Description: This data set was developed to provide a depiction of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail centerline in an easily transferable format so that it can be correctly represented on digital and printed maps and to assist land managers, partners, trail-maintaining clubs, and others with planning activities. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a footpath over 2,190 miles in length that traverses the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Georgia. It passes through 14 states and approximately 241 jurisdictions, and links some 75 national and state parks and forests. Virtually every mile is within easy access of a major population center and some portion of the trail is within a day's drive of 2/3rds of the U.S. population. The idea for an Appalachian Trail was conceived by forester Benton MacKaye in 1921. In 1925, he formed the Appalachian Trail Conference (now called the Appalachian Trail Conservancy), a private not-for-profit organization whose mission is to protect, preserve, manage, and promote the Appalachian Trail. By 1937, an Appalachian Trail footpath was considered complete and open for all to enjoy. In 1968, Congress passed the National Scenic Trails Act that created a system of national scenic trails, starting with the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. Today, the trail and its associated lands are managed by the National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office and Appalachian Trail Conservancy, in conjunction with 30 affiliated trail clubs and several other partners including the USDA Forest Service and numerous state park and state forest agencies.
Copyright Text: National Park Service Appalachian National Scenic Trail & Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 2023