The historic Appalachian trail is the world's longest continuously-marked trail. It starts in Maine and then winds down through fourteen states, and officially ends in Georgia. Though it's meant to be walked, a hike from end to end can take between five and seven months-- and only 20% of those who set out to conquer it actually complete the journey. People prepare for months to actually hike the entire length of the trail, which has been around since the 1920s, and is a permanent part of America's hiking heritage. But, it's also pretty fun to drive the Trail, which is divided into three major sections: New England, Mid-Atlantic, and the Southern Appalachians. The New England stretch of the trail takes you from Maine to New Hampshire, though a bit of Vermont, and into Connecticut. The Mid-Atlantic states include New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. Then you'll hit the Southern Appalachians, which include Virginia and West Virginia, then over to Tennessee and down to North Carolina and Georgia.
Beginning in the New England section of the Appalachian Trail, a few breathtaking highlights include Baxter State Park and the White Mountain National Forest. The trail picks up again in eastern Vermont and goes up to the New York-Connecticut border: this section of the trail is much less difficult for hikers than the northernmost segment. Expect to see many stone walls from previously existing structures such as farm buildings. This section also contains some hiking through gorgeous farmland and lovely pastoral views. Consider resting your legs at the waterfalls in Gifford Woods State Forest Park or Kent Falls State Park. Maine's Grafton Notch State Park is a major highlight of this section, and actually the perfect place to start your Appalachian Trail road trip, surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and gorges.
After Grafton Notch, plan on driving the Mt Washington Auto Road in New Hampshire, which is a seasonal byway up the highest peak in the Northeast, along which you'll find mountain tours, a gift shop, a cafe, and ever-changing panoramic views. It's especially gorgeous at sunrise... and once you've completed the drive, you'll earn a "This Car Climbed Mt. Washington" bumper sticker!
While in New Hampshire visit Story Land, a super quirky theme park that was founded by Bob and Ruth Morell after purchasing large, whimsical dolls from Germany. Their park is based on these massive storybook dolls, and has all kinds of rides and attractions, from swan boats to vintage cars to an antique carousel, and tons more.
Next up is Crawford Notch State Park. This 5,700-acre park has loads of hiking trails, a few waterfalls and some insanely gorgeous mountain views. There's also a campground onsite. And a little ways down the road is Gifford Woods State Forest Park, which also features Appalachian trail camping-- if you can't hike it, you can at least camp out the way a hiker would!
Over in Hancock, MA is the historic Hancock Shaker Village, which was established in 1791 and has been turned into a living history museum where you can listen to interpretive talks on history, see demonstrations on how the Shakers farmed and danced, and even meet some cute baby animals. Nearby, you'll also find Bash Bish Falls State Park, home to Massachusetts' highest single-drop waterfall.
Before you leave Massachusetts, if you're hungry, there's East Side Cafe in Pittsfield, which has been a local favorite since the 1950s. Or, over in Connecticut, there's Collins Diner, a classic retro aluminum diner.
Mount Washington State Forest is one of the prettiest forests along the route, and lies in the southern part of the Taconic Mountain range. After soaking in the woodland beauty there, take a leisurely stroll across the covered bridge at Kent Falls State Park, and hike to the cascading waterfalls.
If you get hungry, head to Milford Diner for traditional, home-cooked diner food, set in a very cool colonial-themed diner.
Next you'll come to Bear Mountain State Park in Tomkins Cove. It's 5,000 acres of scenic beauty located on the Hudson River. Also, the nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of New Jersey's best-kept secrets. It's forty lush miles of the middle Delaware River, surrounded by shady forests, rolling hills and peaceful river inlets.
If you're a hot dog connoisseur, in Belvidere, NJ there's Hot Dog Johnny's, which will make you tingle with retro road food nostalgia. Their simple menu includes no-frills hot dogs, delicious fries, and homemade birch beer (it's like root beer, but better!)
Next up is the Appalachian Trail Museum in Gardners, PA, which has been dedicated to protecting the legends and stories of the community of hikers who work to preserve and protect the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail, since its creation in 1923. The museum is located along Pennsylvania’s Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The museum building was built over two hundred years ago, and at that time was used as a grist mill. Today it’s across from one of the most famous points of the Appalachian Trail, the Pine Grove General Store, which is traditionally the half-way mark along the hike. It's also where hikers stop to attempt the famous ritual of trying to eat half a gallon of ice cream in one sitting. Today the museum currently exhibits over 13,000 images of hikers who have passed though the area over the years, and they also have a trail shelter built by famous hiking legend Earl Shafer. In 1948, Shafer was the first person to hike the entire trail and has gone down in hiker history as one of the first great adventurers.
From Gardners, head south to Gettysburg. Gettysburg National Military Park is probably the most important battlefield in America, commemorating the turning point of the Civil War. There are so many exhibits in the visitor center, as well as a fantastic driving tour of the park. Plus, Gettysburg is a beautiful historic town to spend the day exploring.
If you want to get out to stretch your legs, head to Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont, MD, which is home to a 78-foot tall cascading waterfall, Maryland's largest. Washington Monument State Park in Middletown features a 34-foot tall monument, and is just 4 miles from the town of Boonsboro, another great town to visit while on the Appalachian Trail.
Then drive down to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, located smack dab in the middle of where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. This historic town has hiking and a charming downtown district that will make you feel like you're stepping back in time to the 1800s.
Another must-stop along the route is the 110-mile Skyline Drive, which runs the entire length of Shenandoah National Park, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
While in Virginia, don't miss the Luray Caverns, which has drawn visitors along the Appalachian trail since its discovery in 1878. The caverns have a wishing well, a "stalacpipe organ", and tons more underground oddities.
Definitely plan to spend at least a day at Shenandoah National Park. The park is 200,000 square miles, offers 500 miles of trails, and encompasses part of eight counties, with exposed rock that dates back over 1 billion years. Here are a few of the best spots to hit up: Old Rag Mountain is one of the most popular of all the trails and with good reason. At dusk you can see an insanely beautiful view of the Blue Valley. If you’re looking for a hike with a more refreshing surrounding, try hiking to Crabtree Falls. This waterfall is the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River, and its beauty draws spectators from all over. Before finishing your visit, explore the Shenandoah Caverns, which offer mile-long tours that take you past strange and beautiful rock formations.
The historic Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah National Park and the stately Natural Bridge Hotel are two great choices for lodging along this stretch of the Appalachian Trail. For more budget accommodations, the Mayberry Motor Inn in Mount Airy, NC is a retro-kitschy Andy Griffith Show-themed courtyard-style hotel just off US Route 52-- it's less than two miles from the Andy Griffith Museum, naturally.
Michie Tavern in Charlottesville has opened its doors to travelers for over 200 years, providing hearty, homemade Southern food based on recipes from the 1800s. You can order fried chicken, corn bread, green beans, and peach cobbler and have it served to you by waiters in 19th-century dress!
If you decide to stay at the Natural Bridge Hotel, request a mountain view room. There's also a restaurant, cave and bar on site.
The best time to drive down the Appalachian Trail is in the fall. Many places are seasonal along the route, and some are closed in winter, also some roads will be closed seasonally as well. Summer can be hot and muggy, but autumn is pretty much perfect. From September through mid-November the leaves will be changing and provide a gorgeous backdrop to your journey. Spring is lovely as well, with wildflowers in bloom and mild temperatures, although you might run across the occasional April shower.
