beautiful New Hampshire is and want to experience it for yourself, this is the spot to visit.

White Mountain National Forest contains 750,000 acres of forests, mountains, ski resorts, and waterfalls, truly the best of New Hampshire. Mt Washington is the third tallest mountain on the East Coast at over 6,000 feet and is located inside of this National Forest.

Several hiking trails run up the mountain but what’s even better is that there’s a cog railway that leads to the mountain summit.

Just a short 10-minute drive from the park is Flume Gorge, an easy two-mile hike along the Pemigewasset River with stunning rock formations and waterfalls.

Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia

I originally was going to cover Natural Bridge State Park under the Shenandoah tab, but further thinking led me to give this incredible place a separate spot on our list.

Everyone visits here for one thing, to see the 215-foot-tall natural bridge. You can see this bridge up close and even go under it, the bridge looks the coolest at night when it glows with the lights.

This limestone structure was formed by the collapse of a cavern and further eroded by Cedar Creek. Cedar Creek trail starts from Natural Bridge and extends 36 miles providing an awesome hike. You’ll have a great time between these two activities.

Bear Mountain State Park, New York

Many of these places listed above aren’t really near any major city and often require a lot of effort and time to reach, that’s where Bear Mountain State Park comes in.

The park is under an hour and a half from the center of New York City , meaning that you can experience the Appalachian Mountains without the need to drive far or stay overnight. The state park is over 5,000 acres and backs onto the Hudson River.

Drive or hike up Bear Mountain to reach Perkins Memorial Tower, this place allows you to see 360-degree views of the park, Hudson River, and even New York City on a clear day.

The views are arguably my favorite on the entire East Coast as you can get views of the city and Appalachian Mountains at the same time.

As I’m writing this, some of the trails are closed due to a major storm so keep that in mind. If you want to visit an incredible spot in proximity to the largest city in the United States, Bear Mountain State Park is one I highly recommend.

I hope this blog post convinced you of how amazing the Appalachian Mountains are, it’s an underrated natural wonder. Whether you want to visit north or south, this mountain range is there waiting for you. So give the Appalachian Mountains a visit, I hope to see you there!

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Zubin is a true definition of a young traveler. At just 16, he has traveled the world visiting 16 countries among 3 continents. That’s when Zubin decided to start  Going Locations  and share his passion with the world. You can also check him out on  Instagram .

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Appalachian Mountain Range – Home To The Iconic Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail , North America , USA

The Appalachian Mountains are a massive system of mountains that are situated toward the eastern edge of North America - USA and Canada. 

The mountain range is probably most famous for the iconic Appalachian Trail , which takes hikers on a 3,500 km journey from Maine's Mount Katahdin all the way to Springer Mountain in Georgia .

Check out this guide for a complete overview on the Appalachian Mountains with all the information you need to know and more about the range.

The Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains were formed approximately 480 million years ago in the Ordovician Period. The range was initially created through the collision of tectonic plates during the formation of Pangaea - the supercontinent. This means that the Appalachian Mountains and the Little Atlas range in Morocco were formed together in the same mountain chain.

The shifting of tectonic plates during the Ordovician Period then resulted in a new subduction zone being created along the continental crust of North America. This caused uplift and altered the old sedimentary rock of the mountains, thereby forming the Appalachian Mountains.

The mountain range once reached heights similar to the Rocky Mountains and the Alps but were eroded down until they were almost flat before being uplifted by the tectonic plate movement, which allowed rivers to wear down the rock into the valleys and create the peaks that characterize the Appalachian Mountains today. These peaks only reach heights of 2,037 meters.

The Appalachian Mountains are made up of numerous different mountain ranges that create a chain of alternating valleys and ridges toward the eastern side of North America. They stretch from Canada all the way to Alabama in the United States, spanning a distance 2,400km.

The range consists of many rolling hills and lush valleys that are the result of years of erosion that wore down its tall, jagged peaks.

The Appalachian Mountains cross through many provinces, both in North America and Canada, as well as many cities.

Due to the vast length of the Appalachian Mountains, the range has a diverse climate that differs between the northern and southern reaches of the slopes.

Two ocean currents affect the climate in the Appalachian region: the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current. The Gulf Stream carries warm water from the south coast and the Caribbean, while the Labrador Current brings cold Arctic water.

The northern Appalachian Mountains are affected by the cold water from the Arctic, resulting in harsh, cold winters and mild summers. The southern sections of the range get hot summers and milder winters.

Both regions get a lot of rainfall, resulting in the lush forests and vegetation that cover the hills and valleys of the mountain range.

Wildlife and Plants

Most of the Appalachian Mountains are covered with forests, making it a valuable region for lumber and manufacturing paper. The forests consist of seasonal broad-leaf and needle-leaf trees as well as many evergreen trees.

Conifers, including balsam fir and red spruce, and hardwoods, such as birch and ash, can be found in the more northern sections of the mountains. Various types of Oak trees and evergreens cover some of the upper reaches and rocky ridges of the mountains, while heath fields, known as "balds", grow over others.

There are also many species of flowering and fruit-bearing plants that add to the beauty of the Appalachian Mountain scenery.

Various small mammals and several predators can be spotted in the dense forests of the mountain range. Beaver, raccoon, skunk and several species of squirrel can be seen in the forests, as well as black bear, gray and red fox, bobcat, coyote and red wolves.

The Appalachian Mountains are also rich in bird-life, supporting about 200 different recorded species, including  wild turkeys, great horned owls and various songbirds.

Appalachian Mountain Regions

Northern appalachians.

Photo by  Joe Greene

The Appalachian Mountains are divided into three main sections: Northern, Central and Southern. The Northern Appalachians span from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada to the Hudson River.

The most well-known mountains within this region of the Appalachians are the White Mountains in New Hampshire, the Notre Dame Range in Quebec, the Long Range Mountains in Newfoundland and the Green Mountains in Vermont.

Some of the highest elevations of the Appalachian Mountains are located in the Northern region. These include Mount Katahdin (1,606m) in Maine , Mount Washington (1,917m) in New Hampshire and various peaks in the White Mountains.

Central Appalachians

Photo by  Tim Hetrick

The Central Appalachians run from the Hudson Valley through to New River, which flows through Virginia and West Virginia.

This region is renowned for New York's Catskill Mountains, Pennsylvania's Poconos, the Allegheny Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains that span from Pennsylvania to Georgia .

Southern Appalachians

Photo by  Kolin Toney

The Southern Appalachian Mountains stretch southward from the New River. The highest peak in the Appalachian Mountain Range, Mount Mitchell (2,037m), is located in this region in North Carolina.

The most prominent mountains in the southern region are the Great Smoky Mountains that border Tennessee and North Carolina, as well as the Black Mountains in North Carolina and the Cumberland Plateau.  

Notable Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains are a massive expanse of rolling hills, valleys and rocky peaks. Thus, they are made up of multiple different ranges with many well known mountains and summits.

The mountains are all quite uniform in height within the different regions and ranges so there are no particularly distinctive summits.

Here are some of the most notable mountains within the Appalachian Mountain system.

Mount Mitchell

Mount Mitchell is the highest summit in the Appalachian Mountains at 2,037 meters above sea level. This is arguably one of the most beautiful mountains in the USA .  It forms part of the Black Mountains in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range, which gets its name from the bluish hue it gets when viewed from a distance.

The mountain is located in North Carolina in the Mount Mitchell State Park. It was previously known as Black Dome due its round shape, but was then named after Elisha Mitchell, who explored the Black Mountains in 1835 and concluded that the range reached higher elevations than Mount Washington, which was considered to be the highest mountain east of the Rocky Mountains at the time.

Springer Mountain

Photo by  Terry Garrison

Springer Mountain also forms part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest. It reaches a height of 1,155 meters and is regarded as the southern terminus for the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail.

Mount Katahdin

Mount Katahdin is located in Maine and is the highest mountain in the state at 1,605 meters. Penobscot Indians named the mountain Katahdin, which translates to "the Great Mountain".

The mountain is a rugged and steep granite massif that makes for a challenging climb. Mount Katahdin marks the northern end of the Appalachian Trail .

The first recorded ascent of Mount Katahdin was made by Zackery Adley and Charles Turner Jnr. in 1804.

Blood Mountain

Photo by  Brian Greer

Blood Mountain sits at an elevation of 1,359 meters above sea level and is the highest point in the Georgia region of the Appalachians. It forms the border between Union County and Lumpkin County and lies within the Blood Mountain Wilderness and the Chattahoochee National Forest.

The exact origin of the mountain's name is unknown although there are some theories behind it. Some believe that it is called Blood Mountain because of a battle that took place there between the Creek and Cherokee Indians. Others theorize that its name came from the red-colored lichen that grows around the summit.

Roan Mountain

Roan Mountain is located in the southern region of the Appalachian Mountains and includes the longest area of grassy bald in the whole Appalachian range, as well as the biggest rhododendron garden in the world.

The mountain has five peaks, the highest of which is the Roan High Knob at 1,619 meters. The other peaks are Roan High Bluff, Round Bald, Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge Bald.

Notable Hikes in the Appalachian Range

The most notable hike in the Appalachian Range is, of course, the famous Appalachian Trail. While the entire trail can take months to complete, there are plenty of shorter hikes along the way and popular sections of the trail that make for great day hikes and multi-day treks.

Here is some more information on some of the most notable hikes in the Appalachian Mountains.

The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is a world renowned trail that spans a total distance of about 3,500km down the eastern side of North America. The trail begins at Mount Katahdin in Maine and ends at Springer Mountain on the border of the Fannin and Gilmer counties.

The trail can take the average person anywhere between 5 and 7 months to complete, although experienced hikers have been able to do it in under 50 days.

While successfully trekking the Appalachian Trail is a massive accomplishment, most people opt to hike various smaller sections of the trail instead of attempting to complete the entire route.

Mount Katahdin Hike

Mount Katahdin hike is a daunting and challenging climb for even the most avid of hikers. It marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and includes a strenuous, near vertical climb up to its highest summit, Baxter Peak, at 1,605 meters.

The hike takes between 8 and 12 hours to complete and requires you to scramble at certain points and trek over rocky terrain. The Knife's Edge, which is a narrow ridge connecting two of the peaks, is one of the most distinctive points on Mount Katahdin.

Despite the challenge it poses, the climb up Mount Katahdin is a popular trek and has been classified as one of the best summit hikes in the world according to National Geographic.  

Blood Mountain Loop

The Blood Mountain Loop is a great portion of the Appalachian Trail that introduces you to the long trail with a 7km hike up to Blood Mountain in Georgia. The trail takes you up to the Blood Mountain summit, which sits at an elevation of 1,359 meters.

The hike is quite difficult around the summit but the views from the top make it worth every step. If you hike the trail in the autumn months you will be rewarded with stunning views over a landscape filled with red and orange trees.

Charlies Bunion Hike

Photo by kmat

The trail from Newfound Gap to Charlies Gap is a 13km round trip hike in the Smoky Mountains Range of the Southern Appalachians.

The hike is quite strenuous and steep with an elevation gain of 1,640 meters. It takes you along a very rugged section of the Appalachian Trail where you will see breathtaking views on either side of the route.  

References : Britannica , Wikipedia

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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Since the Appalachian Mountains are in the USA, I wish your measurements were in miles and feet in addition to kilometers and meters.

Hi Sherri, thanks for the feedback. We will be updating this in the future.

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Attractions and Places To See in the Appalachian Mountains - Top 20

Appalachian Mountains

Attractions in the Appalachian Mountains

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Dark Hollow Falls

Hiking Highlight

Winter season is very quiet. Get there before 10 am and you can have it all to yourself. For those who wanted to venture a little far you can make … read more

Old Rag Mountain Summit

The Old Rag Hike in Shenandoah National Park is a well-known hike. Some rank it among the top 25 hikes in the world. Old Rag has received several awards. The … read more

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Stony Man Lookout

The Stony Man Lookout area is the most popular viewpoint in this part of Shenandoah National Park for good reason. The views are of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue … read more

Clingman's Dome

There is an interesting observation tower on the Clingmans Dome and a magnificent view when there is no fog. You can also drive up from Newfound Gap. The road is … read more

Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls are certainly amongst the most popular hikes in GSMNP. The falls are beautiful (depending on their volume) and fairly easy to reach. It’s an out-and-back-trail with only about … read more

Mount Washington

Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet high, is the highest elevation in the northeastern United States. This fact alone and the fantastic view attract many visitors every year. Although the summit … read more

Flume Gorge

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Newfound Gap and Overlook

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Mount Chocorua

You are standing at the top of Chocorua Mountain. Its easily identifiable summit is famous for its beauty but also for its legend: It takes its name from a short … read more

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock is located in the Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina, near the beautiful Lake Lure area. The actual 96m high rock can be easily climbed via several … read more

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• Famous Places on the Appalachian Trail
• About the Trail

Pinkham Notch is one of the famous places on the Appalachian Trail. ~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

There are hundreds of famous places on the Appalachian Trail -- also known as the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

The "AT" is perhaps the world's most famous hiking trail. You'd have to hike its length to see all of the famous places on the Appalachian Trail.

The Appalachian Trail traverses fourteen of the United States. The northern terminus is in Maine and the southern terminus rests in the beautiful state of Georgia.

Day hikers, weekend walkers, section hikers and thru-hikers enjoy as much of the 2,174 mile trail as possible, as often as possible

Any spot on the Trail might qualify as someone's "favorite." We cannot tell you about them all -- but we can tell you about a few of the most famous places on the Appalachian Trail. Go out and see how many of the famous places on the Appalachian Trail you can visit!

Famous Places on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia

• Bed & Breakfast Inns in Northeast Georgia
• Blairsville, GA: Jim's Smokin' Que
• Blood Mountain, GA: A Battleground on the AT
• Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center in Northeast Georgia
• Clarkesville, GA's Mark of the Potter
• Helen, GA: An Appalachian Trail Community
• Hiker Hostel, Dahlonega, GA
• The Len Foote Hike Inn, Near Springer Mountain
• Mountain Crossings Outfitters at Neel Gap, GA
• North Georgia's Almost Famous Folk Pottery Museum
• Springer Mountain, GA: Amicalola State Park, Home of "The Book"
• Top of Georgia Hostel & Hiking Center, Hiawassee, GA
• Vogel State Park in Northeast Georgia

Famous Places on the Appalachian Trail in Maine

• The Appalachian Trail Cafe in Millinocket, ME
• Appalachian Trail Visitors Center in Monson
• For Sale: The Legendary Shaw's Lodging in Monson, ME
• Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness
• Millinocket, Maine's Appalachian Trail Cafe
• Monson, Maine
• Mount Katahdin in Maine's Baxter State Park
• Rangeley, ME's Appalachian Trail Community Celebration
• What is Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument?

Famous Places on the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts

• Appalachian Mountain Club's Headquarters in Boston
• Cheshire, Massachusetts Grins
• Cheshire, Massachusetts: Winter on the Appalachian Trail
• Dalton, MA: The Appalachian Trail Runs Through It
• Mt. Greylock's War Memorial Tower in Massachusetts

Famous Places on the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire

• Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire: Appalachian Mountain Club's Visitor Center

Famous Places on the Appalachian Trail in New York

• High Point State Park, Near Port Jervis, New York

Famous Places on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina

• Big Creek Country Store
• Chimney Rock, NC: A Very Cool State Park
• The Hostel at Laughing Heart Lodge in Hot Springs, NC
• Hot Springs, NC: The Appalachian Trail Runs Through It
• Nantahala Outdoor Center, Near Bryson City, NC
• Stecoah Gap, Near Robbinsville, NC

Famous Places on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Visitor Center in Boiling Springs, PA
• Boiling Springs, PA: Appalachian Trail Conservancy Welcome Center
• Pine Grove Furnace Park in PA: Home of the Appalachian Trail Museum

Famous Places on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont

• Teago General Store, near Woodstock, VT

Famous Places on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia

• Damascus, VA: An Appalachian Trail Community
• The Homeplace Restaurant in Catawba, VA
• Loudoun County, Virginia: New State Park Planned
• Luray, VA: Open Arms at the Edge of Town Hostel
• Ming's Chinese Buffet in Waynesboro, VA
• Walton's Mountain Museum in Virginia
• Waynesboro, Virginia: An Appalachian Trail Community
• Wood's Hole Hostel in Virginia

Famous Places on the Appalachian Trail in West Virginia

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Headquarters in Harpers Ferry, WV

Tags: Attractions, Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail Community, Robert Sutherland Travel Writer, famous places on the appalachian trail, best restaurants on appalachian trail, and interesting places appalachian trail

There so many famous places on the Appalachian Trail. Take a virtual tour of the ones you haven't seen. Yet. Check out our Trail Mix of tips & advice too.

When you have a moment, hike the Appalachian Trail online with us. We'll take you to places you haven't seen & introduce you to hikers you haven't met. Yet.

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The appalachian trail: frequently asked questions.

The Appalachian Trail is the most famous hiking footpath in the world, drawing more than 3 million visitors each year and inspiring millions more through the scope of this ever-growing project in environmental conservation and outdoor recreation. Yet even though the Trail is popular, there is a lot to decode when it comes to the Trail, how it’s maintained and protected, and how to enjoy it safely and sustainably.

Whether you’ve never set foot on the A.T. or you have hiked the entire length of the Trail (maybe more than once!), there is always more to learn about the A.T. and the groups like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy who have pledged to protect it. Below are some of the most common questions we have received about the A.T. and the ATC.

Last updated: July 17, 2023

General Information About the A.T. and the ATC

What is the appalachian trail (a.t.).

Where does the Trail begin and end?

Photo by Jordan Bowman

How long is the Trail, exactly?

Visit our Media Room to learn the current length of the Trail (and other fun Trail facts!) and read more about the A.T. in each state here.

Who is in charge of the A.T.?

You can read more about the history of the Trail and ATC by clicking here .

Photo by Horizonline Pictures

What does the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) do?

The work of the ATC covers ranges from on-the-ground Trail maintenance to comprehensive administrative coordination to ensure the holistic needs of the A.T. are met. The following are just a few of the responsibilities that the ATC fulfills:

• The ATC unites land management agencies and A.T. Maintaining Clubs , ensuring Trail-wide consistency in upholding the natural and cultural values for which the Trail is protected while keeping volunteers at the forefront of A.T. management.
• The ATC acts similarly in our land conservation work — uniting land management agencies, local organizations, volunteers, and land trusts to conserve the critical but threatened Appalachian landscape. Read more about our landscape conservation efforts here .
• The ATC provides educational and up-to-date information about the Trail so every visitor can help steward this special resource and have a safe, enjoyable visit to the A.T.
• The ATC Science and Stewardship team helps ensure the A.T. and its surrounding lands are conserved and healthy . This includes combating invasive species, improving and protecting key habitats for native plants and animals, and reinforcing the climate resiliency of A.T. lands.

Click here to learn more about our work.

How is the ATC funded?

To learn more about how we put various funding sources to use, view our most recent Impact Report .

To make a donation to the ATC and help us continue our work to protect, manage, and advocate for the Trail, visit our Ways to Give page .

Can I visit the ATC in person?

Yes, we would be happy to see you at any of our three visitor centers :

• The Damascus Trail Center in Damascus, Virginia
• ATC Headquarters and Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• ATC Visitor Center in Monson, Maine (open June-October)

Photo courtesy of the Town of Damascus

How can I get involved and give back to the Trail?

There are many ways for everyone to give back to the Trail:

• Become a member of the ATC today .
• Donate to help protect and conserve the A.T. and A.T. landscape .
• The A.T. is maintained by 30 volunteer A.T. Maintaining Clubs. Find and join your local A.T. Club .
• Find an upcoming volunteer opportunity near you .

For additional ways to help us continue our work to protect, manage, and advocate for the Trail, visit our Ways to Give page .

I am interested in volunteering for the A.T. Where can I find an opportunity near me? What volunteer roles are available?

A great place to start is the ATC’s Volunteer Opportunity Database . This will allow you to enter your desired location and the type of volunteer activities you would like to be a part of. Learn more at www.volunteer.appalachiantrail.org .

Another great option is to get involved with one of the 30 Trail Maintaining Clubs located along the A.T. These volunteer-led clubs are the on-the-ground force that ensures the Trail is maintained and repaired for another year of A.T. adventures. These Clubs also have opportunities for group hikes and other fun team-building activities.

Does the ATC offer any hiker services like hostels, shuttles, etc.?

Since the ATC’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, our services focus on preparing hikers to have a safe and low-impact visit to the A.T. We do this by putting out accurate and up-to-date information about the Trail, hiking the A.T., and Leave No Trace guidelines for the Trail through our website, social media channels, and visitor centers.

There is a wealth of hiker services up and down the Trail such as shuttle drivers, hostels, outfitters, and other businesses that help support local economies. More information can be found in up-to-date guidebooks such as the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker’s Companion . For information about getting to and from the Trail, visit our Transportation Options page.

Visiting the A.T.

Is the a.t. easy to follow.

While the A.T. is well marked, hikers should always carry a paper map and compass — and know how to use them together — in case of an emergency .

What are the easiest and hardest parts of the Trail?

Each part of the Trail poses its own challenges, and the difficulty of any given section largely depends on conditions and each hiker’s personal fitness level. However, northern Virginia (including Shenandoah National Park) through Maryland is generally considered the easiest part of the A.T. due to its relatively mild grade and more frequent road crossings.

The White Mountains of New Hampshire and southern Maine are generally considered the most difficult section of the Trail. This is due to the rugged terrain, including many steep 1,000+ foot ascents and descents, often long distances between road crossings, and the rocky and root-filled footpath.

How do I get to the A.T.?

The easiest way to get to the Trail is to drive, as many of the access points to the Trail are in remote locations.

However, there are several sections of the A.T. that are accessible via public transportation, and there’s an extensive network of shuttle drivers along the Trail that can transport hikers to most locations along the Trail.

Visit our Transportation Options page for more information.

Where do I park?

There are parking areas at most road crossings along the Trail and parking areas range from simple dirt lots big enough for only a few cars to large, paved parking areas. Many lots also allow overnight parking. Visit our Transportation Options page for more information.

Keep in mind that most A.T. parking lots are not monitored. Never leave valuables in your car and check our Trail Updates page for reports of vandalism. Consider carpooling to reduce congestion in trailhead parking lots.

Can I just visit the Trail for a day?

Yes! Most visitors to the Trail only visit for a day or even just a few hours, called a “ day hike .” Most of those visits are concentrated on popular destinations on the A.T. that can be seen on a day hike. If you plan to visit a popular place on the Trail, we encourage the following to help preserve the Trail:

• Always practice Leave No Trace , including being prepared for where you’ll be hiking and packing out all trash and food waste. If you need to go to the bathroom on your hike , be sure to either pack it out or bury it in a 6-8” hole.
• Visit during the week if you can. Popular hikes can become extremely congested on weekends or holidays.
• Plan an alternative hike in case the trailhead is full when you arrive. Do not park along the road if trailhead parking is full and follow instructions on posted signs.
• Come prepared with the 10 Essentials in your pack.

Learn more about day hiking on the A.T. at appalachiantrail.org/dayhike . The 14-State Challenge is also a great way to experience the A.T. without hiking the entire Trail.

Does hiking on the A.T. cost money? Do I need a permit?

There are minimal fees to access the Trail itself and only a few sections of the Trail where a permit is required. There is no single Trail-wide permit.

Permits are required in:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: must be obtained in advance and costs $8 per person or $40 for an A.T. Hiker permit. There are additional fees for parking a vehicle within the park.
• Shenandoah National Park: must be obtained in advance and costs $9 per person and $6 per permit reservation. There are also additional fees for entering the park.
• Baxter State Park: must be obtained in person before hiking Katahdin and are free. There are fees for entering the park in a vehicle and staying in campgrounds in the park.

Visit our permit page for more information.

In addition to the fee for the permit for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the only other place where hikers will encounter fees on the Trail itself is in New England, where there are several overnight campsites that have fees ranging from $5 to $20 per person. These fees go back to maintaining the Trail.

Are there bears on the A.T.?

The rich ecosystems along the Trail are some of the most diverse and untouched in the eastern United States and bears are an important part of what makes those ecosystems so special. In addition to black bears, a plethora of native species — snakes, mice, birds of prey, coyotes, deer, moose, and more — call the A.T. home.

The best way hikers can help protect A.T. wildlife is by properly storing their food in a bear canister overnight, packing out all trash and food scraps, and never leaving food unattended. Learn more about bear safety, proper food storage, and bear canisters at appalachiantrail.org/bears .

Hiking and Other Activities on the A.T.

Do i need to register my hike with the atc.

Thru-hikers, section hikers, and organized groups (6 or more people traveling together such as camps, college orientation trips, scouts, etc.) should register their hikes on ATCamp, the ATC’s voluntary registration platform . While registration is not required, we highly recommend it.

Registration helps reduce overcrowding on the Trail, which can help prevent damage to the footpath and overnight sites that comes with overuse. Registrants can also opt-in to receive urgent Trail alerts and helpful resources for having a safe and fun visit to the Trail.

Visit ATCamp.org to register your hike today!

Do people hike the entire Trail?

Yes! About 3 million people visit at least a portion of the A.T. each year, and a small percentage of those visitors hike the entire Trail in one year — also known as a “ thru-hike ” — or are working toward completing the entire Trail over several years — also known as “ section hiking .”

Thru-hikers complete the entire A.T. in 12 months or fewer (the average thru-hike takes about six months to complete). Section hikers, on the other hand, complete the Trail over two years or more.

If you have completed the A.T., you can apply for a 2,000-miler congratulatory certificate and read about how many people have completed the Trail on our 2,000-miler page .

Learn more about hiking basics here .

Do people sleep along the A.T.?

Yes, much of the Trail winds through the last remaining wilderness of the densely populated east coast, and backpackers may not cross a road for three days or more. So, they camp along the Trail. There are over 250 rustic backcountry shelters along the A.T., most of which are three-side lean-tos. Dispersed camping is also allowed along about half of the A.T.

Backpackers or hikers out for more than a day must carry everything they’ll need on their backs, including a sleeping bag and personal shelter. Learn more about what to carry here.

How do people get food along the Trail?

Along with all the gear they will need, hikers must also carry all the food they need. Day hikers and overnight hikers should always plan on carrying enough food for their trip plus an extra day’s worth of food in case of unexpected delays on the Trail. Long-distance hikers carry enough food to sustain them until they can get to a road crossing and visit a town.

How much food each hiker carries will vary depending on dietary needs, how often each hiker plans to visit towns, and the region of the Trail. For example, the southern and northern ends of the Trail tend to be more remote. In a section of northern Maine called the 100 Mile Wilderness, many hikers will carry seven to ten days’ worth of food. In northern Virginia through southern New England, hikers may only carry two to three days’ worth of food since road crossings are more frequent.

Learn more about hiking staples and how hikers resupply here .

Do I need to treat my water?

For day hikers, it is often possible to carry in all the water you will need for shorter hikes — always carry at least two liters of water. However, if you are planning an overnight or multiday trip, you should always bring some form of treatment for backcountry water sources. Unless there is an official sign stating that the water is potable, all water along the A.T. should be either chemically treated or filtered before drinking . This includes fresh springs and “piped” water sources at shelters.

While water is generally plentiful along the Trail, some water sources may go dry during drought and others go dry seasonally during summer and fall. Check our Trail Updates page for recent reports of dry water sources and note which water sources are labeled as “seasonal” in guidebooks.

Are dogs allowed on the A.T.?

Dogs are allowed on almost the entire Trail. Dogs are not allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (~72 miles), the Trailside Museum and Zoo in Bear Harriman State Park (less than 1 mile), and in Baxter State Park (~14 miles).

The ATC recommends that dogs are kept on a leash at all times, and dogs are required to be on leash for about half of the Trail. Be sure to pack out or bury your dog’s waste as you would your own. Read more about bringing your pup on the Trail here .

Photo by Stephen Yocom

Is the A.T. safe?

While there are safety concerns to consider when visiting the A.T., most dangers on the Trail can be mitigated with proper planning and preparation. This includes the Trail’s most common hazards: weather , injuries (such as falls and lower leg injuries), and ticks . Keep in mind that much of the Trail winds through remote backcountry where assistance may be many hours away. It is the responsibility of each hiker to be informed and prepared for the terrain and conditions they may encounter.

Serious crime on the A.T. is rare. However, the Trail is not immune from the problems that plague society at large. It is important to be prepared to encounter a wide range of different people on the A.T. and take precautions when speaking with strangers. Trust your gut, be polite but wary of new people you meet, and disengage/leave any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. Always call 911 in an emergency.

Visit our safety page to learn more about the hazards you may face when hiking the Appalachian Trail and how to best prepare for a safe, healthy hike. Always share your hiking plans with someone at home before you head out.

Where can I purchase maps and guidebooks?

Links to maps and guide sets for the entire A.T. can be found in our Ultimate Appalachian Trail Store® . Local A.T. maps can also be purchased in person at any ATC visitor center (see above).

Can the ATC help me find a hiking partner?

The ATC does not maintain any message boards or lists of potential hiking partners. However, you can always reach out to your local A.T. Maintaining Club to attend an outing or ask if they know of anyone interested in hiking with you.

Other sources like social media groups, hiking forums, and A.T. websites may be helpful. Always be sure to properly vet any hiking partners.

Registering Your Trip on ATCamp.org

I'm having trouble registering - do you have any step-by-step instructions.

Yes! See our ATCamp Step-by-Step Registration Instructions for detailed help with registering. If you still have trouble, please contact us.

Do I have to register my hike on ATCamp.org?

ATCamp is a voluntary registration platform and registration is not required. However, we strongly encourage registration. ATCamp is a visitor use management tool that helps reduce overcrowding and subsequent resource damage on the A.T. and provides the ATC with data on the overall use of the Trail. This information helps the ATC, volunteer Clubs, and agency partners best manage the Trail and Trail resources.   

Registered hikers can also opt-in to receive urgent Trail alerts and other information to help them plan a safe and successful visit to the A.T.  

Overnight and thru-hikers starting at Amicalola Falls State Park are required by the park to register on-site for safety reasons in case of emergency. Registration on ATCamp will expedite on-site registration at AFSP. Have your ATCamp registration number readily available to take advantage of this.  

Does my ATCamp registration guarantee me a spot in the shelter?

No, ATCamp is a voluntary registration system, not a reservation system. Except in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM), all A.T. shelters are first come, first served. In GRSM, you will need to apply for a required permit. ATCamp is not a reservation system for Appalachian Mountain Club White Mountain huts.  

Organized groups are asked to not stay in shelters and instead camp nearby in established sites. Learn more about Leave No Trace for groups on the A.T. here.    

Does my ATCamp registration cover the permits I need for my hike?

No, ATCamp registration does not replace the required permits for Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM), Shenandoah National Park, or Baxter State Park. Please note that there is no single Trailwide permit for the A.T.   

Learn more about the required permits for the A.T. here.    

Should I edit my registration if my start date or plans change?

Yes , i f you r plans change , please edit your registration to reflect your new start date/itiner ary. Be sure to check that your new preferred start date and campsites are not already at capacity .  

How do I edit or cancel my ATCamp registration?

You can change or cancel your registration by clicking on the “Edit” button in the My Registrations section of your ATCamp account.

If you are changing your start date, please be sure to check that your new preferred start date and campsites are not already at capacity. If your new preferred start date and itinerary are at capacity, please choose a different start date/itinerary to help prevent damage to the Trail.    

The day I want to start my thru hike is at capacity. Can I still register?

The capacity thresholds or quotas for overnight sites are based on available campsites and are set at levels that ensure visitor use will not further degrade A.T. resources. If your desired start date is at capacity , we highly encourage you to choose a different start date.  

Does my registration number change if I change my start date?

No, your r egistration number will stay the same if you edit you r registration .  

Now that I’m registered, will you mail me a hang tag?

The ATC does not mail current year hangtags. One hang tag is allotted per person. Thru-hikers and section hikers intending to complete the entire Trail can pick up hang tags at the following locations:  

• Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center in Dawsonville, GA  
• Damascus Trail Center in Damascus, VA  
• The ATC Harpers Ferry Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry, WV  
• The A.T. Visitor Center in Monson, ME (open June to October)  

Please note that A.T. hangtags are typically available starting in early February each year. Northbound thru-hikers starting in January can get their hangtags at the Damascus Trail Center when they reach Virginia.  

If there are leftover hangtags at the end of the year, they are made available for purchase through our Ultimate A.T. Store® .  

We use ATCamp registration numbers from the previous year to determine the number of hang tags we order. Registration on ATCamp helps ensure that ATC orders enough hang tags for all thru- and section hikers.  

How do I stop ATCamp alerts to my phone/email?

You can turn off ATCamp alerts by updating that setting in your ATCamp account under Trail Alert Settings. 

Learn more about the ATC and the A.T.

Discover more, we oversee the protection and management of the world’s longest hiking-only footpath, the appalachian trail., our conservation work is focused on the protection and stewardship of land surrounding the appalachian trail (a.t.)., give back to the trail, join our mission, help support our mission to protect, manage, and advocate for the appalachian trail by making a gift to the trail today, getting ready for an a.t. adventure this library of resources will help you stay safe, healthy, and responsible on the appalachian trail., for the love of the trail, learn ways that you can help protect natural habitats and preserve the one-of-a-kind appalachian trail hiking experience., give back to the a.t., ways to volunteer, volunteers are the heart and soul of the appalachian trail, and there are many opportunities for you to give back to the trail you love so much., protect your trail, learn how the atc stands up for the appalachian trail and its surrounding landscape — and how you can help..

Read the latest news and updates about the Appalachian Trail and our work to protect it.

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Find yourself surrounded by an amazing 360° view as you stand atop the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains.

Visit Mount Mitchell

Mount Mitchell's summit (elevation 6,684 feet), located in the Black Mountain range of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. The peak is located off of the Blue Ridge Parkway  in Mount Mitchell State Park, just 35 miles northeast of downtown Asheville. You can drive nearly all the way to the summit, making it easy to explore this natural wonder. And, it's free for all to enjoy.

At the summit, there's an observation deck. On a clear day, you can enjoy spectacular views and see as far as 85 miles! Also at the summit, you'll find a museum, shop and restrooms. The State Park also features a restaurant (open spring to fall).

Top Hikes at Mount Mitchell State Park

1. Summit Trail Hike from Parking Area:  From the summit parking area, take the easy-to-follow paved, handicap accessible path just a quarter mile (about a 10-minute walk) to the observation deck. While the trail is short, it is steep. But the amazing 360-degree views at the top are well worth the effort.

2. Balsam Nature Trail: Discover the balsam aroma of the Fraser firs on this short, 0.75-mile (less than one mile) trail from the lower summit parking area. A tiny stream located along the trail is the highest spring in eastern America. This trail is considered moderate.

3. Old Mitchell Trail: Instead of driving to the summit, park at the State Park office and hike your way to the top! This strenuous trail travels 2.2 miles each way and was the primary trail for reaching Mount Mitchell during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Hikers should allow about three hours.    

Plan Your Visit to Mount Mitchell State Park

It is free to visit Mount Mitchell State Park — there is no admission fee.

The Park is open 7-days a week , year round (closed on Christmas Day). The  hours are seasonal . Please check the Mount Mitchell State Park web site for hours. Most Park services, including the museum, shop and restaurant are open May through October. Even when parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed in the winter due to snow and ice, Mount Mitchell State Park is often still accessible. 

At more than 6,600 feet, Mount Mitchell's summit is often 15-20 degrees cooler than the temperature in downtown Asheville . Plan accordingly by dressing in layers. The summit area is often covered in clouds, keep an eye on weather forecasts and try to visit when the sky is clear in Asheville.

Mount Mitchell is dog friendly. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Directions to Mount Mitchell State Park

Most visitors choose to access Mount Mitchell State Park by taking the Blue Ridge Parkway north from Asheville. Mount Mitchell State Park is located approximately 35 miles northeast of Asheville at Milepost 355.4. The entrance to Mount Mitchell State Park is well signed. From the Parkway, it is a 4.5-mile drive to the summit.

History of Mount Mitchell State Park

Mount Mitchell is part of the Black Mountains, a range formed more than a billion years ago. Scientists say the once lofty and rugged peaks were worn down by erosion to the rounded shapes you'll see today.

In 1835, Dr. Elisha Mitchell, a science professor, headed to the Black Mountains to measure their elevations. Using barometric pressure readings and mathematical formulas, he estimate the height of Mount Mitchell. Even without modern technology, he was just 12 feet off. In 1858, the highest peak in the Black Mountains was named after Dr. Mitchell to commemorate his findings.

In 1915, Mount Mitchell was established as North Carolina's first state park.

Dive deeper into the history of Mount Mitchell State Park and learn more about Dr. Elisha Mitchell by checking out our interactive guide: Explorers of the Blue Ridge Parkway .

Source: North Carolina State Parks

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• M.S., Applied Ecology, Indiana University Bloomington
• B.S., Biology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Appalachian Mountain Range is an ancient band of mountains that stretches in a southwestern arc from the Canadian province of Newfoundland to central Alabama, the heart of southeastern United States. The highest peak in the Appalachians is Mount Mitchell (North Carolina) which lies at an elevation of 6,684 feet above sea level.

Habitat Classification

The habitat zones found within the Appalachian Mountain Range may be classified as follows:

• Ecozone: Terrestrial
• Ecosystem: Alpine / Montane
• Region: Nearctic
• Primary Habitat: Temperate forest
• Secondary Habitats: Mixed deciduous forest (also known as southern hardwood forest), southern Appalachian forest, transition forest, and boreal forest

The wildlife a person might encounter in the Appalachian Mountains includes a wide variety of animals:

• Mammals (moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, beaver, chipmunks, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, groundhogs, porcupines, bats, weasels, shrews, and minks)
• Birds (hawks, woodpeckers, warblers, thrushes, wrens, nuthatches, flycatchers, sapsuckers, and grouses)
• Reptiles and amphibians (frogs, salamanders, turtles, rattlesnakes, and copperheads)

A hiker along the Appalachian Trail would see plenty of plant life as well. More than 2,000 species of plants are believed to live along the mountain range, with 200 species living only in the southern Appalachians.

• Rhododendron, azalea, and mountain laurel are among those producing flowers.
• A multitude of tree species includes red spruce, balsam fir, sugar maple, buckeye, beech, ash, birch, red oak, white oak, poplar, walnut, sycamore, yellow poplar, buckeye, eastern hemlock, and chestnut oak.
• Mushrooms, ferns, mosses, and grasses also are abundant.

Geology and History

The Appalachians were formed during a series of collisions and separations of tectonic plates that began 300 million years ago and continued through the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Eras . When the Appalachians were still forming, the continents were in different locations than today, and North America and Europe had collided. The Appalachians were once an extension of the Caledonian mountain chain, a chain that is today in Scotland and Scandinavia.

Since their formation, the Appalachians have undergone extensive erosion. The Appalachians are a geologically complex range of mountains that are a mosaic of folded and uplifted plateaus, parallel ridges and valleys, metamorphosed sediments and volcanic rock layers.

Conservation

The rich forests and coal veins provided industry to an often impoverished area. But the aftermath sometimes left areas of the Appalachians devastated with air pollution, dead trees, and acid rain. Several groups are working to conserve the habitat for future generations as the native species also face threats from urbanization and climate change.

Where to See Wildlife

The 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail is a favorite of hikers, running from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Main. Shelters are posted along the route for overnight stays, though it isn't necessary to hike the entire trail to enjoy its beauty. For those who would rather drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles from Virginia's Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.

Some of the places you can see wildlife along the Appalachians include:

• Appalachian National Scenic Trail (stretches from Maine to Georgia)
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)
• Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
• White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire and Maine)
• Geology of the Appalachian Mountains
• Appalachian Plateau Geology and Landmarks
• Black Locust, a Common Tree in North America
• North Carolina Printables
• The Eastern Deciduous Forests of North America
• The Wildlife of Zion National Park
• National Parks in Georgia: Live Oaks, Civil War Sites, and Beaches
• Cumberland Gap
• Virginia Printables
• Geologic Maps of the 50 United States
• Geography of the Rocky Mountains
• National Parks in Virginia: American History and Forests
• A Look at the Valley and Ridge
• Southern Conference
• How Geography Shapes Regional Weather of the United States
• Cucumbertree, A Common Tree in North America

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The appalachian mountains: everything you need to know.

Where are the Appalachian Mountains?

The Appalachian Mountains, often referred to simply as the Appalachians , is located along the eastern region of the United States.

How Long is the Appalachian Mountain Range?

The Appalachian Mountain range is approximately 1,500 miles long. It primarily runs parallel to the east coast from the Canadian province of Newfoundland to Alabama in the United States.

What States are the Appalachian Mountains in?

The Appalachian Mountains are located in 15 states in the United States. These states are: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.

The range can be generally categorized into northern, central, and southern sections based on their geographical location and distinctive features.

Northern Section

The northern section of the Appalachians extends through the northeastern United States. It encompasses the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

This region is marked by rugged terrain, notably the Maine woods and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Mount Katahdin, in Maine’s Baxter State Park, represents the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. It’s an area known for its challenging trails, deep forests, and breathtaking scenery.

Central Section

The central section of the Appalachians includes Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

This section is characterized by the impressive Appalachian Plateau. It encompasses the Catskill and Pocono Mountains. This are is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including wooded areas, rolling hills, and river valleys. The region also holds cultural significance due to its coal mining history and the Appalachian folk culture.

Southern Section

The southern section of the Appalachians includes Virginia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.

This section features the Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a region known for its biodiversity, fall foliage, and scenic beauty. The highest peak in the range, Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, lies in this southern stretch.

Where Do the Appalachian Mountains Start and End?

The Appalachian Mountains run north and south. The northern end fades into the Canadian Maritimes, while its southern end terminates in the foothills of northeastern Alabama.

How Did the Appalachian Mountains Form?

The Appalachian range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world .

The Appalachians are primarily folded mountains , characterized by their folded rock layers. The rock layers have been contorted and pushed upwards due to the intense pressure from tectonic movements.

Their story began 500 million years ago when what is now North America and Africa, as well as other landmasses, collided. This collision, known as the Taconic orogeny, brought together several landmasses, forming the supercontinent Pangaea.

Over a period of 200 million years, this ancient mountain chain experienced several phases of uplift, erosion, and reshaping. During subsequent events like the Acadian, Alleghenian, and Ouachita orogenies, the landscape formed its unique geological diversity and varied terrain.

How Big and Tall are the Appalachian Mountains?

The Appalachian Mountains are approximately 1,500 miles long.

In terms of height, the Appalachians vary significantly across their expanse. The highest point is Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, standing at 6,684 feet (2,037 meters). Other notable peaks include Clingmans Dome in Tennessee at 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) and Mount Washington in New Hampshire at 6,288 feet (1,917 meters).

What is the Appalachian Trail (AT)?

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a crown jewel for long-distance hiking. Spanning approximately 2,190 miles (3,540 kilometers), this footpath travels across 14 states:

• Georgia: The trail starts at Springer Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
• North Carolina: It enters the state near the town of Hiawassee and continues through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Tennessee: The trail runs through the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Virginia: The trail covers the most mileage in Virginia, running through George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
• West Virginia: It enters West Virginia briefly near Harpers Ferry, a town considered the psychological midpoint of the trail.
• Maryland: The trail continues through Maryland, passing by several historic sites.
• Pennsylvania: It crosses through the eastern part of Pennsylvania, known for its rocky terrain.
• New Jersey: The trail passes through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
• New York: The AT continues through New York’s Hudson Valley and the Appalachian Trail Metro-North Railroad Station.
• Connecticut: The trail enters the state and passes through a portion of the Housatonic River Valley.
• Massachusetts: It goes through the Berkshires, entering the state near the town of Salisbury.
• Vermont: The trail enters Vermont, following the state’s border with Massachusetts.
• New Hampshire: The trail crosses the White Mountains National Forest, known for its rugged terrain.
• Maine: The trail finishes at Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park, marking the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

The time it takes to hike the entire trail varies greatly from person to person and depends on factors like fitness level, hiking experience, pace, weather conditions, and the chosen itinerary.

Here’s a breakdown of different average completion times:

Thru-Hiking: Thru-hiking the AT involves hiking the entire trail continuously in one season, typically taking about 5 to 7 months. Most thru-hikers start in Georgia at Springer Mountain and hike north to Maine’s Mount Katahdin. The majority of thru-hikers aim to complete the trail within this timeframe, averaging around 15 to 20 miles per day.

Section Hiking: Section hiking involves completing the trail in smaller segments or sections over multiple trips. Some hikers tackle the trail in sections spread across several years. The time it takes to complete the entire trail via section hiking varies greatly. It depends on the length and frequency of the individual trips.

Flip-Flopping: Some hikers opt for a flip-flop hike. This involves starting at a midpoint on the trail, typically Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, and hiking to one end (like Katahdin) before returning to Harper’s Ferry and hiking to the other end (like Springer Mountain). This method may vary in duration but often takes around 5 to 7 months as well.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail as a thru-hike is an epic undertaking. Thru-hikers, as they’re known, face numerous challenges. These include unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and the physical and mental demands of being on the move for many months. The trail culture is vibrant, fostering a sense of camaraderie among hikers, who share stories, support, and resources along the way.

The AT was conceived by Benton MacKaye in the 1920s as a means to connect people with nature. It has become an emblem of endurance and adventure. Completed in 1937, the trail winds through national parks, forests, and protected lands, offering hikers a journey through woodlands, rocky cliffs, and valleys.

For many, the AT is a transformative journey that instills a deep connection with nature, self-discovery, and a sense of accomplishment. Each year, thousands of hikers are drawn by the allure of this monumental outdoor adventure.

Here are some key highlights and noteworthy landmarks along the Appalachian Trail:

• Springer Mountain, Georgia: The southern terminus of the AT, marked by a bronze plaque atop Springer Mountain, serves as the starting point for many hikers.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The AT traverses through this renowned park, offering stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and a section along the highest peaks of the Appalachian range.
• Roan Highlands, Tennessee/North Carolina: Known for its expansive grassy balds, these open meadows provide panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: A scenic stretch of the AT winding through lush forests and meadows, often accompanied by views of the Shenandoah Valley.
• Harpers Ferry, West Virginia: This historic town is home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s headquarters and marks the psychological midpoint of the trail.
• Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania/New Jersey: A picturesque spot where the AT crosses the Delaware River, offering stunning views and recreational opportunities.
• Clingmans Dome, Tennessee/North Carolina: The AT reaches its highest point here at 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) with a spiraling observation tower boasting panoramic views.
• Mount Washington, New Hampshire: Known for its unpredictable weather, this challenging section offers spectacular views but requires caution due to its extreme conditions.
• Mahoosuc Range and the White Mountains, Maine/New Hampshire: This rugged terrain presents some of the most challenging yet scenic sections of the trail.
• Katahdin, Maine: The northern terminus of the AT, Mount Katahdin stands tall at 5,269 feet (1,606 meters), offering a challenging and iconic finale for thru-hikers.

The trail is managed by a partnership between the National Park Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), volunteers, and various agencies. Volunteer-driven organizations dedicate countless hours to trail upkeep, including marking the path, building shelters, and maintaining footbridges.

What Plants and Animals Live in the Appalachians?

The Appalachian Mountains encompass an incredibly diverse range of ecosystems, fostering a rich biodiversity that includes various plant and animal species. The region boasts a variety of habitats, ranging from deciduous forests, mixed hardwood forests, coniferous forests, meadows, wetlands, and rivers. Each habitat supports a unique array of flora and fauna, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area.

The mountains provide habitats for mammals like black bears , white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, and various species of rodents. Bird species like the scarlet tanager, wood thrush, warblers, and raptors such as the bald eagle and peregrine falcon, all live here. Additionally, numerous reptiles, amphibians, and fish species inhabit the rivers, streams, and wetlands.

The Appalachian forests are home to an extensive range of plant species, including diverse tree species such as oak, hickory, maple, pine, spruce, and hemlock. Wildflowers, ferns, mosses, and lichens thrive. The Appalachian flora is known for its vibrant fall foliage, attracting tourists from around the world.

Who Lived in the Appalachian Mountains?

The Appalachian Mountains have been home to various indigenous groups and tribes for thousands of years, including the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Seneca nations, among others. These mountains hold significant cultural and historical importance for Native American communities. They serve as a sanctuary, a source of spiritual inspiration, and a haven for traditional practices.

European settlement in the 18th century brought about cultural mingling, leading to a distinct Appalachian culture deeply rooted in folklore, music, and storytelling. The region’s traditional bluegrass, folk music, and ballads resonate with the tales of the mountains.

Appalachian art and crafts, such as quilting, basketry, and woodworking, reflect the unique cultural heritage of the area. The region’s distinctive dialects and customs further highlight its cultural significance.

How Did the Appalachian Mountains Impact Settlement?

The Appalachian Mountains served as a significant barrier to westward expansion in early American history. The steep slopes, rocky terrain, and dense vegetation, made travel and transportation of goods difficult. This barrier discouraged migration, creating a natural boundary between the established eastern colonies and the largely unexplored western territories.

It wasn’t until the development of better transportation methods, such as improved roads, canals, and eventually railroads, that people were able to traverse the Appalachian Mountains more easily. Eventually, these technologies facilitated the movement of settlers and encouraging westward expansion in the United States.

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West Virginia’s most charming mountain towns

Mar 28, 2022 • 10 min read

West Virginia's mountain communities (and small cities) are amazing spots for arts and culture, local history, nature and food © Courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Tourism

Sponsored by

West Virginia ’s mountain towns are more than just launchpads for Appalachian adventures. From the charming towns of Fayetteville and Lewisburg to historic Harpers Ferry, the state’s favorite mountain communities (and small cities) are also amazing spots for immersing in arts and culture, studying local history, relaxing in nature, and digging into delicious local fare.

Best West Virginia towns for outdoor fun

Fayetteville.

Adjacent to  New River Gorge National Park and Preserve , Fayetteville is easy to love. The courthouse and its tidy square anchor the downtown area, which buzzes spring through fall with whitewater paddlers tackling the New and Gauley Rivers. Hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers use the town as a base camp year-round. 

Sunlight filters through stained-glass windows at  Cathedral Cafe , setting a pretty scene for coffee and pastries. Handle Bar & Kitchen is the sudsy heart of  Arrowhead Bike Farm , where mountain bikers converge for group rides, rentals, camping, burritos, and beer near the stacked-loop Arrowhead Trails. Pop into  Water Stone Outdoors  to upgrade your outdoor gear.  Adventures on the Gorge  and  ACE Adventure Resort  are full-service adventure centers that guide rafting and outdoor trips and offer camping, cabins, and dining.

Davis & Thomas

Sitting side-by-side in Tucker County in the Highlands, Davis and Thomas are twin beacons for fun. New businesses are revitalizing these former mining towns, where mountain bikers gather post-ride. Trails hurtle past waterfalls and natural features in  Blackwater Falls State Park  while the 8-mile  Plantation Trail  unfurls across  Canaan Mountain  in  Monongahela National Forest . 

And hikers? Those in the know explore the windswept terrain of the remote  Dolly Sods Wilderness  atop the Allegheny Plateau. Trails also meander through the boggy  Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge . Hikers and bikers alike kick back with hearty burritos from  Hellbender Burritos  and craft beers at  Stumptown Ales  in Davis. In Thomas,  Mountain State Brewing  serves generous flights while mocha lattes and fresh pastries warm up crowds at  Tip Top Coffee  – which serves cocktails too. Overnight options include the  Purple Fiddle  hostel, the revamped  Billy Motel . Visitors can also take advantage of West Virginia’s nearby state park accommodations, too; Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park both offer lodge rooms, cabins, and camping. 

Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains at the confluence of three rivers, Hinton is a low-key basecamp for family-friendly adventures. A former railroad hub, downtown Hinton today is a bastion of small-town friendliness. Red-brick streets, colorful murals, the 1929  Ritz Theatre , and the  Market on Courthouse Square , known for its sandwiches and pizzas, are the highlights of the 16-block Historic District. The southern gateway to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve , Hinton is eight scenic miles from the park’s pretty  Sandstone Falls . 

Pipestem Resort State Park  lies a mere 20 minutes south of Hinton. Here, inflatable trampolines bounce kids into the water at the Adventure Lake & Splash Park while ziplines hurtle riders through the adjacent forest. And rumors of ax throwing? They’re true. Just head to the Adventure Zone. The park also arranges whitewater rafting trips. For calmer float trips, explore the 2040-acre lake at  Bluestone State Park , located in between Hinton and Pipestem, which offers kayaks, canoes, and boats for rent. Both parks have campgrounds and cabins, or stay at one of the lodges at Pipestem, which over looks Bluestone Gorge.

Best West Virginia towns for food

Anchored by the state capitol building and its striking gold leaf dome, Charleston is an epicenter of politics, art, and cuisine tucked beside the Kanawha River in the foothills of the Appalachians. Perennial dining favorites in the Capitol Street area include  Black Sheep Burritos , home of the tasty Flock of Tacos, and  Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream , where scoops of Espresso Oreo bring families downtown year-round.  Capitol Market  is an indoor-outdoor market selling locally made and sourced products – an excellent pitstop for souvenirs!

In South Hills, innovative spins on Appalachian fare warms crowds at Chef Paul Smith’s  1010 Bridge , showcasing local and seasonal ingredients. Artisan pies at  Lola’s Pizza  also embrace locally sourced ingredients, from the bread to the greens to the sausage.

Students and alumni belt out John Denver’s Country Roads after football games at West Virginia University in Morgantown, a city infused with Mountaineer spirit. Students swarm downtown on weekends during the school year while hikers and sightseers arrive after exploring  Coopers Rock State Forest  and other state parks in warmer months.

Downtown, the multi-use  Caperton Trail  runs along the Monongahela River (“the Mon”), linking a slew of top-notch restaurants with riverfront patios in the Wharf District. One of these patios belongs to  Table9 , a gastropub serving comfort food elevated by fresh local ingredients. Another belongs to Flour and Feed , which features a menu of all-American staples with a twist. Beyond downtown, sushi, steaks, and cocktails collide for a delicious night out at  Bartini Prime  at the Suncrest Towne Centre.

Coal-carrying locomotives chugged into Fairmont for much of the 20th-century, creating livelihoods for generations of coal miners and railroad workers. Restaurants serving quick and hearty fare to workers were mainstays, and a handful of old-school eateries survive today. The city is the birthplace of the pepperoni roll, a soft roll stuffed with cured meat that was created specifically for miners, many of them Italian immigrants. It’s filling, easy to hold, blessed with a long shelf life, and (most importantly) it’s delicious.  Country Club Bakery  created this West Virginia specialty in 1927. Authentic Italian dishes fill the menu at  Muriale’s Italian Kitchen , a Fairmont institution for more than 50 years. 

Best West Virginia towns for relaxation

Berkeley springs.

Tucked in the foothills of the eastern Panhandle, Berkeley Springs is known for its warm mineral waters, which remain at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees. By the terms of the 1776 decree that established the town, the mineral waters must remain free for public consumption – and visitors fill up by the jug full at  Berkeley Springs State Park  in the center of town. Spa services are available at the park’s newly renovated Old Roman bathhouse, which dates from 1815, as well as the Main Bathhouse. Private spas are scattered across town, and  Cacapon Resort State Park  opened a new spa in 2021. Berkeley Springs celebrates the arts with gallery exhibitions, summer concerts, and numerous shows and performances at the  Ice House Theater . 

With a robust selection of spa services, The Greenbrier  – also famed for its mineral springs – is a relaxation oasis unto itself. But nearby Lewisburg rivals the resort as a center of stress-melting bliss. Antique shops, galleries, and boutiques line Washington Street downtown, and the city’s restaurants draw visitors all year.

Inside a sturdy cabin,  Hill & Holler  evokes the best of Appalachia through live music, cold beer, and fantastic pizzas. The comfort fare at  Food & Friends  is a fulfilling reward after cycling the nearby  Greenbrier River Trail . White-linen style and locally sourced fare combine for an unforgettable meal at the intimate  Stardust Cafe  and the dapper  French Goat , which indeed gets French with its Croque Madame and truffle fries. Chopped wood beside the fire pits at  Hawk Knob Cider & Mead  is ready for a summer evening bonfire.

Sprawled across 17,000 acres on the outskirts of Wheeling,  Oglebay  is a public park with private park amenities – including a zoo! Burn off some steam on the two championship golf courses, stroll the gardens, admire the glassworks in the Glass Museum, and explore the historic Mansion Museum – once the home of industrialist Earl W. Oglebay. For true pampering, make an appointment for a warm stone massage at the West Spa at Oglebay Lodge.

Best West Virginia towns for history

Harpers ferry.

Overlooking the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains,  Harpers Ferry  played a role in America’s early industrial endeavors and in the conflict over slavery – in 1859, John Brown tried to spark a slave uprising here. The town is also home to Storer College, which grew from a one-room schoolhouse for formerly enslaved people to a respected college before closing in 1955. The 19th-century buildings in Lower Town, which is the focal point of  Harpers Ferry National Historical Park , are a photographic time capsule, and their museums and exhibits share the town’s complex history

Cafes and B&Bs are scattered along High Street and across Upper Town. Close to the Appalachian Trail and the C&O bike path in Maryland, the entire town has an outdoorsy vibe, with hikers and cyclists stopping for coffee and food.  

Parkersburg

Parkersburg, which sits at the confluence of the Little Kanawha and Ohio Rivers in the Ohio Valley, saw explosive growth after an oil-and-gas boom in the late 1800s. With its prominent tower and eye-catching turrets, the  Blennerhassett Hotel  – a product of the boom – exudes a grand sense of beauty and charm. Guided tours spotlight the history of the hotel, which was completed in 1889. The  Oil & Gas Museum  explores the story of oil and gas production in the region. May through October, sternwheel boats carry passengers across the Ohio River to  Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park . Stroll the manicured grounds, tour the Palladian mansion, and clip-clop across the island in a horse-drawn carriage. 

Victorian- and Tudor-style mansions – the former residences of coal barons – line the streets of tiny Bramwell in the mountainous southern fringes of the state. Established during a late-1800s coal boom, the town once had more millionaires per capita than any other town in the country. Costumed guides lead tours of several houses – furnished with antiques and period furniture – in June and early December. The  Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center at the Bramwell Depot  delves into the region’s coal mining history and offers walking tours. ATV enthusiasts roll onto the scenic Hatfield-McCoy Trails near downtown – and guided ATV tours are a thing!

Best West Virginia towns for art & culture 

A vibrant and diverse arts scene flourishes in West Virginia’s second-largest city. A welcoming place, Huntington feels like three separate cities rolled into one: a thriving college town thanks to Marshall University, a creative arts colony due to its burgeoning downtown arts scene, and a classic all-American city across the board. 

The Decorative Arts Gallery in the  Huntington Museum of Art  showcases West Virginia’s glass-making heritage, with 1000 pieces of glass on display. The  Heritage Farm Museum and Village  is a Smithsonian-affiliated institution that explores 19th-century pioneer life in the Appalachians.  The Loud  is the go-to spot for up-and-coming bands and regional favorites, while the  Foundry Theater , which recently moved into old City Hall, is gearing up to be the region’s destination performance hall for live music, comedy, and visual artists.

On the border of the Monongahela National Forest in the Potomac Highlands, Elkins is an outdoorsy town with an artsy side.  Artists at Work  is a cooperative art gallery selling arts, crafts, and jewelry by more than 20 artists, while the  Downtown Heritage Quilt Trail  follows a series of 8-by-8-ft quilting blocks. Most nights of the week, live music drifts from restaurants and bars downtown. 

An educational hub for Appalachian culture, the  Augusta Heritage Center  at Davis & Elkins College shares the best of the region’s heritage through workshops, dances, and concerts. Its festival and block party is held in Elkins City Park in July. Seven miles south in Beverly, the  Beverly Heritage Center  regularly hosts contra dances, a group folk dance once popular in the Appalachians. 

Wardensville

Dotted with white-clapboard houses, Wardensville is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it outpost of art and culture hugging the Cacapon River. Busy US 48, one of the main roads connecting Washington, DC with Lost River State Park and Seneca Rocks, is the town’s main drag.

Fronted by a statue of a red cow, the  Lost River Trading Post  is the hamlet’s commercial and artistic heart. Antiques, art, and locally produced jams and soap jostle for attention inside this 5000sq-ft former feed store, anchored by a cafe and coffee shop. Glass-blown art and eclectic greeting cards fill the store’s compact Grasshopper Gallery. Downtown, books about the Mountain State greet travelers walking into  Wordplay , the local indie bookstore. After browsing, fuel back up at  Wardensville Garden Market , which offers cookies, pepperoni rolls, granola, and organic greens.

Sponsored by West Virginia Division of Tourism

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This story was crafted collaboratively between West Virginia Division of Tourism and Lonely Planet. Both parties provided research and curated content to produce this story. We disclose when information isn’t ours.

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11 Top-Rated Hikes In The Appalachian Mountains

• Discover breathtaking views and diverse hiking trails in the Appalachian Mountains, home to some of the top-rated hikes in the US!
• From Clingmans Dome to Old Rag Mountain, explore the beauty of the Appalachian Trail, one of the longest trails in the world.
• Whether beginner or expert, enjoy a variety of scenic hikes in the Appalachian Mountains, showcasing stunning landscapes and fall foliage year-round.

Whether novice or experienced, adventurers of all kinds are fascinated with the Appalachian Mountains, an area home to many bucket list US hikes . This mountain range can be found on the East Coast, spanning several states from north to south. If you're wondering where to hike in the Appalachian Mountains, it can feel a little overwhelming trying to find the best trails!

There are a ton of top-rated hiking trails in the Appalachians, many of them providing incredible views of the mountains. Autumn is a popular time to explore these mountains because there are so many fall getaways in the Appalachians that showcase the changing colors during the foliage season. That said, the great outdoors of this region can be enjoyed any time of year.

The Appalachian Mountain Range is one of the oldest in America, even older than the West's Rocky Mountain Range. The Appalachian Trail National Scenic Trail has a long history and is one of the longest hiking trails in the US (actually, it's even considered one of the longest trails in the world !). It's a 2,190-mile trail that traverses through most of this range, and every year, thousands of hikers travel to walk this trail from Georgia to Maine (or vice versa).

Luckily, hikers don't have to commit to such an intense endeavor if they don't fancy it; there are hundreds, if not thousands, of much shorter hikes in this mountain range without having to trek over 2,000 miles. This list explores a number of different yet top-rated day hikes in the Appalachians, each of which has stunning views of the native wilderness.

Sourced from AllTrails and chosen based on their high ratings and number of reviews, these are some of the top-rated hikes in the Appalachians that feature amazing views of the mountains and other stunning sights for which this scenic part of the East Coast is world-renowned.

10 Top-Rated Hikes (According To AllTrails) In The Adirondacks

Clingmans dome, north carolina, alltrails rating: 4.5 /5.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a great place to get incredible views of the Appalachian Mountains, and there is one peak in particular that consistently delivers beautiful views to its visitors: Clingmans Dome, which can be accessed via the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail .

After parking in the lot, hikers will find a neat, paved path that leads up to the summit. Hiking Clingman's Dome is easier than some might think , even if it is a little steep!

Adventurers are rewarded with incredible views when they reach the top, though. Clingman's Dome has a 360-degree observation deck where hikers can take in the majesty of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.

Torne Trail In Bear Mountain State Park, New York

Alltrails rating: 4.7 /5.

This incredible hike is within driving distance of New York City! Bear Mountain State Park is home to an excellent trail system, where visitors can enjoy many different hikes through the forest. This park provides a well-loved natural area for city-dwellers to escape to, and a favorite is the Torne Trail , thanks to its attainable distance and rewarding views.

In just one hour, hikers can escape the bustle of the city and experience beautiful views of the northern Appalachian Mountains.

The view at the top of the trail includes a stunning panorama of the Hudson Valley, showcasing this New York section of the Appalachian Mountains!

Mount Willard, New Hampshire

Looking for a top-rated hike in New Hampshire? Take a walk on the Mount Willard Trail , a moderate trail that's accessible for all skill levels and gives incredible views of the Appalachian Mountains.

This is one of the many scenic Appalachian hiking trails for anyone visiting New Hampshire in the fall! At the viewpoint, hikers can see a sprawling valley full of colorful leaves, making it one of the most beautiful fall foliage hikes in New Hampshire .

Totaling 3.1 miles, Mount Willard is a great hike for everyone in the family. The trail has a gradual incline that eventually delivers hikers to a massive view of the mountains and valley. Adventure into the northern Appalachia and witness the expansive beauty of this mountain range.

These 10 New Hampshire Campgrounds Offer Plenty Of Scenic Mountain Hikes

Peregrine peak via alum cave bluff trail, tennessee, alltrails rating: 4.8/ 5.

This popular hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a no-brainer for those looking for excellent views of the Appalachian Mountains. This 4.5-mile trail takes hikers through the iconic Alum Cave to the top of Peregrine Peak , where visitors can eat lunch and enjoy the view.

The Alum Cave Bluff Trail is a favorite of many. This well-marked trail takes adventurers along a creek before ascending to the Alum Cave and on to Peregrine Peak.

Hikers will cross log bridges, see native flora, and be rewarded with a sprawling view of the Appalachian Mountains at the end. This hike is one of many top-rated trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park , so there are lots of options for day hikes for those staying in the area for a few days.

Breakneck Ridge, New York

Alltrails rating: 4.8 /5.

Challenge yourself with this incredible loop in the Hudson Valley area of New York. The Breakneck Ridge Loop is a 3.2-mile trail that gives incredible views of the surrounding mountains and river.

The Breakneck Ridge Loop is a challenging route due to the rock scramble near the summit. However, for the entire ascent, hikers will be delighted by the stunning views of the northern Appalachian Mountains!

This area is bustling with outdoor recreation opportunities throughout all the seasons. It's a great, scenic place to go rock climbing in the warmer months. In the fall, it provides gorgeous views of the changing foliage.

Knife Edge, Maine

This 8.1-mile loop will take hikers on a breathtaking, unforgettable hike. The Knife Edge Trail in Baxter State Park is a one-of-a-kind hike that teeters along the edge of the northern Appalachian Mountains in Maine!

Knife Edge is not for the faint of heart, though. This unforgettable trail takes people over the ridge line of a mountain, delivering jaw-dropping views. Hikers will enjoy not only panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains but also bragging rights after completing it.

For those in Maine and looking for an excellent hike, explore this loop in Baxter State Park, and don't forget to take pictures!

This trail includes extremely technical sections. It also traverses across an exposed ridge, and hikers should be aware of wind speeds and weather forecasts before departing. Hikers should check in with rangers and heed their advice before embarking on this challenging Appalachian hike.

This Is The Most Scenic Town In Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains

Blood mountain, georgia.

Blood Mountain is an incredible hike to see the sprawling Appalachian Mountains in Georgia. This 4-mile route is a top-rated Appalachia trail because it's well-maintained, immerses hikers in the wilderness, and rewards challengers with amazing views at the top!

This trail takes hikers through the lush forests of southern Appalachia and intersects with the Appalachian Trail. Along the hike, make sure to listen for grouse! While hikers might not be able to see these well-camouflaged birds easily, they will probably hear the sound they make from clapping their wings against their sides.

After ascending all the switchbacks, hikers will find amazing views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains at the top. Blood Mountain is a popular trail in Georgia, so trekkers will likely run into other hikers and nature lovers on the trip!

Billy Goat Loop Trail, Maryland

The Billy Goat Loop Trail in Maryland is a scenic route that provides city-dwellers with a way to enjoy the nature found in southern Appalachia. Less than an hour's drive from Washington D.C., hikers can find this luscious park with incredible views of the Potomac River and the surrounding wilderness!

The Billy Goat Trail is a popular trail in C&O Canal Historic Park , so you'll probably run into other nature lovers. While this trail is definitely accessible for most hikers, there are some technical sections.

The Billy Goat Trail is a great choice for those looking for a natural escape from the city that will provide a physical challenge. Experience natural Appalachia in Maryland on this excellent trail!

10 Hikes In The U.S. Where It's Tough To Get Permits

Wilburn ridge via the appalachian trail, virginia.

This top-rated trail in Grayson Highlands State Park is a great place to see the Appalachian Mountains and get up close and personal with wildlife. That's right - you can hike with wild ponies on the Wilburn Ridge Trail !

This is a family-friendly trail in Virginia that can be shortened based on a hiker's skill levels or needs, making it a great option for kids and adults. Grayson Highlands State Park is home to many scenic trails of varying difficulty, but this one is a favorite because it's attainable, scenic, and takes visitors right through the wild ponies' stomping grounds.

The Wilburn Ridge Trail is a can't-miss trail if you're looking to get amazing views of the Appalachian Mountains in Western Virginia.

Fall is a great time to visit Grayson Highlands State Park, and not only because of the amazing foliage views. The state park holds a 2-day festival with music, food, and activities the whole family will love! Get a taste of southern culture at this mountain festival.

Hawksbill Mountain Trail, North Carolina

Hike this popular trail in Linville Gorge to see incredible views of North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains! The Hawksbill Mountain Trail heads to the top of a 4,000ft mountain and provides breathtaking views of the rolling mountains found in Southern Appalachia.

This 2.1-mile hike is rated as moderately challenging because it includes a fairly steep climb toward the summit. But since the trail is fairly short, it is an attainable hike for most skill levels! This is a great option for kids, giving them the opportunity to see incredible 360-degree views of the mountains.

Linville Gorge Wilderness is an excellent location to explore North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains without having to pay any additional fees. Experience southern Appalachia like a local and hike Hawksbill Mountain!

Depending on the season or your comfort level, a hike in the wilderness might not be your cup of tea. Luckily, there are many spots to see incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains without having to hike at all.

Old Rag Mountain, Virginia

Alltrails rating: 4.9 /5.

Experience the hike of a lifetime going up Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park! This is a top-rated hike that should be on every adventurer's bucket list.

The Old Rag Mountain Loop Trail gives excellent views of the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia in addition to well-earned clout for completing a difficult hike.

This beloved trail is often described as "brutally awesome," according to AllTrails . It is exceptionally challenging, but is also one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park - and for good reason! The Old Rag Mountain Trail takes hikers along a beautiful winding river, up gradual switchbacks, and through several false summits before reaching the stunning 360-degree views at the top.

For those looking to do one of the best hikes in Virginia, Old Rag Mountain is the trail promising precisely that!

While Old Rag Mountain is a challenging trail not suited for four-legged friends, there are plenty of other amazing dog-friendly hikes in Shenandoah National Park that showcase the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains in this region.

20 Scenic Hikes And Drives on The Appalachian Mountains

I’ve done a lot of hiking, road tripping, and exploration across the eastern United States, particularly through the Appalachian Mountains and through these experiences have amassed quite a list of scenic drives and hikes all along this mountain range that I would like to share with you, specifically:

20+ scenic drives and scenic hikes I found in the Appalachian Mountains:

It was once 10, but it’s gotten a lot bigger! But anyway, I’m going to be breaking down this list into 2 categories:

• First I’ll be sharing the scenic drives I’ve done on the Appalachian Mountains and near it (12 so far).
• Then I’ll be sharing the scenic hikes I’ve done on the Appalachian Mountains as well (Over 12 so far).

Now for the hikes, some of them will be broad and some of them will show you specific hikes I recommend you do in each location.

But also do note that many of the hikes on the list here will also be in the same areas as you’ll find the scenic drives on. It just so happens that many of the scenic drives and hikes intersect on the Appalachian Mountains or are nearby!

Background: How I literally explored most of the Appalachian Mountains (by accident)!

It’s crazy to think but it’s true. While I never did the entire Appalachian Mountain hike entirely, only numerous parts of it, when I combine all of my hikes and road trips through this region, at the very least:

• I had driven through 2,000 miles of the Appalachian Mountains.
• Hiked at least several 100 miles across it.

How is that even possible? Well here’s the deal:

You see, over the past few years, I had explored:

• Many nature spots outside New York City.
• Many day hikes outside New York City .
• As well as done many scenic drives in New York State , states south and east of it, and even eastern Canada.

These areas, believe it or not actually cross through much of the Appalachian Mountains (and trail) a nd when I took a look at an official map of the Appalachian Mountains, I was shocked to discover that I really did cover most of this 2,000+ mile range.

In fact, even if we just include New York, many of the Appalachian Mountains locations you’ll find are literally outside the city and so in a way, the Appalachian Mountains are sort of NYC’s next door neighbor, and you don’t have to go far to start exploring them. But anyway:

It wasn’t even my intent to drive through the Appalachian mountains, I was just exploring beautiful spots in states I was visiting, and most of them happened to be along this range, so it worked out just fine!

So if you’re into hiking, but don’t want to do the entire Appalachian trail (like myself), then this will be a perfect list for you.

And if you’re interested in just driving across this range and seeing the best spots, but not getting too physically involved in hiking in it or camping out on it (again, like me), then this list is also perfect for you. You can also include your own list below if you wish to add to the ones here.

First, of all, let me give you the following information:

Here is a map of the entire Appalachian mountain range:

Now this is my own screenshot of the trail and range and at least locations on it which both have hikes and scenic roads you can check out, but for a more specific look at the map of the range, you’re welcome to visit the Wikipedia page on it here .

And I’m still shocked that I covered about 90% of it, again without any intent of doing so!

In fact, here is a list of the road trips I’ve done through the Appalachian Mountains:

1)  My first road trip in the Eastern United States began outside of New York City took me through all of the eastern states of the United States, and covered about 20% of the Appalachian Mountains.

2) My second scenic road trip through the Appalachian Mountains took me through the pretty much all of the southern  and mid section of this region, covering about 60% of it and also had me re-explore many of the same spots of my first road trip.

3)  And finally, my third road trip across eastern Canada had me exploring the northeastern most part of the Appalachian Mountains.

But anyway, what I have done on this particular map above is labeled the most specific regions of the Appalachian mountains (green) and areas close to it which in some cases count as part of it (red).

Some of the drives and hikes I will be giving you are in the red areas too (totally worth viewing, trust me). So let’s begin! We’ll start with:

The 12 scenic roads you’ll find throughout the Appalachian Mountains:

• Gros Morne National Park (Road 480).
• The Cabot Trail scenic (Route 30).
• Bay of Fundy (Route 1).
• Baxter State Park (Park Tote and Perimeter Road).
• White Mountains (Interstate 93).
• Adirondack Mountains (many scenic drives).
• The Catskills (many scenic drives available too).
• Daniel Boone National Forest (scenic drives in Red River Gorge ).
• Delaware Water Gap (Interstate 80).
• Blue Ridge Parkway (most famous scenic drive on the Appalachian Mountains).
• Harriman State Park (Seven Lakes scenic drive).
• Hudson Highlands State Park (Scenic drive 9D).

I’ll be providing more details on each scenic drive shortly but this is a quick list to give you an idea of the many scenic drives out there.

Combined, they span for over 2,500 miles and cover about 90% or more of the Appalachian Mountains.

1) Gros Morne National Park (Road 480):

This region is unofficially part of the Appalachian mountain range and I visited it last year. Gros Morne features hikes, camping, scenic drives and a lot of wildlife.

Now for scenic roads, all you need to do is take the main road which is road 480.

That is the main drive that’ll take you around the park (Gros Morne) and will you’ll be able to see tons of beautiful viewpoints, towns, coastlines and more. The scenic road itself lasts about 1-2 hours.

I have also included a list of things you can while in Gros Morne National Park here . On the map, this area is at the north eastern most part of the Appalachian Mountains.

2) Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia (Route 30):

The   Cabot Trail is located in Nova Scotia and features parts of the Appalachian Mountains mixed with beautiful coastal road.

That entire road itself is a scenic drive you can take and enjoy and it also has plenty of hikes around the area worth checking out.

And even if you’re not much into hiking, the entire Cabot Trail is designed in a way where there are numerous stops along the road where you can stop, get out of the car, enjoy beautiful views, then continue onto the next spot on the trail.

In short, I actually think of the Cabot Trail as being like a California coastal drive , but in the eastern end of the United States (just not as warm!).

3) Bay of Fundy (Route 1):

Bay of Fundy is a large body of water that includes the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

It has peaks and ranges near the coast you can check out and it’s also south west of the Cabot Trail. I went there with my friends and here are the scenic spots in Bay of Fundy   I recommend checking out. 

As for scenic roads, the coastal road (road 1 and 114) there will take you across many different beaches with mountains, sea caves, and alien landscapes that are very picturesque.

Furthermore, one of the most famous things to enjoy in Bay of Fundy are the high and low tides which are incredible to witness.

4) Baxter State park (Park Tote and Perimeter Road):

Within the United States region, the Appalachian trail (not mountains) officially starts at Baxter State park (the northern end of it), while the southern most end is actually in Georgia. Some people decide to take the trail south to north or vice versa.

But anyway, let’s focus on Baxter State Park:

The entire park is a giant series of peaks you can climb up to and drive through.

The main scenic drive is one road which goes by 2 names for some reason (Park Tote and Perimeter Road), which span across the entire park and feature tons of trail heads to explore.

5) White Mountains scenic drive (Interstate 93):

Along the Appalachian range, there are several places which have tons of peaks to check out and the White Mountains are one of them.

This area features huge elevations, one of which is Mt. Washington which is said to have the highest peak in the north east (6,000+ feet). You can also drive to the top of this peak.

In addition, the neighboring peaks in that area feature interstate roads which themselves are scenic to drive through.

In our case, we went across Interstate 93 and that had plenty of viewpoints to check out such as Cannon Mountain .

That will take you through some of the most beautiful spots in this vicinity.

The picture you see to the right is in my opinion the best scenic drive you’ll find in all of the White Mountains as it’s right when you start seeing Cannon Mountain (and others).

Also note far from this place is a cool spot called Flume Gorge .

6) Adirondack Mountains (many options for scenic drives):

This area is located west of the White Mountains. However, this particular range is not officially part of the Appalachians (some say it is) but it is close enough to visit and if you ask me, it is a must see.

The entire Adirondack region is well worth checking out. The highest peak there is Mt. Marcy which I believe you can drive up to the peak of. 

As for scenic roads, you have at least 3 awesome choices (and they are parallel and close to each other):

A) Interstate 87 will take you through this area and the next one on the list (Catskills).

B) The second is route 9N which will take you through both Lake George and Lake Champlain, each of which has many spots to stop and enjoy viewpoints from. In fact, since the Adirondacks are in New York State, here’s other scenic drives in the state you can take .

3) There is a scenic drive that takes you to Mount Marcy and a beautiful called Indian Head trail, and the road to it (see above) takes you through beautiful areas like Lake Chapel which is the image you see above.

7) The Catskill Mountains (many scenic drive opportunities too):

It’s only 3 hours away from New York City.

But if you head directly south (if you’re in #5, the Adirondack area), you will hit the Catskill Mountains along Interstate 87 and be able to drive into the park, and head on it’s own scenic route known as route 23 .

That’s the image you see to the right (or above if you’re on mobile).

That will take you across the many ranges there and into trails and waterfalls which I will be covering in the list of hikes coming up.

The Catskill area is the area I visit most frequently on this list.

8) Daniel Boone National Forest (Red River Gorge drive):

From the Catskills to Daniel Boone National Forest, you will have quite a drive and pretty much all of it will be scenic, but Daniel Boone National Forest, while also slightly out of the way of the range is still close enough to visit, before you get to the last 2 scenic drives on this list.

Daniel Boone National Forest is in Kentucky and has a beautiful scenic drive that is called 715 and there are many routes from that road such as “Chimney Top Rock Road” and “Red River Gorge” which will lead you to beautiful viewpoints that you can hike to, which are close to the roads themselves. 

And pretty much any area around the 715 itself has beautiful spots to visit, especially the natural sandstone region, which is iconic for this particular area. I’ll be adding a post on my drive through there for specific details.

9) Delaware Water Gap (Interstate 80 and other scenic drives):

It only occurred to me in 2021, after visiting the Delaware Water Gap a second time that it’s actually part of the Appalachian Mountain trail and within it lies a bunch of hikes and just as well an awesome scenic drive.

It is interstate 80 and you can take it east or west depending on where you’re coming from to see this beautiful part of Pennsylvania (it divides both this and the NJ state).

The picture you see of me standing is on a famous trail I’ll be sharing with you further below in this article, but just note that Delaware Water Gap is one of the most famous stops along the entire Appalachian Trail, whether for scenic drives or hikes in general.

10) The Blue Ridge Parkway (400+ miles of scenic drives along the Appalachian Mountains):

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the largest section of the Appalachian Mountains where you can drive through what’s known as the Blue Ri dge Mountains .

This section of the range will take you days if not weeks to drive all the way through and explore all the beautiful scenery.

It is easily over 700 miles of drives, and it takes you through many beautiful parts of the Appalachians and in states like Georgia, North & South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

There are many beautiful spots in this area to explore, besides the scenic drives!

11) Harriman State Park (Seven Lakes scenic drive):

One of the closest parks to NYC in which you’ll find connections to the Appalachian Trail and mountains is Harriman State Park and it is quite an awesome place for scenic drives too (and hikes as I’ll explain shortly).

There are several scenic drives in this park but the main one is the Seven Lakes Scenic drive. I do also highly recommend exploring the other roads in this park as it is quite large!

Harriman State Park is a place I’ve begun to explore quite frequently since it’s so close to me and I’ve also hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail in this park too (and run into a lot of people who started in the southern most end of it and have been on it for months too).

12) Hudson Highlands State Park (Road 9D):

Right across the Hudson River from Harriman State Park is another famous spot with Appalachian trail connections known as Hudson Highlands State Park .

The main drive to do in that park is road 9D which will take you through many awesome hiking spots, nice views and more.

The view you see in this picture is me standing on a popular hiking trail known as Breakneck Ridge, which is explained further below, but overall, much of the Hudson River Valley has nice scenic drives and hikes to explore.

Of course, I can’t list all the 100’s of them, but I’ll get into the most popular ones shortly below.

Now onto the 12+ hikes in these parts of the Appalachian Mountains:

Again, there are too many hikes to list, so I’ll just isolate each region and give you some hiking trails to explore in each spot which are quite fun to do!

I’ve connected the list of 12 scenic drives to be close to one or more hikes in the area, so you can combine the drive with a nice hike to get an even better experience overall! And we’ll start by going back to the north eastern most part of the Appalachian Mountains, which begin in Canada (New Foundland):

1) Gros Morne National Park:

Well this park alone has 100’s of hikes. I mention a few of them here, but as a reference, the most popular hikes are:

• The Tablelands.
• The Lookout Hills.
• Trout River (east side of it), long range traverse and more.
• Western Brook Pond .

If you’re into seriously beautiful views, those places have them, but some require permission, a reservation and a guide so keep that in mind.

You can also hike any of the peaks along the main scenic road I mentioned, there’s plenty of places to stop there, and more than plenty of peaks to go up.

You will also see trail heads very often when you are on the main scenic road.

2) Cabot Trail:

Trails are all around this spot and remember, the trail itself is really one long scenic road.

You have coastal and mountain hikes that are worth seeing while you are on this path. I have listed a few places, with awesome waterfalls and scenic views here where I explain my visit to the Cabot Trail .

3) Bay of Fundy National Park:

There is a large park called Fundy National Park in this region which has plenty of hikes to enjoy. You will also find plenty of beautiful coastal areas near the scenic road that you can stop at and explore.

There is PLENTY of hikes to explore at Bay of Fundy and you can get more info on the specific areas to check out for trails and drives in that link.

This area is in the vicinity of the Appalachians but is closer to the coast, and here you’ll find so many things to explore and hike through including sea cave explorations, kayaking underneath natural bridges and seeing whale sightings (among other awesome things).

I never gave Bay of Fundy its due credit because I rushed through it the first time I went here, but in the future, I will explore it far better.

4) Baxter State Park (where the Appalachian trail officially begins): 

If you start the Appalachian trail in the United States and begin from it’s northern end, it’ll start here at Baxter State Park and besides that entire trail being an amazing hike, the particular part of Baxter State where I recommend you go hiking is Gulf Hagas (only if you’re experienced).

Just a fair warning: A l ot of insect repellent because this place has so many bugs that it felt like a insect plague was upon us when my friend and I went through it.

And furthermore, there is another awesome hike within Baxter State park I recommend exploring which is:

Mount Katahdin . This is the second largest mountain in the northeast (largest in Baxter State Park) and is a popular spot to check out (it’s the picture you see here). I wanted to do try going up this place, but sadly, I didn’t have enough time.

It IS on my list, but it’s got amazing views. It is also a dangerous hike, so  please know this.

5) White Mountains, New Hampshire (many Appalachian Mountain hikes available):

So there’s a bunch of peaks worth exploring in the White Mountains:

For starters, I really enjoyed Mount Cannon, from which you can see beautiful views of the neighboring peaks such as Mt. Lafayette.

If you really want to challenge yourself, go up Mt. Washington, or drive up it if you want to save time and enjoy the views. Mt. Washington is the biggest mountain in the eastern part of the United States, at over 6,000 feet high.

Many of these mountains also have ski resorts, which means they also include gondolas which will take you up to the top all year long.

That’s what my buddy and I did when we went there (we just didn’t want to do the long hike).

6) Adirondack Mountains:

Well this park has over 40 peaks you can explore. Here is a list . But I personally enjoyed the drive and areas to check out near Mt. Marcy, the largest peak in that region. Here’s just some hikes to consider:

• Indian Head.
• Mt. Marcy Loop Trail.
• Grand Traverse (25 miles).

7) The Catskills:

Without a doubt, you need to see Kaaterskill falls in the Catskills (above) and go on the hike which leads to it.

If you have issues with difficult hikes, you can take 2 trails which lead to this waterfall, one from the top, which is an easy walk to an overlook and even to the edge of the waterfall OR you can take the main trail, upwards to the base of the falls, which is about a mile long trail, one way.

I also have my list of hikes to do in the Catskills you need to see and hike through and just as well, here is a list of 10 hikes in the Catskills that encompass this mountain region.

Additionally, plenty of other peaks are all around the Catskills and here is a list .

There is also a very famous trail known as Devil’s Path which is considered very difficult and one that crosses 3 peaks and spans for over 20 miles.

8) Daniel Boone National Forest (Hike in Red River Gorge):

Any area near Red Gorge is a must see for hiking and general sight seeing. It offers the best viewing spots of the entire national forest area. 

And make sure to check out Sky Bridge , the most iconic part of this forest.

This literally looks like a bridge, but it’s made naturally from erosion. And there are more than a few similar looking spots across the Red Gorge area as well as Daniel Boone National Forest.

You’ll even be able to see tons of caves here too! My buddy and I were glad we decided to head away from the Blue Ridge Mountains to explore this region.

9) Delaware Water Gap’s hikes:

The main one I recommend is the Mt. Tammany trail. It’s on the southern most end of the Delaware Water Gap and is VERY close to the Appalachian Trail too.

It’s a fairly challenging hike that provides awesome views of the region as you can see to the right.

Additionally, the whole region is full of hikes, but there’s one park at the northern most end of this area which literally connects to the Appalachian Trail and that is High Point State Park .

Having been there, I saw signs for the Appalachian Trail several times (it’s a white color).

10) Blue Ridge Mountains (tons of hikes):

My buddy and I mainly cruised through this area so we experienced much of the scenic drive in this region, but all across it are hiking trails.

As long as you remain on the main Blue Ridge Mountains road , you will see plenty of signs for trail heads.

If you actually do the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Mountains is where you’ll be doing the largest section of the trail on but at the same time, through the near 400 miles of mountains, lie tons of trails, hikes and opportunities for people of all skill levels.

In fact, if you’re traveling through the Blue Ridge Mountains and want to find nearby trails, see my post on how to find easy hikes near me to see what’s available near you.

It’s not out of the realm of possibilities that the Blue Ridge Mountains give you access to 100’s of trails, many of them leading you to beautiful waterfalls, overlooks and more, and this doesn’t even include that the Appalachian Trail itself also has much to offer to you in this region.

11) Harriman State Park (tons of cool hikes):

Again, the Appalachian Trail literally goes through Harriman State Park and I’ve crossed a chunk of it twice already.

But this park offers so many more trails worth exploring and there’s many hikes available, some of which include:

• Reeves Brook Loop trail .
• The Long Path Hike .
• Other custom trails I listed in this Harriman State Park article .
• Trails where you’ll find mines (Pine Swamp is one of them).

Harriman State Park is just an awesome place for hiking and exploring cool stuff, period.

12) Hudson Highlands State Park (3 recommended hikes):

The Appalachian trail is on the southern end of the park, but there are some hikes I highly recommend checking out such as:

• Breakneck Ridge .
• Bull Hill Loop Trail .

Those 2 are REALLY fun hikes I’ve done numerous times and each of those articles will show you what to expect and what’s worth seeing near each one.

Then there’s also a hike called Anthony’s Nose , which I personally think isn’t that fun (having done it), but one of the ends of this trail has you go on the Appalachian Trail, but only for about a quarter of a mile.

If you’re looking to hike small pieces of the Appalachian Trail and add it to your collection vs doing the whole thing, then hiking the Anthony’s Nose might be for you.

The other 2 hikes I mentioned above are in my opinion way more fun to explore and close enough to the Appalachian Trail that it’s worth checking out.

Exploring the Pacific Northwest, and seeing places like the Appalachian Mountains:

Once my road trip through the Appalachian Mountains was done, I decided I needed to explore new areas, and in this case on the west side of the United States.

While the eastern United States holds basically one mountain region (the Appalachians), the west side has several:

1) The Colorado Rockies (3,000 miles) which actually go up to the Canadian Rockies too.

2) The mountain ranges of Utah (Explore the Mighty 5 National Parks to see most of them). And there’s also tons of awesome scenic drives in Utah that have you cross these ranges too!

3) The Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges (400+ miles). You’ll find great parks there like Yosemite National Park , and then there’s Kings Canyon National Park which is also connected to Sequoia National Park as well. The mountain ranges around these 3 national parks are bigger than the Appalachian Mountains (and also more beautiful in my opinion).

4) The mountain ranges of the Pacific Northwest basically, which go through Oregon, Washington ( Olympic National Park ) and more.

As much as I liked the Appalachian Mountains, I enjoyed the sights and adventures I saw in many of the above places more. The mountains are higher, the nature is more mixed and in my opinion, there’s more to see. In the end, exploring all of these ranges is what I recommend you do.

Hi I'm Vitaliy, I love nature travel and this blog encapsulates all of my adventures and top recommendations of what to see (and what to avoid).

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Thank you for the thorough description of these wonderful places and the beautiful photos! These drives must have been really fantastic! Also interesting for me that some of them are not far from New York! 

Exploring any of the places or peaks mentioned by you could be delightful for anybody. Are these places well-known by people or many tourists?

Hi Agnes, most of these places are very popular, so many people do visit them, but usually seasonally. I’m sure if you go to any of these spots on a weekday, and during a none busy season, that you’re likely find very few people, if any on these drives or hikes.

For example, when I visit the Catskills , most of the time, it’s on a weekday and during those periods, I hardly ever see anyone, despite the fact that the locations I visit are very popular. But I have made the mistake of visiting these same spots on weekends during the summer or on a long weekend, and it’s those times when these same places are packed.

Wow! Your exploration and love for adventurism is something worth emulating. I still couldn’t believe some of the scenic views are actually accessible to humans. However, being a nature lover and an introvert, I would give anything to stay a day at Catskills. Its such a beautifully silent area with lush green plants. I cannot ask for more. I’m really appreciative of you for sharing all this beautiful places.

No problem Phillip. The Catskills are certainly one of my favorite places to visit near NYC.

OMG. That Bay Of Fundy looks AMAZING! Yet another golden nugget by Vitaliy. I love your site man. You have really gone to some places, and motivated me to want to visit them too. 

I grew up in the Ozark Mountains myself, so I love the mountainous terrain. I’ve never had the opportunity to explore the Appalachians, and honestly wouldn’t know where to start if I hadn’t come across your page. 

You really make it easy to pick out obscure destinations that are loaded with natural beauty, so thank you for putting in the time to so clearly lay it out for everyone.

For the record, I will be taking pictures at the Daniel Boone bridge , and at the Catskills when we end up out there, and I’ll make a note to credit you for the discovery when I post the pictures. Very cool travels, I’m jealous!

I hope to see more awesome destinations on your site! Keep up the awesome work!

Thanks Bobby. I’d love to know how you like Daniel Boone National Forest and specifically, the Skybridge you mentioned. Other than that, I’ve listed over 40 articles with a bunch of different places I’ve checked out, so you’re welcome to see my whole blog archive.

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Appalachian Mountains States

The Appalachian Mountains span over 2,000 miles across the eastern and northeastern parts of the United States , as well as into the Maritime provinces of eastern Canada . As far as the American portion, in approximate order from southwest to northeast, participating states include: Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina (only its extreme northeast border), North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio (just the slightest brush of its border), Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Because of some transitional gray areas and subrange semantics, certain authorities include Mississippi but exclude a few borderline states. In any case, this swath of the U.S. is blessed by a rolling, densely forested, and biologically diverse strip of wilderness that constitutes the oldest mountain range on the continent and is second only to the Rocky Mountains in terms of North America's longest. Let's explore this enthralling region and learn a bit more about the (major) states that comprise it.

The Carolinas

West virginia, pennsylvania, connecticut, massachusetts, new hampshire.

Highest Point: Cheaha Mountain (2,407 feet)

Northern Alabama represents the southwesternmost section of the Appalachian Mountains. One of the best ways to get a feel for the area is to drive the 80-mile Appalachian Highlands Scenic Byway. This will take motorists through Cheaha State Park, the Talladega National Forest, and the trailhead of the 339-mile Pinhoti National Recreation Trail. The latter actually connects to the southern terminus of the famed Appalachian Trail (more on this in a moment, a lot more, actually!), making it a worthy addition for thru-hikers looking to extend their already multi-month journey.

Highest Point: Brasstown Bald (4,784 feet)

From northeastern Alabama, the Appalachian Mountains roll into northern Georgia. Here, at Springer Mountain, the Appalachian Trail begins. Some 4,000 long-distance backpackers arrive at Georgia's terminus each year to commence their arduous 2,197-mile journey to Mount Katahdin in Maine (but only about one-quarter actually make it there). The mountains of Georgia's only national forest, Chattahoochee-Oconee, are rugged but also lush and rich in clear-running streams, making for a stimulating first taste of the world's longest hiking-only trail. The AT can also be enjoyed as a relaxing day hike. Over three million people walk part of the national footpath each year.

Highest Point: Clingmans Dome (6,643 feet)

From northeastern Alabama and northwestern Georgia, the Appalachians converge in eastern Tennessee. This section of the state is home to the most visited, most biologically-diverse, and one of the top-rated national parks in the United States , Great Smoky Mountains , as well as one of the best towns for outdoor enthusiasts . The "Smokies'' are a famous Appalachian subrange that is teeming with life, personality, and four-season possibilities. Across the 520,000-acre titular national park, there are 19,000 documented species of flora and fauna, including 1,500 flowering plants, 200+ birds, 100 native trees, and healthy black bears, elk, foxes, otters, and more populations. The resort town of Gatlinburg sits on the park's north-central boundary, giving some of GSM's 13.3-million annual visitors a place to fuel up, hit the trails, walk the SkyBridge, or take a stunning ride on the "chondola" or aerial tramway.

South Carolina's Highest Point: Sassafras Mountain (3,553 feet)

North Carolina's Highest Point: Mount Mitchell (6,684 feet)

The Appalachians barely sneak into South Carolina's northwesternmost sliver before traversing all of North Carolina's western side. North Carolina not only shares Great Smoky Mountains National Park (and the Clingman's Dome hike) with Tennessee, but The Tar Heel State also lays claim (along with Virginia) to the most visited of all 429 sites managed by the National Park Service: the Blue Ridge Parkway. This soothing yet jaw-dropping mountain road welcomed nearly 16.8 million motorists in 2023. Another important note about North Carolina is that its tallest peak, Mount Mitchell (6,684 feet), is also the highest point in the entirety of the Appalachian Mountains/eastern U.S.

Highest Point: Black Mountain (4,145 feet)

Southeastern Kentucky grabs the Appalachians' torch from northeastern Tennessee and carries it all the way up to West Virginia. Though the Appalachian Trail passes this idyllic region, there is still plenty of alternative outdoor recreation to be enjoyed. Here, the fields of bluegrass (after which the state gets its nickname) give way to the striking canyons, rocky cliffs, countless caves, slim ridgelines, seductive shoulder-season foliage, and the sounds of front porch country bands that characterize Kentucky's mountainscape. Plan to visit Carter Caves State Resort Park, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, and Cave Run Lake in this part of Appalachia.

Highest Point: Mount Rogers (5,729 feet)

The Appalachians grace all of Virginia's curving western section. The Blue Ridge Parkway, aka "America's Favorite Drive," is once again a major highlight (as it is split roughly equally between North Carolina and Virginia). According to the official mileposts, the 469-mile scenic drive flows in a northeast-southwest direction, starting in Shenandoah National Park, near Waynesboro, Virginia, and arriving in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cherokee, NC. Virginia also boasts the longest section of the Appalachian Trail out of all 14 participating states (i.e., 531.7 miles, plus another 25.3 miles along the border with West Virginia).

Highest Point: Spruce Knob (4,863 feet)

Even though the Appalachian Mountains cover the majority of West Virginia's land area, the aptly nicknamed "Mountain State" sees the shortest section of the Appalachian Trail. With that said, the 2.4 in-state miles and 25.3 border miles are some of the best of the entire trek. Harpers Ferry National Historic Park is both picturesque and informative (it is a major Civil War site) and is also home to the welcoming town by the same name and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters and Visitor Center. This place of respite has been dubbed the "psychological halfway point" by AT enthusiasts. West Virginia's other Appalachian highlights include Cooper Rock State Forest, New River Gorge National Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, and Cacapon Resort State Park (to name a few).

Highest Point: Backbone Mountain (3,360 feet)

Squished between West Virginia and Pennsylvania, the long westward arm of Maryland is the part of this Mid-Atlantic state that wades into the Appalachian Mountains. This 40.9-mile section of the Appalachian Trail is considered one of the easier-going stretches. Here, the elevation ranges between 230 and 1,880 feet above sea level, and the trail rating is between one and six (i.e., easy to moderate). Maryland, therefore, is an excellent place for new hikers to foster an enthusiasm for the sport/pastime (depending on your approach). Maryland also benefits from easy access to the trail and is blessed with lots of nice overlooks, parks, and historic sites along the way. Besides the AT, the 49,000-acre Green Ridge State Forest (Maryland's largest contiguous public land area) is another great spot from which to enjoy the mountains and a slew of outdoor recreation.

Highest Point: Mount Davis (3,213 feet)

The Appalachians dominate the entire core of Pennsylvania. This part of The Keystone State is ideal for Civil War buffs (given that Pennsylvania saw significant movements by the armies of the North and South), fans of roadside artisan craft shopping (remember, we're knocking on Amish country now), and checking off oodles of state parks, including but certainly not limited to, Pine Grove State Park, where the Appalachian Trail Museum resides. As for the AT itself, this 230-mile segment ups the ante quite a bit after that Maryland respite. Dubbed "Rocksylvania," these trails can be rather technical at times, bringing hikers up and down rocky mountains between 320 and 2,080 feet in elevation.

Highest Point: High Point (1,803 feet)

Even though New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states, its little corner of Appalachia (at its northwesternmost extent) is surprisingly wholesome and spacious. With several major cities so close by, hustle-weary residents can retreat to the woods for a weekend reset. This stark contrast highlights the importance of preserving wild spaces, especially in the highly urbanized northeastern United States. Just over 72 miles of the Appalachian Trail roll through New Jersey, with Wallkill National Wildlife Reserve (which is replete with the state bird, the eastern goldfinch) being the banner attraction.

Highest Point: Mount Marcy (5,344 feet)

New York typically connotes grid-locked Manhattan , but do not forget about Upstate New York (i.e., the vast majority of the state). Shortly after leaving the Big Apple , New York blossoms into an enriching landscape, thanks to the Finger Lakes , Great Lakes , Hudson Valley , and the bold green Appalachian Mountains. One important distinction to make when discussing New York's well-known ranges is that the Catskills are a subrange of the Appalachians. Still, the Adirondacks are a separate and much younger geological phenomenon. New York's 91-mile segment of the Appalachian Trail hangs close to Manhattan, meaning that from certain viewpoints in Harriman State Park, the distant Metropolitan skyline plays off of the proximate, unadulterated woodlands.

Highest Point: Bear Mountain (2,316 feet); Mount Frissell (2,380 feet)

We now enter the New England portion of the Appalachian range. Just as with New Jersey, the mountains run through just the northwestern corner of Connecticut. Nonetheless, hardwood forests, small lakes, cute waterfalls, verdant overlooks, and a few manageable peaks constitute quite a compelling landscape. The Connecticut portion of the Appalachian Trail climbs north for 52.2 miles, including a ¾-mile wheelchair access segment (the first of its kind on the AT), until reaching Bear Mountain at the Massachusetts state line. This represents the highest peak in Connecticut but not the highest point. The body of Mount Frisell, though it tops out in Massachusetts, surmounts Bear's summit by 64 feet.

Highest Point: Mount Greylock (3,489 feet)

The Appalachian Trail continues its north-south trajectory through Massachusetts. The mountains themselves also head north into Vermont, as well as east into New Hampshire. The Bay State 's take on Appalachia includes soothing river walks, a renewed selection of peaks that are covered in textured ridgelines, charming New England towns, and beloved natural areas, such as Mount Washington State Forest, October Mountain State Forest, and Mount Greylock State Reservation. Speaking of Mount Greylock, this is not only the highest point in Massachusetts, but local legend has it that this is where Herman Melville decided to write his acclaimed novel Moby Dick.

Highest Point: Mount Mansfield (4,395 feet)

The vast majority of The Green Mountain State is covered by the Green Mountains (imagine that!) - a subrange of the Appalachians. Here, the Appalachian Trail stays the northbound course through the Green Mountain National Forest before veering east into New Hampshire (our penultimate stop on this journey through the Appalachian states) - amounting to 151 leg-testing miles between 400 and 4,000 feet. As you can imagine from the repeated references, Vermont's wilderness is as green as it comes. Dendrophiles will have no shortage of forest bathing opportunities in the 400,000-acre GMNF but don't forget about the Coolidge and Okemo State Forests to the southeast or Camel's Hump State Park to the north.

Highest Point: Mount Washington (6,288 feet)

All but the southeast quadrant of New Hampshire resides within the Appalachians, though the White Mountain subrange is the object of adoration this time. As you may have noticed from the Highest Point references at the top of each entry, the peaks of New England have been steadily rising since entering Connecticut. In fact, the 161-mile portion of New Hampshire's Appalachian Trail features the most miles above the treeline out of any Appalachian state. Hikers can expect unimpeded views of the hardwood forests that blanket these stoic peaks and, when the weather is clear, the first hints of the Atlantic Ocean. Just note that because of the extended exposure, the weather is also notoriously brutal at times. Thankfully, the Mount Washington Cog Railway (i.e., the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway) chugs its way to the state's highest point, thereby taking out the guesswork and exertion for those just wanting to drink in the views.

Highest Point: Mount Katahdin (5,269 feet)

Maine marks the end of the American portion of the Appalachian Mountains and the northern terminus of the gargantuan Appalachian Trail. Though tantalizingly close to the finishing line, thru-hikers are put through the ringer one last time by The Pine Tree State . This 282-mile stretch is considered the most remote, rugged, and overall challenging and boasts the hardest mile of the entire trail: Mahoosuc Notch. With that said, Maine is one of a kind for New England nature lovers. Crystal-clear lakes, calming loon calls, and even sightings of the elusive (though locally abundant) moose can all be expected. Whether you're closing out the AT or simply looking for a compelling adventure in Maine's mountains, head to Baxter State Park and scale Mount Katahdin to share the magic with good company.

Final Thoughts

From northern Alabama (or maybe even northeastern Mississippi) all the way up to Canada's easternmost province, the Appalachian Mountains serve as the backbone of the east. This ancient range was settled at least 16,000 years ago by the indigenous nations of modern-day North America, and now, approximately 22 million people live amongst these verdant hills and valleys. Each Appalachian state shows off unique aspects of this ever-changing wilderness while maintaining an ineffable quintessence across invisible borders. What region calls out to you? (Queue the sonorous loon call).

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10 Best Mountain Towns in Virginia, According to Locals

These are the best mountain towns in Virginia for scenic views and outdoor adventures.

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The diversity in Virginia’s geographical regions allowed it to become a state with multiple identities. In the Coastal Plain, life is defined by access to the ocean or the Chesapeake Bay. In the Piedmont, rolling hills and farmland create incredible pastoral scenes that surround larger cities. Then if you head west to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Valley and Ridge, and the Appalachian Plateau, you’ll encounter ancient mountain ranges towering over rivers, valleys, and a variety of small towns — many of which have their own unique personalities, attractions, and reasons to visit. 

“Virginia mountain towns make me think of windy roads and endless stonewalls — a feeling of going back in time,” says Ann Shannon, lead concierge at The Clifton, a boutique hotel in Charlottesville. “I’m also reminded of eclectic shops, delicious food, the friendliest people, and fresh air. It gives me a sense of peace.” 

As someone who grew up in Bedford, a small town at the base of the Peaks of Otter, I can also vouch for this specific blend of charm, magic, and nostalgia. And while the fall is a particularly special time to experience it — according to Shannon, the foliage is “second to none with bright reds, yellows, and oranges cascading throughout the mountain ranges" — the best mountain towns in Virginia are filled with year-round appeal. Read on to discover our expert-recommend favorites. 

Charlottesville

Charlottesville might technically be a city, but it veers more toward small town than bustling metropolis. “Home to the University of Virginia, Charlottesville is a beautiful college town,” says Shannon. “I love walking the UVA grounds or hiking the Rivanna Trails and the Saunders-Monticello Trail; there’s [also] spectacular hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains only a short drive from Charlottesville.” After you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll be more than ready to fill up at a neighborhood bistro or snack on a charcuterie plate at a local winery. “The restaurants offer incredible culinary experiences, and there are more than 40 vineyards in the area ,” she adds.

Harrisonburg

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If you’re traveling through the Shenandoah Valley, which sits between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Alleghenies, make it a point to stop in Harrisonburg. “This prime location gives you access to most outdoor activities you would want to do in Virginia: trails for hiking and biking, rock climbing, paddling, hunting, fishing, offroading, and more,” says Grant Price, a guide at Blue Ridge Mountain Guides . And if you’re looking to learn more about exploring the area? He recommends visiting some of Harrisonburg's many outfitters — including Walkabout Outfitter and Mossy Creek Fly Fishing .

Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images

Another college mountain town to add to your list is Lexington, home to Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. “Nestled in the mountains, Main Street welcomes visitors with cute shops and darling restaurants — most of which are locally owned,” says Shannon, who recommends staying overnight at The Georges . If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to leave time in your itinerary for a performance at Lime Kiln Theater , an afternoon at Devils Backbone Brewing Company , or an entire day tubing the Maury River or fly fishing the nearby streams.

Kyle Little/Getty Images

Galax, Virginia bats well above average in two areas: music and mountain adventure. Not only is it a stop along “The Crooked Road,” Virginia’s musical heritage trail, but it’s also known as the “Old Time Music Capital of the World.” Here, Appalachian music continues to reign supreme, and you can hear it in its many forms at the Blue Ridge Music Center, the Old Fiddlers’ Convention (held every August), and The Rex , a historic theater and live music venue located in downtown Galax. Before embarking on a day of hiking or mountain biking along the New River Trail, which has a trailhead in Galax, pop into New River Trail Outfitters for last-minute gear or bike rentals.

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“Put simply, Damascus is a trail town,” says Price. “In fact, it is one of only three downtowns that the Appalachian Trail runs through.” ( Hot Springs, North Carolina and Hanover, New Hampshire are the other two, although this definition depends on the understanding of trail placement and where it falls in relation to town.) He also notes that this mountain town is home to the 33.4-mile Virginia Creeper Trail, which many runners, hikers, and bikers use to explore the area between Abingdon and the Virginia-North Carolina border. While in Damascus, make it a point to visit the Appalachian Heritage Distillery for a bourbon and enjoy a meal at The Damascus Diner.

Jon Bilous/Getty Images

Those familiar with the state of Virginia may associate the town of Luray with the Luray Caverns , a geological marvel and the largest cavern in the eastern U.S., but there’s plenty more to do in this Shenandoah Valley town. Start your trip by checking into the Hotel Laurance , then get in some mileage on the Skyline Drive. Hiking in Shenandoah National Park is, of course, a must, as is a quick stop at the Luray Valley Museum and a day of family fun at nearby Massanutten Mountain . During the warmer months, the resort’s outdoor water park provides hours of entertainment with its water slides and wave pool.

Sperryville

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One of the best features of mountain towns is their ability to explored in just a day or two. Take Sperryville, for example. The tiny destination has two main streets and no stoplights — and it’s the perfect basecamp for anyone driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking in Shenandoah National Park. ”On a recent visit, I had lunch at the RPK Pizza Kitchen and everything was delicious, gourmet, and fresh,” says Shannon. “Right next door is The Corner Store , an upscale grocery with local goods — perfect for grabbing some freshly baked bread and a bottle of wine for dinner. Just 10 minutes north is Patty O’s in Little Washington — a true culinary treat.”

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Abingdon encompasses everything that makes a Virginia mountain town so special. There’s great food — dinner at The Tavern is a nonnegotiable — a book store , a unique coffee shop , cozy places to grab a drink ( Katbird's Wine & Gourmet and Tumbling Creek Cider Company ), a world-class farmers market , and a dedication to celebrating the arts (check out The Arts Depot and Barter Theatre ). You’ll also find a touch of luxury at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa ; as a guest, you can use the hotel’s complimentary town bikes to ride down the historic Main Street.

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“Roanoke continues to evolve into an outdoor hotspot,” says Price. “One shining example is the annual Roanoke Go Outside Festival , which brings paddlers, bikers, hikers, frisbee golfers, tree climbers... [and all types of] outdoors people together.” Those in search of a small-town feeling within the city should head to the historic Grandin Village , a walkable neighborhood with all types of boutiques, local restaurants, coffee shops, and live music performances. For travelers looking for a more heart-pumping adventure, Price recommends the “classic sections of the Appalachian Trail, such as Dragon’s Tooth and McAfee Knob,” the latter of which is one of the most photographed spots on the AT.

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Bedford is a small mountain town that has begun to hold its own in the world of Virginia tourism. It’s an easy day trip from both Lynchburg and Roanoke — approximately 20 and 40 minutes, respectively — and its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains is hard to beat. It’s a short drive up to the Peaks of Otter, where hiking trails, picnic tables, and the Blue Ridge Parkway’s scenic overlooks await. In town, be sure to stop by the National D-Day Memorial , have a beer at Beale’s Brewery , and shop for local art at Goose Creek Studio .

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The Appalachian Mountains Come Alive At Night

Have you ever wondered what happens in the ancient Appalachian Mountains when the sun goes down and darkness creeps over the forested slopes and rolling hills? If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Appalachian Mountains take on an entirely different character at night, with nocturnal animals waking up while most birds and animals sleep, trees and plants undergoing fascinating nighttime processes, and the mountains displaying their majesty under starry night skies or when aglow with moonlight .

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll transport you to the Appalachian Mountains after dusk and walk you through everything from the unseen nightlife stirring in the forest to the illuminating astronomical light shows overhead.

You’ll learn secrets that only the mountains themselves know after nightfall.

Stirrings of Forest Nightlife

When the sun sets over the Appalachian Mountains, the forests come alive with a vibrant and captivating nightlife. While many animals retreat to their dens for a restful sleep, others emerge from the shadows, engaging in a variety of activities that are both fascinating and essential for their survival.

Foraging Mammals Venturing From Their Dens

As darkness falls, an array of foraging mammals begin to stir within the Appalachian forests. Creatures such as raccoons, opossums, and foxes venture out from their dens, guided by their keen senses to locate food sources.

These nocturnal animals, with their heightened sense of smell and excellent night vision, navigate the forest floor with ease, searching for berries, nuts, insects, and small mammals to sustain themselves.

Their presence adds a touch of mystery and excitement to the nocturnal landscape of the Appalachians.

Light Spectacles From Fireflies and Foxfire

The Appalachian Mountains are known for their mesmerizing displays of light after dusk. Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, twinkle and dance in the night sky, creating a magical atmosphere that is truly awe-inspiring.

These bioluminescent insects, with their fascinating ability to produce light, use their glowing abdomens to attract mates and communicate with each other. As they flit through the air, their enchanting display captivates both young and old, turning the forests into a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Another phenomenon that adds to the nocturnal charm of the Appalachians is the occurrence of foxfire. This natural phenomenon, caused by certain fungi found in decaying wood, produces a soft glow that illuminates the forest floor.

The ethereal greenish-blue light emitted by foxfire creates a surreal ambiance, as if the forest itself is alive and pulsating with its own mystical energy.

For more information on the unique nightlife of the Appalachian Mountains, you can visit National Geographic or Outdoor Project .

Moonlight and Starlight Transforming Mountain Landscapes

When the sun sets and darkness blankets the Appalachian Mountains, a magical transformation takes place. The moonlight and starlight cast an enchanting glow over the landscape, turning it into a truly captivating sight.

The mountains, already awe-inspiring during the day, take on a whole new level of beauty at night.

Bioluminescent Plants Glowing In The Dark

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Appalachian Mountains at night is the presence of bioluminescent plants. These unique plants have the ability to emit a soft, otherworldly glow in the darkness.

Imagine walking through the forest and being surrounded by tiny points of light, as if the forest floor were covered in stars. It’s a sight that truly feels like something out of a fairy tale.

Bioluminescent plants are able to produce light through a chemical reaction within their cells. This light is often green or blue in color and can be seen in various parts of the plant, such as the leaves, stems, or even the flowers.

Some common examples of bioluminescent plants found in the Appalachian Mountains include the Jack-in-the-pulpit and the Ghost Plant.

If you’re lucky enough to witness these bioluminescent plants in action, it’s an experience that you won’t soon forget. The combination of their soft glow and the surrounding darkness creates a surreal and almost magical atmosphere in the mountains.

Captivating Night Skies When Conditions Are Right

Another reason why the Appalachian Mountains come alive at night is the breathtaking display of stars that can be seen when conditions are right. Away from the bright lights of cities and towns, the night sky in the mountains is a canvas filled with thousands of twinkling stars.

The lack of light pollution in the mountains allows for a clearer view of the night sky, revealing constellations, shooting stars, and even the Milky Way. On a clear night, you can spend hours gazing up at the heavens, marveling at the vastness of the universe.

For avid stargazers and astrophotographers, the Appalachian Mountains offer a prime location to observe celestial wonders. From the highest peaks, you can get a panoramic view of the night sky, with the mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop.

Whether you’re exploring the bioluminescent plants or stargazing in the Appalachian Mountains, the night brings a whole new dimension to the beauty of this natural wonder. So next time you find yourself in the mountains, don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the moonlight and starlight that transform the landscape into a truly magical place.

The Restorative Darkness Of Appalachian Nights

When the sun sets behind the Appalachian Mountains, a new kind of beauty emerges. The darkness that blankets the region brings a sense of tranquility and restoration to both the plants and animals that call this area home.

The unique characteristics of Appalachian nights create an environment that is teeming with life and hidden wonders.

Plants and Trees Conducting Unseen, Vital Processes

While the world sleeps, the plants and trees of the Appalachian Mountains continue their essential work. In the darkness, these natural wonders conduct unseen, vital processes that contribute to the overall health and balance of the ecosystem.

For example, many plants release oxygen during the night, helping to cleanse the air and improve its quality. Additionally, the absence of sunlight allows certain species of plants to thrive, as they are better adapted to low-light conditions.

This phenomenon makes the Appalachian Mountains a sanctuary for unique and rare plant species.

Furthermore, the darkness of Appalachian nights plays a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of many plants. Some flowers only bloom at night, relying on moths and other nocturnal insects for pollination.

This intricate dance between plants and their nighttime pollinators is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of nature.

Soothing Sounds Of Cascading Water And Night Birds

One of the most enchanting aspects of Appalachian nights is the soothing sounds that fill the air. The region is known for its cascading waterfalls, and their gentle roar becomes even more magical under the cover of darkness.

The symphony of flowing water creates a peaceful ambiance that is hard to replicate during the day.

In addition to the melodic sounds of water, the night in the Appalachians is also alive with the calls of various nocturnal birds. Owls, whippoorwills, and other species take advantage of the quiet and stillness of the night to communicate with one another.

Their unique songs and calls create a mesmerizing soundtrack that adds to the overall charm of the Appalachian nightscape.

Exploring the Appalachian Mountains at night offers a completely different perspective on the beauty and vitality of this region. Whether it’s witnessing the unseen processes of plants or immersing oneself in the symphony of cascading water and night birds, the restorative darkness of Appalachian nights is a true wonder to behold.

As this guide has illuminated, the Appalachian Mountains take on an entirely different personality once the cloak of darkness has descended. Nocturnal creatures emerge to hunt and forage, plants and trees carry on restorative activities, and the mountains themselves transform under the glow of the moon and stars overhead.

Venturing into the Appalachian wilderness at night reveals a whole new set of sights and sounds that most miss out on. Now that you have some insider knowledge of what happens after dusk, you can plan your own after-dark adventure into these ancient mountains.

Jennifer Morris is an avid solo travel adventurer who founded Solo Traveller after many years of journeying on her own around the world. She has backpacked through over 50 countries across 6 continents over the past decade, striking up conversations with locals along railway platforms, learning to cook regional dishes in home kitchens, and absorbing a global perspective while volunteering with various community initiatives.

With a Masters in Tourism and Hospitality, Jennifer is passionate about responsible and meaningful travel that fosters cultural exchange. Whether trekking through the Atlas Mountains, sailing to Komodo National Park, or taking an overnight train across Eastern Europe - she is always seeking her next epic destination.

When not globetrotting, Jennifer calls Vancouver, Canada home. There she enjoys kayaking local waters, curling up with books on faraway places, and gearing up for her next solo backpacking trip. As the founder of SoloTraveller, she hopes to motivate and inform fellow solo explorers from all walks of life to take the leap into their own adventures.

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Cooper Bailey signed to play college football at MIT surrounded by friends, family, coaches, and teammates inside Letcher County Central High School.

Bailey is a highly admired young man in the Letcher County community and played tight end & defensive end for the Cougars.

In his senior season, Bailey finished with 38 total tackles and three tackles for a loss.

“They just offered me a good deal with football,” Bailey said. “They offered me a good deal with school. I met all the coaches [and] they were super nice. The whole team is super nice. It just felt like the right fit for me.”

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“It’s going to be great to go out and see the world, but I will always be back,” Bailey said. “Anybody that knows me, knows that I love the Mountains. I love where I am from. I do want to see the world while I’m still young. I just hope that there is a young person out here that sees someone from the Mountains can do it. They can go somewhere big.”

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