Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail - Its official name is the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. However, unlike those famous parks, the Appalachian Trail is not a concentrated preserve, with campgrounds and paths within its boundaries. The 281 miles (452 km) of the trail in Maine are particularly difficult. More moose are seen by hikers in this state than any other on the trail. The northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail is on Katahdin s Baxter Peak in Baxter State Park. The western section includes a mile-long (1.6 km) stretch of boulders at Mahoosuc Notch, often called the trail s hardest mile. Also, although there are dozens of river and stream fords on the Maine section of the trail, the Kennebec River is the only one on the trail that requires a boat crossing. The most isolated portion in the state (and arguably on the entire trail) is known as the 100-Mile Wilderness. This section heads east-northeast from the town of Monson and ends outside Baxter State Park just south of Abol Bridge. Undoubtedly the most important difference between the Appalachian Trail and other national-park units is that volunteers make it possible. Each year, thousands of people maintain, patrol, and monitor the footpath and its surrounding lands. From the Highlands of Roan in Tennessee to the strenuous trek up Katahdin in Maine, the Appalachian Trail stretches over 14 different states: Maine - 281 Miles , New Hampshire - 161 Miles, Vermont - 146 Miles, Massachusetts - 90 Miles, Connecticut - 52 Miles, New York - 88 Miles, New Jersey - 74 Miles, Pennsylvania - 232 Miles, Maryland - 41 Miles, West Virginia - 2 Miles, Virginia - 544 Miles, Tennessee-North Carolina - 371 Miles and Georgia - 75 Miles In it s diverse route the Appalachian Trail and passes through more than 60 federal, state, and local parks and forests. Hundreds of roads cross it. In some parts, the Trail “corridor” is only a few hundred feet wide. The Appalachian Trail is an adventure of a lifetime with it s true beautiful wilderness, wild animals and all! Don t miss it! Anthony Benjamin, an avid writer, world traveller and a great lover of nature. He shares his adventures with his readers via his writings and via his hobby of building websites such as this one: appalachian-treasures.com

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