Top Appalachian Trail Walks Worth Experiencing
Shockin' the Northeast: Hiking the Appalachian Trail's Best Bits
Ditch the monotony and dive into the wild, natural beauty of the Appalachian Trail (AT), running through the Northeast for a jaw-dropping 1,166 miles. Here's where to find the trail's top highlights, from Harpers Ferry, W. Va., all the way to the summit of Katahdin, Maine.
1. No Nose, Serious Views: Above the Hudson River
Follow the AT from the Bear Mountain Bridge, the lowest point on the entire trail at 124 feet, as it winds 500 feet up the rugged flanks of Anthony's Nose. The peak's summit offers a mind-blowing panorama, ranging from the distant New York skyline to Storm King Mountain on the opposite shore. Climb up via the Camp Smith Trail for a 3.7-mile clifftop adventure.
Distance: 2.2 miles round-trip to the summit
Extra Knowledge: For more hiking options nearby, check out AMC's Best Day Hikes, Hudson Valley or 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley [AMC Books, Backcountry].
2. Eagles, Vistas, and More on Blue Mountain
Soar like a raptor over Hawk Mountain in eastern Pennsylvania, located near the midpoint of this long Blue Mountain stretch along the AT. Check out stunning open summits like The Cliffs, Bake Oven Knob, and the Pinnacle, known as the AT's best viewpoint in the state.
Distance: 40 miles one-way
Extra Knowledge: Grab a copy of Appalachian Trail Guide, Pennsylvania [Keystone Trails Association] or Exploring the Appalachian Trail, Mid-Atlantic States [Stackpole] for more info.
3. Delaware Delights
Hike the ridgeline above the fearsome Delaware River, visiting Sunfish Pond—the southernmost glacial lake on the AT—and the 1,527-foot Mount Tammany, where you can take in the breathtaking view of the Water Gap itself.
Distance: 15.9 miles one-way
Extra Knowledge: Click www.nps.gov/dewa for info on the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
4. The Taconic Takeover: Salisbury to Jug End
High on the Taconic Highlands plateau, the AT encounters untouched old-growth forest, waterfalls, and a stunning 17-mile stretch devoid of roads. Don't miss the summits of Mount Race and Mount Everett, the second highest peak in Massachusetts. With ready day-hiking access and several designated shelters, endless adventure awaits.
Distance: 16.9 miles one-way
Extra Knowledge: For a glimpse into Berkshire County's rugged beauty, visit www.lastgreatplaces.org/berkshire.
5. The Carter Climb: Pinkham Notch to the Androscoggin River
Experience the majesty of the White Mountains as the AT winds through more than 100 miles, including nearly 20 miles above tree line, and checks out unforgettable landscapes. Sneak a peek at the solitude along the Carter Range and adjacent peaks of Wildcat Mountain, where expansive vistas of the Presidential Range and the remote Wild River Valley await.
Distance: 21.1 miles one-way
Extra Knowledge: Take a read through the White Mountain Guide [AMC] and White Mountain Map 5, Carter Range-Evans notch for more insights.
6. Rangeley Rambles: Route 4 to Route 27
Join in the raw, beautiful Maine wilderness journey through the Rangeley Lakes Region. Start near Madrid and climb over Saddleback, Sugarloaf, and Crocker Mountains, with stops at serene mountain ponds along the way. A lack of development enhances the sense of isolation, though a wind power project is proposed for nearby Reddington Mountain.
Distance: 32.2 miles one-way
Extra Knowledge: Grab a copy of Appalachian Trail Guide, Maine, Map 6 [ATC] or Maine Mountain Guide and Maps [AMC].
7. The 30-Mile Secret: The 100-Mile Wilderness
Begin the trek through the fabled 100-Mile Wilderness from Monson, Maine, where the best highlights are packed into the first 30 miles. Marvel at 60-foot Lower Wilson Falls, lush sugar maple forests, rocky rivers, and 360-degree views of the Barren-Chairback Range. Four shelters provide plenty of rest stops, and the journey ends at the KI Road near Gulf Hagas, a sinister-sounding slate gorge filled with cascading waterfalls.
Distance: 29.9 miles one-way
Extra Knowledge: Snag a copy of Appalachian Trail Guide, Maine, Map 3 for more details.
Now that you're familiar with the best sections of the AT, grab your boots, a map, some water, and hit the trails. Remember, every step you take is one closer to conquering the entire Appalachian Trail!
1. Elevate Your Lifestyle with a Travel AdventureEnhance your lifestyle and travel beyond the ordinary by hiking through the Appalachian Trail's most captivating landscapes, like the summit of Blue Mountain in Pennsylvania.
2. Combine Lifestyle and Travel by Exploring the Great OutdoorsEmbark on a journey that unites lifestyle and travel, as you traverse the majestic Appalachian Trail, taking in breathtaking vistas from peaks such as Mount Tammany in the Delaware Water Gap.
