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The '''Appalachian Trail''' is a 2,175-mile long continuous hiking trail that runs through 14 of the eastern [[United States]] from [[Maine]] to [[Georgia]]. Approximately 4 million people each year hike on various parts of the trail, much of which borders the [[Appalachian Mountains]]. The trail begins on the summit of [[Springer Mountain]] in northern [[Georgia]] and ends on the summit of [[Mount Katahdin]] in [[Maine]].
The '''Appalachian Trail''' is a 2,175-mile long continuous hiking trail that runs through 14 of the eastern [[United States]] from [[Maine]] to [[Georgia]]. Approximately 4 million people each year hike on various parts of the trail, much of which borders the [[Appalachian Mountains]]. The trail begins on the summit of [[Springer Mountain]] in northern [[Georgia]] and ends on the summit of [[Mount Katahdin]] in [[Maine]].
The trail is officially named the "''Appalachian National Scenic Trail''" and is commonly abbreviated as the "A.T.". The entire trail route is clearly marked with signs showing white blazes.
The trail is officially named the "''Appalachian National Scenic Trail''" and is commonly abbreviated as the "A.T.". The entire trail route is clearly marked with signs showing white blazes. Side trails and detour routes which are not part of the Appalachian Trail are usually marked with blue blazes.
The United States Forest Service and the [[National Park Service]] are the primary agencies responsible for maintaining the Appalachian trail. The Trail runs through more than 75 different federal and state forests. Much of the trail is maintained by National Park Service Rangers who are assisted by the [[Appalachian Trail Conservancy]], a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and management of the trail, and by many civilian volunteer groups who donate their time towards keeping the park lands and trail maintained. <ref> http://www.nps.gov/appa/ </ref> There is no charge to hike the rail, and hikers are provided with free lodging in the form of simple three sided shelters, each spaced about a day's journey apart. <ref> http://www.trailplace.com/ </ref>
The United States Forest Service and the [[National Park Service]] are the primary agencies responsible for maintaining the Appalachian trail. The Trail runs through more than 75 different federal and state forests. Much of the trail is maintained by National Park Service Rangers who are assisted by the [[Appalachian Trail Conservancy]], a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and management of the trail, and by many civilian volunteer groups who donate their time towards keeping the park lands and trail maintained. <ref> http://www.nps.gov/appa/ </ref> There is no charge to hike the rail, and hikers are provided with free lodging in the form of simple three sided shelters, each spaced about a day's journey apart. <ref> http://www.trailplace.com/ </ref>
The Appalachian trail was built in sections and largely completed by 1937. <ref> http://www.nps.gov/appa </ref> It was designated a national scenic trail in 1968, when [[Congress]] passed the [[National Trails System Act]]. <ref> http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ </ref>
The Appalachian trail was built in sections and largely completed by 1937. <ref> http://www.nps.gov/appa </ref> It was designated a national scenic trail in 1968, when [[Congress]] passed the [[National Trails System Act]]. <ref> http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ </ref>
Appalachian Trail hikers have developed their own [[jargon]]. "Blue blazing" is taking other trails part of the way, some of which are shortcuts to remaining on the Appalachian Trail. "Yellow blazing" is [[hitchhiking]] part of the way rather than hiking, in reference to the yellow stripes on highways; both terms have derogatory connotations. "Nobo" and "Sobo" are short for northbound and southbound. A "trail name" is a [[nickname]] given to a hiker, often by other hikers with humorous intent. A "thru hiker" or "through hiker" is somebody hiking the entire length of the trail.
The middle point, although not the exact geographical center, of the trail is considered to be [[Harper's Ferry]], [[West Virginia]].
==References==
==References==