Hiking the Historical Appalachian Trail

Hiking the Historical Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is the original long-distance challenge for American wanderlust. Part of the Triple Crown of Hiking, it is the shortest, oldest and most famous of the three, boasting unforgettable scenery and an amazing hiking culture.

Over 5,000 backpackers attempt to thru-hike the A.T. each year, traversing the nearly 2,200 miles that link Georgia to Maine. Only about a quarter succeed, but no matter the distance traveled it makes for one hell of an adventure! Many more nature lovers unwrap the wonders of the Appalachia by tackling smaller sections—climbing mountains, exploring colorful valleys and waterfalls, and enjoying awe-inspiring views along the way.

A hundred years of history & adventure

The idea for the Appalachian Trail was conceived by forester and conservationist, Benton MacKaye, in 1921. By 1937, the original footpath was completed and hailed as “A Great Trail from Maine to Georgia!” In the 100 years since, the accolades and hikers have been streaming in.

This spectacular journey presents some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Appalachia, tours Civil War monuments, and explores remnants of Appalachian mountain culture, with much more enchantment to be found along the way. The trail magic is real on the A.T. — the camaraderie between hikers and local communities is one of a kind. Its iconic status has inspired the creation of long-distance trails around the world.

  • IMMERSIVE SCENERY
  • 2,193 MILES LONG
  • CULTURAL IMPORTANCE
  • CROSSES 14 STATES
  • 100 YEARS OF HISTORY
The sunset on the Appalachian Trail will always feel mesmerizing.
The Appalachian Trail is marked clearly, so it’s very hard to get lost on the trail.

Over 5 million steps from the beginning to the end

THE PINNACLE OF AMERICAN HIKING

If you are still not sure why the trail gains so much attention, consider the numbers: the 2,193 miles long trail traverses an impressive 14 states, 8 national forests, 6 national parks, and takes an average of 6 months to hike.

Because of its elevation, the trail is sometimes called the “long green tunnel.” It rarely tops the tree line and as a result the fantastic views are fewer and farther between, which you could say enhances your appreciation of them. Still, due to its constant elevation change, once you reach the end, you will have climbed the equivalent of 16 Mt. Everests.

Just one of the many rocky paths on the Appalachian Trail. A lovely layered sunset view of the Appalachian Trail forests.

EXPLORE THE WILDERNESS AND YOURSELF

The trail that links the peaks of the Appalachians is home to thousands of species of plants and animals, including 2,000 rare and endangered species.

As you pass through diverse topography and ecosystems you’ll encounter moose, deer, foxes, coyotes, bears, and a host of other animals. Remember, you are a guest in their home so tread lightly!

Whether thru-hiked or done in sections, the A.T. provides both a challenge and sense of freedom. Hikers break from the routine, connect with nature and meet other adventurers often leaving them eternally fascinated by the trail and a different pace of life. Although it is mentally and physically demanding, the rewards for reaching the end are infinite.

Don’t forget the rain gear for the Appalachian Trail! Hikers resting on the rock with an amazing vista over the Appalachian Trail.

Landscapes for every taste

Following the pathway across mountains, valleys, and forests, you’ll explore all the crowd favorites, like the famous McAfee Knob in Virginia or Unicoi Gap in Georgia.

Along the way you’ll enjoy spectacular sunsets that turn mountains into violet and indigo hues, observe the spring awakening as you hike along the colorful meadows, and witness the majesty of the Appalachian Mountains.

A spectacular adventure awaits

Discover the beauty of the Appalachian Trail with a guide

Become a part of the community

Many set their mind and body to achieve this challenge, so don’t be surprised if you see numerous other adventurers passing the same routes as you. Your fellow hikers might be one of the best aspects of hiking the Appalachian Trail. From the moment you set foot on the trail, you become a part of a “community in the wilderness,” sharing the experience with everyone you meet along the way.

This hiking experience accommodates from three to six travelers looking for an adventure.

  • ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
  • STRONG COMMUNITY
  • EPIC FOOTPATHS
  • UNIQUE GEOLOGY
  • SPIRITUAL AWAKENING

Your guide

Michelle Michaud is the founder and primary guide at Wandering Boots who has been hiking the Appalachian Trail since 1998. She completed the trail in sections from ’98 to ’08 and then did 2 thru-hikes in 2014 and again in 2017.

She has hiked various parts several times and has traveled across the country hiking and backpacking in many of the country’s state and national parks. Hikers are in excellent hands.

Your guide for the Appalachian Trail is Michelle Michaud, the primary guide at Wandering boots. Your guide for the Appalachian Trail, Michelle, has amazing hiking and backpacking skills thanks to her experiences traveling around the US.
Nate Hubbard

She was amazing! Literally will do everything she can to make your trip exciting and fun and safe! She is a joy to be around and I recommend her if you want to do any sort of AT backpacking or hiking. It was the most amazing trip I’ve ever been on. Lots of views and was able to just breathe from life a little. Definitely a must if you need a break!

Amy Feeser

Amazing guide and teacher! 10/10 recommend Michelle and would love to adventure with her again

Cheryl Nelsen

Super knowledgeable, well prepared and encouraging! Michelle is A+++!

Michele Worthington

Michelle was an excellent guide, knowledgeable, fun and able to work with our group to meet the hiking speed at which we wanted to go. She made the adventure great.

Claudia Earls

Michelle is an awesome guide. She has been hiking the AT for 25 years and points out creatures and natural sites along the way. She also was flexible and change up the itinerary to better meet our capabilities.

Margaret Irene Bivins

A great hike on the the approach trail and the GA beginning of the AT – beautiful landscape, incredible plants and wildflowers, all along the trail. Michelle was energetic, knowledgeable and FUN. Very willing and able to adjust plans, and hiking speeds, when needed. So kind and helpful when we met other hikers on the trail. We always felt safe, knowing Michelle was in charge.

Joel Crites

Fyrfly is knowledgeable, professional, and super hard working from arrival to departure. It’s obvious she’s doing what she loves. Michelle went above and beyond for me & my kids each day. Recommending this experience to everyone who will listen. And I’m also very thankful for the relationship formed with Michelle that is likely to last a long time – she’s a huge asset to 57hours.

The first 40 miles of the AT are picturesque, serene, and exactly the adventure I was looking for. Cant wait to hike more of it. After this week, I feel experienced enough to safely set out for section hikes on my own. Thanks so much!!

Martha Mahoney

FANTASTIC!!! The AT is much more challenging than I expected which gave me extra satisfaction in completing mt first hike on it. It is stunningly beautiful. Michelle is extremely experienced and knowledgeable. She is fun to be with and easy-going. She is helpful and makes the experience achievable – even for a beginner like me. She is a logistics genius as well – everything went according to plan. She makes excellent suggestions to avoid any potential discomfort or setback. She is great physical hiker. Michelle can tell stories and facts about the trail which was wonderful. I would have not been successful on the AT without Michelle.

Patricia Severn

Outstanding!

Tanya Eggert

As an outdoor enthusiast, attempting backpacking has been high on my bucket list. Michelle was a wonderful teacher/guide explaining backpacking necessities and how to navagate the trail. My husband and I had a wonderful experience/trip. We are confident that we could attempt a backpacking trip on our own (if we choose- the guide and group were quite fun to be with). Thank you Michelle and fellow backpackers. The Appalachian trail will not disappoint. Especially to break away from society for a little bit.

Chris Upwards

Extremely knowledgeable guide and knows the AT like the back of her hand!

Rick Farrell

Extremely aware of the capabilities of the group and balance this to ensure everyone had a great experience

Hard, but have a great sense of pride to complete this section

Matthew Doyle

Michelle was very knowledgeable about the trail, wildlife and the environment, she would pass this information to us as we hiked along the trail. The view was brilliant, mountains were enormous!

Sharon Gerlach

MichelleMichaud is an extremely knowledgeable, honest and compassionate Appalachian Trail Guide. She openly shares her extensive hiking knowledge, in a way that everybody can understand. She gently encourages you how to be a successful and happy sectional or thru AT hiker. She keeps you updated on all of the trip details and while you are out on the trail. Her extensive experience and knowledge helped this 69 Y/O first time backpacker accomplished her dream. I highly recommend Michelle Michaud as you guide for all of your AT adventures. I definitely will be booking another AT adventure with her.
Michelle AKA Fyrfly is the genuine magical steward of the AT trail

One of the best backpacking adventures I have experienced. Outstanding guide.

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