The Appalachian National Scenic Trail or AT as it is more commonly known is the child of Benton MacKaye’s imagination. The AT was the first recreational long distance hiking trail. Every year thousands of hikers travel the trail. Some attempt to hike the trail in one season while others hike it a section at a time. The trail itself was created in the 1920’s and 30’s. The trail is 2100+ miles in length and generally maintain by volunteers. At its inception navigation on the trail required much skill. Today the trail is well-marked and highly traveled making navigation much easier. Additionally, many tools have been developed throughout its existence. Common tools today include guide books, maps and mobile apps. The trail has a southern terminus at Springer Mountain in Georgia and a northern terminus at Mount Katahdin in Maine The trail was first hiked in one season by Earl Shaffer who, after returning from World War II, decided to “walk-off the war”. The first female to hike the trail was “Grandma Gatewood” who also was the first person to hike the trail in one season multiple times. Since its inception all kinds of records have been recorded for history. Some of the records are impressive others are somewhat humorous, like first person to thru hike in a kilt. Hiking the AT can be many things, relaxing, humorous, strenuous, challenging, frustrating and many more things. Humor definitely has a large presence on the trail. Hikers select trail names such as “Skid Mark”, “Viking”, “Snorevilla” and “Casey Jones”. One group of hikers in 2016 actually acquired the name “Boy Scout Troop 420” due to the love recreational intoxicants. There are dangers along the trail but for the most part it is generally considered safe. Hiking the trail will expose the hiker to weather extremes, wildlife and physical challenges. Along the trail there are shelters (known by other names such as lean-tos and huts in some sections of the trail) and back country campsites. On most of the trail hikers are free to camp off the trail in the location of their own choice. Most hikers will do so following established guidelines and common sense. Most all shelters and established back country campsites have near by water sources. Increasingly food storage options are available at shelters and some campsites. Food storage options include cables, boxes and poles for hanging food bags. Resupply is required on long distance hikes. Generally, hikers will carry 3-7 days worth of food. The resupply is done primarily by purchasing food along the trail or by mail drops. Occasionally hiker will encounter “trail magic” where “trail angels” leave or handout food and drinks. Hiking the trail can be an amazing experience. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail offers adventure for all from the athlete to the handicapped person. You can hike the whole thing or any part of it. You can hang out at a road crossing and have an afternoon chat with a hiker or meet one in a trail town. The possibilities are limited by your own imagination.