Key Takeaways
- The Appalachian Trail’s official length is 2,198.4 miles (3,538.0 km) per the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and it’s updated annually.
- Mileage varies slightly year to year due to reroutes, maintenance, land acquisitions, and improved mapping methods.
- Only the white-blazed mainline counts toward official AT mileage; blue-blazed side trails, shelter spurs, and approach trails are excluded.
- The AT runs from Georgia to Maine across 14 states; state-by-state totals can exceed the official length due to border mileage counting.
- A typical thru-hike takes 5–7 months, with daily mileage shaped by terrain, elevation, season, and resupply logistics.
I get asked this a lot. How long is the Appalachian Trail. It’s one of those numbers that sounds simple yet it keeps shifting as the path evolves.
The trail runs from Georgia to Maine and it stretches for a little over two thousand miles. The official length hovers around 2190 to 2200 miles and it can change a bit each year as sections get rerouted and restored. I love that it’s not fixed. It feels alive and it grows with the mountains.
How Long Is the Appalachian Trail?
The Appalachian Trail measures 2,198.4 miles according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. I reference ATC for official mileage, if trip planning requires precision. I convert that figure to 3,538.0 kilometers for international context.
| Year | Official ATC mileage (mi) | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2,198.4 | 3,538.0 |
| 2022 | 2,194.3 | 3,531.3 |
| 2021 | 2,193.0 | 3,529.0 |
| 2019 | 2,192.0 | 3,527.4 |
I cite ATC for these figures and I use National Park Service materials for corridor context.
- Reroute sections change AT mileage, if flood repairs or rockslides force adjustments.
- Acquire lands alters the line, if new easements replace roadwalks.
- Restore tread refines distance, if switchbacks or relocations improve sustainability.
I describe the corridor from Georgia to Maine through 14 states for clarity. I list examples to ground the span, like Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine.
Why the Exact Distance Changes
Appalachian Trail length changes as the footpath moves and the maps improve. I track how long the Appalachian Trail measures through updates from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the National Park Service.
Reroutes and Trail Maintenance
I see relocations shift the route to protect resources, then the net mileage changes. ATC and NPS move tread away from erosion, floodplains, and rare habitats, then new contours add or subtract distance. I note storm damage triggers emergency fixes, then detours alter the measured line. I watch land acquisitions open better corridors, then permanent reroutes replace older road walks. I find trail hardening and staircase installs reduce switchbacks, then straighter lines can shorten segments. ATC documents these changes in annual mileage updates, then the official total reflects the new alignment.
Authoritative sources: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, National Park Service.
Measurement Methods and Mapping Updates
I use consistent methods to keep the length comparable, then improved tools refine the figure. ATC compiles GPS tracks from maintainers and ridge runners, then quality control removes drift and outliers. NPS and USGS update basemaps and elevation models, then centerline recalculations can shift totals. I apply waypoint standards for junctions and shelter spurs, then non tread spurs stay excluded. I align data to a single geodetic datum and projection, then mismatched systems would skew distance. ATC posts the revised mileage after review, then that release becomes the reference for how long the Appalachian Trail measures.
Authoritative sources: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, US Geological Survey, National Park Service.
What Counts Toward the Official Mileage
I count only the white-blazed Appalachian Trail when I cite official mileage. I exclude side trails and facilities because the ATC and NPS define the route as the marked mainline footpath (Appalachian Trail Conservancy, National Park Service).
Blue-Blazes, Shelters, and Side Trips
- Blue-blazed spurs stay out of the official total, examples include water sources viewpoints and waterfalls near the corridor (Appalachian Trail Conservancy).
- Shelter access paths sit off the count, examples include short spurs to shelters privies and tent sites that branch from the main tread (Appalachian Trail Conservancy).
- White-blazed footpath sets the benchmark, examples include new relocations that start counting once opened and signed by the ATC and managing agencies (National Park Service).
- Alternates remain unofficial, examples include high-water bypasses roadwalk detours and loop options posted by clubs unless signed as the AT route (Appalachian Trail Conservancy).
Approach Trails and Terminus Access
- Springer Mountain connections fall outside the AT length, examples include the Approach Trail from Amicalola Falls and the parking lot access spur from the forest road to the summit plaque (Appalachian Trail Conservancy).
- Katahdin access choices stay off the tally, examples include Abol Helon Taylor and Knife Edge for ascent or descent since only the Hunt Trail counts as the AT inside Baxter State Park (National Park Service).
- Gate roads and park paths remain excluded, examples include state park steps overlooks and visitor center paths that support access but do not form the AT route (National Park Service).
| Segment or Path | Status | Mileage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amicalola Falls Approach Trail | Not counted | 8.8 mi | Connector to Springer summit start point (ATC) |
| Springer parking access spur | Not counted | 0.9 mi | Forest road lot to AT southern terminus plaque (ATC) |
| Hunt Trail on Katahdin | Counted | Part of AT | Official AT to the northern terminus sign in Baxter SP (NPS) |
| Abol or Helon Taylor on Katahdin | Not counted | Varies | Popular alternates for ascent or descent only (NPS) |
Mileage by Region Along the AT
I break down Appalachian Trail mileage by region to show how distance stacks up across the corridor. I cite the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for state figures and note that regional sums reflect grouping choices and border counting by ATC.
South: Georgia to Virginia
I group the South as Georgia through Virginia for a continuous Springer Mountain to Harpers Ferry corridor.
- Georgia: 78.6 mi, source ATC
- North Carolina: 95.7 mi, source ATC
- Tennessee: 94.1 mi, source ATC
- Virginia: 550.3 mi, source ATC
I estimate the South region as roughly 1,000 to 1,100 unique miles, declaration based on ATC state data and NC–TN border double counting by ATC. I list typical anchors for context.
- Landmarks: Springer Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains, Roan Highlands, Shenandoah National Park
- Terrain: long ridgelines, high country, green tunnels, pastoral valleys
- Logistics: frequent shelters, ample water in spring, resupply in Damascus and Waynesboro
Mid-Atlantic: West Virginia to New Jersey
I define the Mid-Atlantic as West Virginia through New Jersey.
- West Virginia: 4.6 mi, source ATC
- Maryland: 40.9 mi, source ATC
- Pennsylvania: 229.6 mi, source ATC
- New Jersey: 72.2 mi, source ATC
I estimate the Mid-Atlantic region as about 340 to 360 unique miles, declaration aligned to ATC state mileage and continuous tread. I list defining features.
- Landmarks: Harpers Ferry, C&O Canal, Cumberland Valley, Delaware Water Gap
- Terrain: canal towpaths, rocky ridges, farm fields, rolling forests
- Logistics: frequent road crossings, steady water variability in summer, dense town access
New England: Connecticut to Maine
I roll New England from Connecticut to Maine and include New York here to cover the continuous NJ–CT junction on the AT, declaration for corridor continuity and clarity.
- New York: 88.4 mi, source ATC
- Connecticut: 51.6 mi, source ATC
- Massachusetts: 90.2 mi, source ATC
- Vermont: 150.8 mi, source ATC
- New Hampshire: 160.9 mi, source ATC
- Maine: 281.4 mi, source ATC
I estimate New England as about 735 miles without New York and about 823 miles with New York, declaration based on ATC state mileage and current AT length. I list prominent segments.
- Landmarks: Bear Mountain Bridge, Mount Greylock, Long Trail overlap, White Mountains, 100 Mile Wilderness, Katahdin
- Terrain: steep ascents, alpine zones, bog bridges, remote lakes
- Logistics: spaced resupplies, challenging weather swings, slower pace through the Whites
AT Mileage by State
I use the latest ATC mileages for context. ATC counts miles along borders in both states, declaration that summed state totals exceed the official AT length.
| State | AT miles (ATC) |
|---|---|
| Georgia | 78.6 |
| North Carolina | 95.7 |
| Tennessee | 94.1 |
| Virginia | 550.3 |
| West Virginia | 4.6 |
| Maryland | 40.9 |
| Pennsylvania | 229.6 |
| New Jersey | 72.2 |
| New York | 88.4 |
| Connecticut | 51.6 |
| Massachusetts | 90.2 |
| Vermont | 150.8 |
| New Hampshire | 160.9 |
| Maine | 281.4 |
Source: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, State-by-State Mileage and Data Book.
How Long Does It Take to Hike the AT?
I match time to the Appalachian Trail length, then I match pace to terrain and season. I use ATC guidance for planning ranges and daily mileage, then I adjust for direction and weather constraints.
Thru-Hike Timeframes
I plan a thru-hike across the Appalachian Trail mileage in 5 to 7 months, based on ATC data that tracks typical completions from Georgia to Maine. I anchor a daily pace near 12 to 15 miles in early weeks, then I expand to 18 to 22 miles as fitness and daylight improve, according to ATC trip planning materials and aggregate reports.
| Thru-hike type | Typical start window | Daily miles, early season | Daily miles, mid season | Total days, median | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOBO, Springer to Katahdin | Mar to Apr | 12–15 | 16–20 | 150–180 | Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 2024 |
| SOBO, Katahdin to Springer | Jun to Jul | 10–14 | 16–20 | 160–190 | Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 2024 |
| Flip-flop, varied starts | Apr to Jun | 12–16 | 16–22 | 150–185 | Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 2024 |
- Plan resupplies every 3 to 6 days, then expand gaps only with reliable water and food notes.
- Start early in the day, then extend only with safe daylight in shoulder seasons.
- Expect low mileage across the White Mountains and Southern Maine, then bank bigger days across mid Atlantic ridges.
- Track heat across Mid Atlantic states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey, then shift bigger days to cooler mornings.
I use ATC’s thru-hike overview and seasonal guidance for these ranges, with figures consistent with ATC volunteer reports and NPS partner materials that describe average itineraries and constraints across the corridor. Source, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Thru-Hiking Basics and Planning, 2023–2024. Source, National Park Service, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, 2023.
Section Hiking Pacing
I set section plans by terrain class, then I fit mileage to daylight, elevation, and logistics.
| Region or terrain | Example segment | Daily miles, typical | Days for segment | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenandoah NP | Rockfish Gap to Front Royal, 105 mi | 12–18 | 6–9 | Frequent shelters, steady grades | ATC, 2024 |
| Pennsylvania ridge walks | Cumberland Valley to Port Clinton, 125 mi | 14–20 | 6–9 | Rock gardens slow feet in parts | ATC, 2024 |
| White Mountains | Kinsman to Gorham, 83 mi | 8–12 | 7–10 | Steep climbs, weather exposure | Appalachian Mountain Club, 2023 |
| Southern balds | Smokies AT, 71 mi | 10–15 | 5–7 | Sustained climbs, variable weather | NPS ANST, 2023 |
| Weekend sampler | Georgia, Springer to Unicoi, 52 mi | 10–15 | 3–5 | Rolling profiles, frequent access | ATC, 2024 |
- Pick segments with clear bail points and shuttle access, then commit to longer gaps only after testing pace over 2 days.
- Pack lighter for mid Atlantic towpaths and ridge runs, then carry extra layers for New England alpine zones.
- Budget shorter days for big elevation in New Hampshire and Maine, then stack longer days in Virginia and Maryland.
I base these pacing bands on ATC planning pages, AMC terrain notes for the White Mountains, and NPS Appalachian National Scenic Trail summaries that describe grade, exposure, and access. Source, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Section Hiking and Planning, 2024. Source, Appalachian Mountain Club, White Mountain Guide, 2023. Source, National Park Service, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, 2023.
Planning Your Hike Around Mileage
I plan mileage on the Appalachian Trail by terrain first, distance second. I match how long the AT feels with conservative daily targets, then I adjust as fitness grows.
Estimating Daily Miles and Elevation
I set daily miles by elevation gain and tread. I use recent ATC mileage updates for context, since the footpath changes each year (Appalachian Trail Conservancy).
- Start low in steep zones, then increase as legs adapt.
- Adjust goals by grade bands, then refine with recent reports.
- Count climbs over 1,000 ft as effort spikes, then trim the target day.
- Plan shorter days in technical rock, then add miles in smooth tread.
I translate elevation into mileage bands, then I check against daylight and water.
| Terrain band | Elevation gain per day | Typical daily miles | Example sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very steep | 4,500 to 6,000 ft | 10 to 14 | Southern Maine, White Mountains |
| Steep | 3,000 to 4,500 ft | 14 to 17 | Georgia, NC ridge crests |
| Moderate | 2,000 to 3,000 ft | 17 to 20 | Virginia ridgelines, Shenandoah NP |
| Gentle | 1,000 to 2,000 ft | 20 to 23 | Mid-Atlantic rail trails, Cumberland Valley |
I pace early weeks near 12 to 15 miles, then I grow to 18 to 22 miles in sustained moderate terrain, which aligns with ATC thru-hike timelines of 5 to 7 months for the 2,198.4 mile AT as last published (Appalachian Trail Conservancy).
Resupply Gaps and Zero Days
I anchor my plan to the longest food carries on the AT, then I set zero days around them.
- Identify long gaps first, then size food weight to the stretch.
- Stage hostels and shuttles next, then shorten remote carries.
- Book zeros after high-output weeks, then protect recovery.
I watch these benchmark gaps, then I add town stops between them.
| Gap or cluster | Trail miles between reliable resupplies | Typical hiking days at 15 to 20 mpd | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mile Wilderness ME | 85 to 100 | 5 to 7 | Food drops possible with local outfitters |
| Southern Maine rugged | 60 to 80 | 4 to 6 | Slow rock and slab, short daily miles |
| White Mountains NH | 50 to 70 | 3 to 5 | Huts offer limited options, high elevation gain |
| GSMNP Fontana to Newfound Gap | 40 to 72 | 2 to 4 | Gatlinburg or Cherokee access, no backcountry resupply |
| Shenandoah NP | 20 to 30 between waysides | 1 to 2 | Frequent food, fast miles on graded tread |
| Mid-Atlantic towns NJ, PA | 15 to 40 | 1 to 3 | Regular grocery access near the corridor |
I target one zero every 7 to 10 days, then I flex for weather or injury. I stack nearos before and after big climbs, then I protect pace by keeping legs fresh. I pin zeros to towns with outfitters, laundromats, and clinics, then I clear chores fast to return to the white-blazed mileage. Sources, data, and current closures change often, so I verify resupply and access against ATC updates and local land managers before finalizing stops (Appalachian Trail Conservancy, National Park Service).
Conclusion
I hope this guide gives you clarity and confidence as you map out your hike. The details will always shift a little but your mindset can stay steady. Start smart. Stay flexible. Keep your goals kind to your body and let the miles come to you.
I always find that curiosity beats hurry. Pay attention to the season. Listen to your legs. Give yourself room to adapt when the path surprises you. A simple plan you can actually follow beats a perfect one that falls apart.
If this trail is calling you then answer with patience and joy. Pack your grit. Pack your wonder. I will see you out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Appalachian Trail?
The Appalachian Trail is approximately 2,198.4 miles (3,538.0 km), according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). This number can change each year due to reroutes, repairs, and mapping updates. Always check the latest ATC data before planning.
Why does the AT’s length change over time?
The length changes due to trail reroutes, storm damage repairs, land acquisitions, and improved mapping. Sections may be moved to protect resources or improve safety, which can add or remove mileage. The ATC and National Park Service (NPS) review and publish updated figures.
Which states does the Appalachian Trail cross?
The AT runs through 14 states: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
What counts toward the official AT mileage?
Only the white-blazed mainline footpath counts. Side trails, shelter spurs, water source paths, and approach trails are excluded from official mileage.
Do blue-blazed side trails count?
No. Blue-blazed spurs to viewpoints, shelters, or water sources do not count toward the official AT distance.
Does the Amicalola Falls Approach Trail count?
No. The Approach Trail from Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain is not part of the official AT mileage.
What routes count on Mount Katahdin?
Only the Hunt Trail counts as the AT within Baxter State Park. Popular alternatives like Abol and Helon Taylor do not count toward official mileage.
How is the AT’s distance measured?
The ATC and NPS use GPS data, field verification, and quality control processes. After review, they release revised mileage to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Why do summed state mileages exceed the official total?
State totals often double-count miles along borders. When summed, these overlaps can exceed the single continuous official AT length.
How long does a thru-hike take?
Most hikers finish in 5 to 7 months. Early days often average 12–15 miles; later, 18–22 miles becomes common as fitness and daylight improve.
What’s the difference between NOBO, SOBO, and flip-flop hikes?
NOBO (Georgia to Maine) starts earlier and hits tougher terrain later. SOBO (Maine to Georgia) begins with harder mountains and fewer crowds. Flip-flops start mid-trail to avoid crowds and weather, helping with sustainable use.
How many miles should I plan per day?
Plan conservatively at first: 12–15 miles daily. Increase to 18–22 miles as fitness builds. Adjust for terrain, weather, pack weight, and daylight.
How does terrain and elevation affect pace?
Very steep, rocky, or high-gain days slow you down. Gentle terrain with moderate gain allows longer days. Use elevation profiles to plan realistic daily targets.
How should I plan resupplies?
Identify long stretches with limited services and plan food carries accordingly. Verify store hours, shuttles, and closures with ATC updates and local land managers.
Should I schedule zero or nero days?
Yes. Plan periodic rest (zero) or short (nero) days to recover, resupply, and handle weather. Strategic rest helps prevent injury and keeps your pace sustainable.