From Georgia to Maine, across America.
One of the most famous hiking treks in the world is without any doubt the Appalachian Trail, commonly called only AT, a trekking and hiking pist that starting from Mount Springer in Georgia crosses an amazing 11 states to end at Baxter National Park, in Maine. It is part, with the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, of Triple Crown of Hiking, the biggest achievement any trekker in USA can reach.
The track is named after the Appalachian Mountain chain, which runs from north to south the eastern part of United States, very close to coastal states on the Atlantic Ocean. These mountains, with medium altitudes, have good conditions for a demanding hiking, but ideal for any type of trekker, from the expert to the beginner. The total mileage is some 2200 miles, a very long path for anyone who wants to complete the route in one shot; but there are many who set the challenge for 100 days in a row to finish… Which give them the prestigious distinctive of Thru-hikers, even if it is most probable they will complete the hike in 5 to 6 months.
To challenge the Appalachian Trail it is necessary to select a structured and technical shoe, which combines upper sturdiness with a cozy fit, required bu the long haul. The Trezeta Top Evo NV boot is the perfect match: it has in fact a strong and wrapping unbuckle leather upper, connected with a 360° rubber rand for protection against accidental bumps. It blocks water and outer elements infiltrations thanks to the Water Stopper membrane, exclusive by Trezeta, and the Outdry™ membrane. Then, the boot is perfect for long treks, for the sole structure: a lightweight microporous wedge, stable and cushioning, coupled with the Vibram® Tsavo outsole, which gives a great traction all over the different grounds that can be found on the American track.
The trail was first developed and classified in the mid 20s of last century, with the work of some private citizens and rangers in love with trekking and with the places, who contribute to trace the hike with the signals, the cleaning of some parts of the track and with the cartography. Thanks to these pioneers, now the trail is part of the national scenic trails, is managed by the National Park Service and by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the first organization that took care of maintaining and promoting the hike on the Appalachians.
What are the peculiar traits of this endless route? The road is full of different environment and scenarios: from arid and rocks of the southern part, where it is easy to spot some venomous snakes like the copperhead, to the firs and larches forests covering northern states like Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, where it is less probable but not impossible to bump into a black bear, which lives in the whole Appalachian region.
All over the trail there are many huts and rest points at the end/beginning of stages; more or less 250 huts and camping sites, besides many other rest areas, and cities crossed by the route. One last thing: the majority of trekkers, who decide to challenge the trail entirely, starts from south e go north, from Georgia to Maine. They are called north-bounders. Instead, who goes the other way (less in number) is called (no surprise) south-bounder. Only completing the road in one solution gives the title of Thru-hiker, anyway.
INFO: Trezeta
