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.
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!
To get your fill of history, visit the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, which is a fantastic living history museum focused on the stories of Old World migrants who settled in Shenandoah Valley.
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.
Natural Bridge Park in Rockbridge County, VA is a beautiful geological wonder, which allegedly features some graffitti from George Washington, who was reportedly in awe of this landmark's beauty.
Next hiking stop is McAfee's Knob in Catawba, which offers a breathtaking scenic overlook in Roanoke County. The view from the overlook is a highlight along the Appalachian Trail for many, and the 6-mile roundtrip hike to the knob is doable even for those driving the route.
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 Chalet Restaurant & Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland is a very unique lodge and restaurant. It's been in operation since 1910, and is located right on the mountain top by Asheville and Blowing Rock. The rooms are large, the mountain views are stunning and the on-site restaurant serves food all day long. It's located at milepost 334 along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
For a more refined stop along the Appalachian Trail, there's the Biltmore Estate in Asheville to give you a taste of the finer things. The Biltmore Estate was built by George Vanderbilt in the style of a Châteauesque mansion-- with 250 rooms inside, it's America's largest house. Basically, you get to tour America's version of Downton Abbey.
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.
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.
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.
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.