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.
1905 Idaho Avenue, Kenner, Louisiana, United States
683 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
1031 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Finish up your Appalachian Trail road trip at Tallulah Gorge State Park at Tallullah Falls. It's home to a thousand foot gorge, tons of waterfalls and a campground in a former Victorian-era resort town.
Dillard, Dillard, Georgia, United States
Bridal Veil Falls Overlook, Highlands, North Carolina, United States
Once you reach Cherokee, NC, visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Here can you learn all about the first peoples to use the area where the trail would later be established.
The last major scenic overlook is at Clingmans Dome, which is the perfect spot to enjoy a 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains. The observation dome is the highest point in the park. Take the 0.5-mile trail to the tower to enjoy spectacular views.
Down the road from Asheville is Maggie Valley's Ghost Town in The Sky. It's a kitschy roadside attraction that's a fun little stop, especially if you have kids. It's a wild west-themed amusement park that sits right on the top of a mountain.
Mile High Swinging Bridge, Linville, North Carolina, United States
If you're in the mood for something more offbeat and quirky, there's Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock, which will make you question gravity and science with its mind-bending displays that defy physics.
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.
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