How Many Miles In Each State On The Appalachian Trail: A State-By-State Breakdown

Virginia boasts the highest number of miles along the Appalachian Trail, with a total of 550.3 miles (885.6 km), which represents approximately one-fourth of the entire trail’s length. This extensive portion includes over 20 miles (32 km) of the trail running along the border of West Virginia. In terms of Appalachian Trail mileage, Virginia takes the lead among all the states traversed by this iconic hiking route.

The Appalachian Trail, often abbreviated as the A.T., spans an impressive distance of over 2,190 miles from start to finish. Undertaking the challenge of completing this entire trail in one continuous journey is a monumental task. Annually, thousands of enthusiastic hikers embark on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail; however, the completion rate is approximately one in four. A typical thru-hiker spends a significant 5 to 7 months navigating the entire length of the A.T., making it a truly demanding and rewarding adventure.

The Appalachian Trail, a renowned long-distance hiking route that stretches from Georgia to Maine, traverses through various states, each offering a unique hiking experience. Virginia boasts the longest section of the trail, with approximately 550 miles to explore. On the other end of the spectrum, West Virginia has the shortest section, with only about 4 miles of the trail passing through the state. Maryland and West Virginia are considered relatively easier states to hike, providing a more accessible experience for hikers. In contrast, the trail becomes significantly more challenging as it leads through New Hampshire and Maine, offering rugged terrain and steep elevations. To put the difficulty in perspective, hiking the entire Appalachian Trail involves a total elevation gain equivalent to climbing Mount Everest a staggering 16 times. This information helps provide a clearer picture of the variations and challenges one can encounter while traversing the Appalachian Trail across its various states.

How long is the Appalachian Trail in each state?

State	Distance in Miles	Distance in Kilometers
New York	90	144.8
Connecticut	50.5	81.3
Massachusetts	90.4	145.5
Vermont	150.8	242.7