Appalachian Trail Map: 32 Damn Good Reasons to Hike the AT

The above Appalachian Trail Map was put together by talented designer, thru-hiker, and Trek Blogger Anna Zimmerman. All mileages taken from AWOL’s 2016 guide. Minor changes in landmark mileages are to be expected as the trail is slightly rerouted every year.

The Landmarks

Mile 0: Springer Mountain

Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail since 1956.

Mile 31.7: Mountain Crossings

First outfitter for NOBO hikers, known for their knowledgable staff and gear shakedowns.

Mile 137.3: The NOC

Iconic trail stop featuring a steep climb in and out of town. Get a burger at the restaurant, resupply in the gear shop, or take a day to go rafting.

Mile 167.4: The Smokies

The AT runs through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the most-visited national park in the United States.

Mile 199.5: Clingman’s Dome

At 6,643 feet, this is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail.

Mile 253.9: Max Patch

Iconic bald mountain with beautiful 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Mile 273.7: Hot Springs

Welcoming trail town with natural hot springs. Home to the Smoky Mountain Diner, one of the most popular restaurants amongst AT hikers and the first place NOBOs exit from the Smokies.

Mile 353.9: Beauty Spot

A beautiful, grassy bald on the TN/NC border where the AT crosses Unaka Mountain.

Mile 376.8: Roan High Knob

Have you stayed in the highest-elevation shelter on the AT?

Mile 378.3: Roan Highlands

One of the most beautiful sections of the entire Appalachian Trail. Highlights include Round Bald, Jane Bald, Hump Mountain, and Overmountain Shelter.

Mile 420.1: Laurel Fork Falls

A 50-foot cascading waterfall and a don’t-miss photo op.

Mile 468.5: Damascus

Destination trail town and host of Trail Days, the AT’s largest annual festival.

Mile 499.6: Grayson Highlands

State park where AT hikers are pretty much guaranteed to run into friendly wild ponies.

Mile 497: Mount Rogers

Take a short side trail to the highest point in Virginia.

Mile 784.1: James River Footbridge

Longest footbridge on the AT, and traditional place for hikers to jump into the river.

Mile 699.3: Dragon’s Tooth

Jagged rock monolith and a popular, challenging day hike for locals.

Mile 707.7: The Homeplace

Voted #1 restaurant on the AT by thru-hikers, and thru-hikers know how to eat.

Mile 711.4: McAfee Knob

Iconic rock overhang featuring fantastic views of the Catawaba Valley. One of the most photographed points on the Appalachian Trail.

Mile 862.3: Shenandoah National Park

The AT passes through this national park with rolling terrain, blackberry milkshakes at the Waysides, and plenty of black bears.

Mile 1023.1: Harper’s Ferry

Appalachian Trail Headquarters, emotional halfway point, and home of the thru-hiker Polaroid.

Mile 1101.7: Actual Halfway Point

Home to the famous Half-Gallon Challenge at Pine Grove Furnace. Can you win the tiny wooden spoon?

Mile 1258.2: Lehigh Gap

Famously steep climb with incredible views from the top.

Mile 1354: New Jersey Boardwalk

Enjoy this flat stretch of the trail across scenic marshlands.

Mile 1385.6: Lemon Squeezer

Iconic rock formation barely wider than a hiker-plus-pack.

Mile 1492.4: Great Falls

Don’t miss these scenic waterfalls outside of Falls Village, Connecticut.

Mile 1585.9: Mount Greylock

This peak is the highest point in Massachusetts.

Mile 1637: Stratton Mountain

The location where the ideas for the AT and Long Trail were conceived.

Mile 1704.7: Killington Peak

Killington Peak is the second highest summit in the Green Mountains and Vermont.

Mile 1798.2: The Whites

One of the most anticipated section of trail for thru-hikers. This is where the terrain becomes noticably more challenging… and epic.

Mile 1867.7: Mt Washington

Notoriously dangerous, unpredictable weather. Home to the highest recorded windspeed not associated with a tropical cyclone.

Mile 1913.8: Mahoosuc Notch

A glorified rock scramble around car- and house-sized boulders. Regarded by many as the hardest (or most fun) mile of the Appalachian Trail.

Mile 2074.6: 100-Mile Wilderness

The longest stretch of AT without a road crossing, and a beautiful way to finish (or start) your AT hike.

Mile 2190: Mt Katahdin

Northern Terminus and the highest peak in Maine.