Editing Appalachian Trail (section)

==Route==
{{further|Appalachian Trail by state}}
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article Appalachian Trail by state -->
The trail is protected along more than 99% of its course by federal or state ownership of the land or by [[Easement|right-of-way]]. The trail is maintained by a variety of organizations, environmental advocacy groups, governmental agencies and individuals. Annually, more than 4,000 volunteers contribute over 175,000 hours of effort on the Appalachian Trail, an effort coordinated largely by the [[Appalachian Trail Conservancy]] (ATC) organization. In total, the AT passes through eight national forests and two national parks.<ref name=nickens/>

In the course of its journey, the trail follows the ridge line of the [[Appalachian Mountains]], crossing many of its highest peaks and running through [[wilderness]] with only a few exceptions. The trail once traversed many hundreds of miles of private property, but today 99% of the trail is on public land.<ref name=public>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.786749/k.D5F9/History.htm "History"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070607115705/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.786749/k.D5F9/History.htm |date=June 7, 2007 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed June 24, 2008).</ref>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
File:Hiker signing register at Springer Mountain.jpg|A hiker signs the register on [[Springer Mountain]], Ga., southern terminus of the trail.
File:Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap IMG 5137.JPG|Appalachian Trail at [[Newfound Gap]] in the [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]], N.C.
File:Accessible AT on Cross Mountain TN.jpg|Wheelchair accessible portion of the trail on Cross Mountain, near [[Shady Valley, Tennessee]]
File:Pocosin cabin.jpg|The Pocosin cabin along the trail in [[Shenandoah National Park]], Virginia
</gallery>

===Georgia===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article Appalachian Trail by state -->
Georgia has {{convert|75|mi|km}} of the trail, including the southern terminus at [[Springer Mountain]] at an elevation of {{convert|3782|ft|m}}.<ref name=georgia>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Georgia "Explore the Trail: Georgia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710144232/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Georgia |date=July 10, 2016 }}  AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016).</ref> At {{convert|4461|ft|m}}, [[Blood Mountain]] is the highest point on the trail in Georgia. The AT and approach trail, along with many miles of blue blazed side trails, are managed and maintained by the [[Georgia Appalachian Trail Club]]. See also: [[List of peaks on Appalachian Trail in Georgia|Georgia Peaks on the Appalachian Trail]].

===North Carolina===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article Appalachian Trail by state -->
North Carolina has {{convert|95.7|mi|km}} of the trail, not including more than {{convert|200|mi|km}} along the Tennessee state line.<ref name=northcarolina>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/North-Carolina "Explore the Trail: North Carolina"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712043907/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/north-carolina |date=July 12, 2016 }}  AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016).</ref> Altitude ranges from {{convert|1725|to|5498|ft|m}}. The trail enters from Georgia at Bly Gap, ascending peaks such as [[Standing Indian Mountain]], [[Mount Albert (North Carolina)|Mt. Albert]], and [[Wayah Bald]]. It then goes by [[Nantahala Outdoor Center]] at the Nantahala River Gorge and the [[Nantahala River]] crossing. Up to this point, the trail is maintained by the Nantahala Hiking Club. Beyond this point, it is maintained by the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. {{convert|30|mi|km}} further north, [[Fontana Dam]] marks the entrance to [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aldha.org/companyn/ga-tn10.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924234534/http://aldha.org/companyn/ga-tn10.pdf|url-status=dead|title=The Appalachian Trail south of Roan Mountain|archive-date=September 24, 2010}}</ref>

===Tennessee===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article "Appalachian Trail by state" -->
Tennessee has {{convert|71|mi|km}} of the trail,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aldha.org/companyn/tn-va10.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119172717/http://aldha.org/companyn/tn-va10.pdf |archive-date=November 19, 2010 |title=Tennessee |work=Appalachian Thru-Hikers' Companion-2010}}</ref><ref name=marion>{{cite journal |last1=Marion |first1=Jeffrey L. |last2=Leung |first2=Yu-Fai |date=Fall 2001 |title=Trail Resource Impacts and An Examination of Alternative Assessment Techniques |journal=Journal of Park & Recreation Administration |volume=19 |issue=3 |pages=17–37 |bibcode=2001JPRA...19...17M |url=http://js.sagamorepub.com/jpra/article/view/1565 |access-date=October 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425080630/http://js.sagamorepub.com/jpra/article/view/1565 |archive-date=April 25, 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref> not including more than {{convert|200|mi|km}} along or near the North Carolina state line.<ref name=tennessee>{{Cite web|url=http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Tennessee|title=The Appalachian Trail Conservancy - Explore By State - Tennessee|website=www.appalachiantrail.org|access-date=July 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715200236/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Tennessee|archive-date=July 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The section that runs just below the summit of [[Kuwohi]] in [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]] is along the North Carolina and Tennessee state line and is the highest point on the trail at {{convert|6643|ft|m}}. The Smoky Mountains Hiking Club (Knoxville, TN) maintains the trail throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Davenport Gap. North of Davenport Gap, the Carolina Mountain Club (Asheville, NC) maintains the trail to Spivey Gap. Then the remaining Tennessee section is maintained by the Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club (Kingsport, TN).

===Virginia===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article "Appalachian Trail by state" -->
Virginia has {{convert|550.3|mi|km}} of the trail (one quarter of the entire trail) including more than {{convert|20|mi|km}} along the West Virginia state line.<ref name=virginia>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430080813/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-region/virginia|archive-date=April 30, 2011|url=http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-region/virginia|title= Terrain By Region: Virginia|work=About The Trail|publisher=[[Appalachian Trail Conservancy]]|access-date=September 1, 2016}}</ref> With the climate, and the timing of northbound thru-hikers, this section is wet and challenging because of the spring thaw and heavy spring rainfall.<ref>{{cite web|title=Virginia's Climate|url=http://climate.virginia.edu/description.htm|publisher=University of Virginia Climatology Office|access-date=August 29, 2010|author1=Bruce P. Hayden|author2=Patrick J. Michaels|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720110343/http://climate.virginia.edu/description.htm|archive-date=July 20, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Substantial portions of the trail closely parallel [[Skyline Drive]] in Shenandoah National Park and, further south, the [[Blue Ridge Parkway]].<ref name=virginia/> 
The [[Appalachian Trail Conservancy]] considers as excellent for beginning hikers a well-maintained {{convert|104|mi}} section of the trail that the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed in Shenandoah National Park. Climbs in this section rarely exceed {{convert|1000|ft}}.<ref name=anniversary/><ref name=virginia/> In the southwestern portion of the state, the trail goes within one half mile of the highest point in Virginia, Mount Rogers, which is a short side-hike from the AT.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:Winchester and Potomac Railroad Bridge, Harpers Ferry, WV - Appalachian Trail sign.jpg|Crossing the [[Potomac River]] at [[Harpers Ferry, West Virginia]], "psychological midpoint" of the trail
File:Annapolis rocks overlook.jpg|Annapolis Rock Overlook, along the trail in [[South Mountain State Park]], Maryland
File:Appalachian Trail and Museum, Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA.jpg|[[Appalachian Trail Museum]] near the midpoint in [[Pine Grove Furnace State Park]], Pennsylvania
File:Bear Mtn Bridge.jpg|[[Bear Mountain Bridge]], New York
</gallery>

===West Virginia===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article "Appalachian Trail by state" -->
West Virginia has {{convert|4|mi|km}} of the trail, not including about {{convert|20|mi|km}} along the Virginia state line.<ref name=westvirginia>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/West-Virginia "Explore the Trail: West Virginia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706235049/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/West-Virginia |date=July 6, 2016 }}  AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016).</ref> Here the trail passes through the town of [[Harpers Ferry, West Virginia|Harpers Ferry]], headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Harpers Ferry is what many consider to be the "psychological midpoint" of the trail's length, although the actual midpoint is about {{Convert|75|mi|km}} further north in southern Pennsylvania.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Belisle|first=Richard|title=Record number pass through Appalachian Trail's 'midpoint'|url=https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/local/2015/12/20/record-number-pass-through-appalachian-trails-midpoi/45185689/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=The Hagerstown Herald-Mail|language=en-US|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160633/https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/local/2015/12/20/record-number-pass-through-appalachian-trails-midpoi/45185689/|url-status=live}}</ref>

A CSX train derailment on December 21, 2019, damaged the pedestrian footbridge over the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, severing the trail between West Virginia and Maryland. The foot crossing reopened in July 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jenkins|first=Jeff|date=2020-07-04|title=Footbridge at Harpers Ferry reopens after damage caused in train derailment|url=https://wvmetronews.com/2020/07/03/footbridge-at-harpers-ferry-reopens-after-damage-caused-in-train-derailment/|access-date=2020-09-12|website=WV MetroNews|language=en-US|archive-date=July 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706184033/https://wvmetronews.com/2020/07/03/footbridge-at-harpers-ferry-reopens-after-damage-caused-in-train-derailment/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Maryland===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article "Appalachian Trail by state" -->
Maryland has {{convert|41|mi|km}} of the trail, with elevations ranging from {{convert|230|to|1880|ft|m}}.<ref name=maryland>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Maryland "Explore the Trail: Maryland"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316220744/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/maryland |date=March 16, 2017 }}  AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016).</ref> Most of the trail runs along the ridgeline of [[South Mountain (Maryland and Pennsylvania)|South Mountain]] in [[South Mountain State Park]].<ref>{{cite web|title=South Mountain State Park|url=http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/southmountain.aspx|website=Maryland Department of Natural Resources|access-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116191242/http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/southmountain.aspx|archive-date=November 16, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Hikers are required to stay at designated shelters and campsites. The trail runs through the eastern edge of [[Greenbrier State Park]]. This can serve as stop point for a hot shower and a visit to the camp store. The trail runs along the [[Chesapeake and Ohio Canal|C&O Canal Towpath]] route for {{convert|3|mi|km}}. Hikers will also pass High Rock, which offers extensive views and is also used as a [[hang-gliding]] site.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Brown|first1=Scott E.|title=Hiking Maryland: A Guide for Hikers & Photographers|date=2014|publisher=Stackpole Books|isbn=978-0811708272|page=118|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TYvEAgAAQBAJ|access-date=May 10, 2020|archive-date=July 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716032610/https://books.google.com/books?id=TYvEAgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> The section ends at [[Pen Mar Park]], which sits on the state line of Maryland and Pennsylvania.

===Pennsylvania===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article "Appalachian Trail by state" -->
Pennsylvania has {{convert|229.6|mi|km}} of the trail.<ref name=pennsylvania>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/pennsylvania "Terrain By State: Pennsylvania"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510150731/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/pennsylvania |date=May 10, 2015 }}  AppalachianTrail.org (accessed May 23, 2015).</ref> The trail extends from the Pennsylvania-Maryland line at the village of [[Pen Mar, Maryland|Pen Mar]], northeast to the [[Delaware Water Gap]] at the Pennsylvania-New Jersey state line. In the south-central region of the state, the trail passes through [[Pine Grove Furnace State Park]], which is often considered the symbolic mid-point of the Appalachian Trail.<ref name="Thwaites">{{cite book|last1=Thwaites|first1=Tom|title=50 Hikes in Eastern Pennsylvania|date=1997|publisher=Backcountry Publications|isbn=088150372X|edition=Third|location=Woodstock, Vermont|page=27}}</ref> For much of its length in Pennsylvania, the trail is known for its very rocky terrain, which slows many hikers down while causing injuries and placing strain on equipment. Hikers often call the state "Rocksylvania".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hopey|first1=Don|title=From the archives: July 9, 1995 / Rocksylvania is a real boot-buster|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2015/07/02/From-the-archives-July-9-1995-Rocksylvania-is-a-real-boot-buster/stories/201507020010|access-date=July 25, 2017|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818011801/http://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2015/07/02/From-the-archives-July-9-1995-Rocksylvania-is-a-real-boot-buster/stories/201507020010|archive-date=August 18, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The AT community has also dubbed Pennsylvania as the state "where boots go to die".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kish|first=Carey|date=2015-08-30|title=Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Boots not made for Pennsylvania|url=https://www.pressherald.com/2015/08/30/hiking-the-appalachian-trail-boots-not-made-for-pennsylvania/|access-date=2022-02-20|website=Press Herald}}</ref>

===New Jersey===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article "Appalachian Trail by state" -->
New Jersey is home to {{convert|72.2|mi|km}} of the trail.<ref name=newjersey>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/new-jersey "Terrain By State: New Jersey"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510184154/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/new-jersey |date=May 10, 2015 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed May 21, 2015).</ref> The trail enters New Jersey from the south on a pedestrian walkway along the [[Interstate 80]] bridge over the [[Delaware River]], ascends from the [[Delaware Water Gap]] to the top of [[Kittatinny Mountain]] in [[Worthington State Forest]], passes [[Sunfish Pond]] (right), continues north through the [[Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area]] and [[Stokes State Forest]] and eventually reaches [[High Point (New Jersey)|High Point State Park]], the highest peak in New Jersey (a side trail is required to reach the actual peak). It then turns in a southeastern direction along the New York state line for about {{convert|30|mi|km}}, passing over long sections of boardwalk bridges over marshy land, then entering [[Wawayanda State Park]] and then the [[Abram S. Hewitt State Forest]] just before entering New York near [[Greenwood Lake, New York|Greenwood Lake]]. In New Jersey the [[New York - New Jersey Trail Conference]] maintains and updates the Appalachian Trail. [[American black bear|Black bear]] activity along the trail in New Jersey increased rapidly starting in 2001. Hence, metal bear-proof food storage boxes are in place at all New Jersey shelters.

===New York===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article "Appalachian Trail by state" -->
New York's {{convert|88.4|mi|km}} of trail contain very little elevation change compared to other states.<ref name=newyork>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/new-york "Terrain By State: New York"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527081251/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/new-york |date=May 27, 2013 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed June 24, 2013).</ref> From south to north, the trail summits many small mountains under {{convert|1400|ft|m}} in elevation, its highest point in New York being Prospect Rock at {{convert|1433|ft|m}}, and only {{convert|3000|ft|m}} from the state line with New Jersey. The trail continues north, climbing near Fitzgerald Falls, passing through Sterling Forest, and then entering [[Harriman State Park (New York)|Harriman State Park]] and [[Bear Mountain State Park]]. The lowest point on the entire Appalachian Trail is in the Bear Mountain Zoo at {{convert|124|ft|m}}. It crosses the [[Hudson River]] on the [[Bear Mountain Bridge]]. It then passes through [[Clarence Fahnestock State Park|Fahnestock State Park]], and continues northeast and crosses the [[Metro-North Railroad]]'s [[Harlem Line]]. This track crossing is the site of the only [[Appalachian Trail (Metro-North station)|train station]] along the trail's length. It enters Connecticut via the [[Pawling Nature Reserve]]. The section of the trail that passes through Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks is the oldest section of the trail, completed in 1923. A portion of this section was paved by 700 volunteers with 800 granite-slab steps followed by over a mile of walkway supported by stone crib walls with boulders lining the path.<ref name="Applebome">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/31/nyregion/31towns.html |last=Applebome |first=Peter |title=A Jolt of Energy for a Much Trod-Upon Trail |work=The New York Times |date=May 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617103259/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/31/nyregion/31towns.html |archive-date=17 June 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> The project took four years, cost roughly $1 million, and opened in June 2010.<ref name="Applebome" /> The project was done by the New York–New Jersey Trail Conference, which maintains and updates the Appalachian Trail in New York.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
File:The Housatonic River's "Great Falls" in Falls Village, Connecticut viewed from the Appalachian Trail.jpg|[[Housatonic River]]'s Great Falls in Falls Village, Connecticut, seen from the Appalachian Trail.
File:MtGreylockSummit.JPG|View from [[Mount Greylock]] in Massachusetts
File:AT - Franconia Ridge.JPG|[[Franconia Ridge]], a section of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire
File:Top of Mount Katahdin.jpg|Northern terminus of the trail atop [[Mount Katahdin]] in [[Maine]]
</gallery>

===Connecticut===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article "Appalachian Trail by state" -->
Connecticut's {{convert|52|mi|km}} of trail lie almost entirely along the [[ridge]]s to the west above the [[Housatonic River]] valley.<ref name=connecticut>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Connecticut "Explore the Trail: Connecticut"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710144224/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Connecticut |date=July 10, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016).</ref>

The state line is also the western boundary of a {{convert|480|acre|ha}} Connecticut [[Indian reservation|reservation]] inhabited by [[Schaghticoke (tribe)|Schaghticoke Indians]]. Inside it, the AT roughly parallels its northern boundary, crossing back outside it after {{convert|2000|ft|m}}. The trail proceeds northward through the Housatonic River valley and hills to its west, veering northwesterly and, at Salisbury, ascending the southern Taconic mountains, at Lion's Head affording a view northeasterly towards Mt. Greylock and other points in Massachusetts, and at Bear Mountain, reaching over {{convert|2000|ft|m}} in elevation for the first time since Pennsylvania and yielding views across the Hudson River valley to the Catskills and across the broad expanse of the Housatonic valley and the Berkshire and Litchfield Hills to the east. Just north of Bear, the trail, as it crosses into Massachusetts, descends into Sages Ravine, a deep gorge in the eastern Taconic ridgeline which is home to a fragile old growth forest. As the trail crosses the brook in the ravine, it leaves the area maintained by the Connecticut section of the Appalachian Mountain Club.

===Massachusetts===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article "Appalachian Trail by state" -->
Massachusetts has {{convert|90|mi|km}} of trail.<ref name=massachusetts>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Massachusetts "Explore the Trail: Massachusetts"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716135737/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/massachusetts |date=July 16, 2016 }}  AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016).</ref> The entire section of trail is in western Massachusetts's [[Berkshire County]]. It summits the highest peak in the southern [[Taconic Mountains|Taconic Range]], [[Mount Everett]] ({{convert|2604|ft|m}}), then descends to the Housatonic River valley and skirts the town of [[Great Barrington, Massachusetts|Great Barrington]]. The trail passes through the towns of [[Dalton, Massachusetts|Dalton]] and [[Cheshire, Massachusetts|Cheshire]], and summits the highest point in the state at {{convert|3491|ft|m}}, [[Mount Greylock]]. It then quickly descends to the valley within {{convert|2|mi|km}} of [[North Adams, Massachusetts|North Adams]] and [[Williamstown, Massachusetts|Williamstown]], before ascending again to the Vermont state line. The trail throughout Massachusetts is maintained by the Berkshire Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club.

===Vermont===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article "Appalachian Trail by state" -->
Vermont has {{convert|150|mi|km}} of the trail.<ref name =vermont>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Vermont "Explore the Trail: Vermont"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715120057/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/vermont |date=July 15, 2016 }}  AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016).</ref> Upon entering Vermont, the trail coincides with the southernmost sections of the generally north–south-oriented [[Long Trail]]. It follows the ridge of the southern [[Green Mountains]], summitting such notable peaks as [[Stratton Mountain (Vermont)|Stratton Mountain]], [[Glastenbury Mountain]], and [[Killington Peak]]. At Maine Junction, the AT reaches an intersection with the eastern end of the [[North Country Trail|North Country National Scenic Trail]], with that trail and the next segment of the Long Trail departing to the north. The AT then turns in a more eastward direction, crossing the [[White River (Vermont)|White River]], passing through [[Norwich, Vermont|Norwich]], and entering [[Hanover, New Hampshire]], as it crosses the [[Connecticut River]]. The [[Green Mountain Club]] maintains the AT from the Massachusetts state line to [[Vermont Route 12|Route 12]]. The [[Dartmouth Outing Club]] maintains the trail from VT Route 12 to the New Hampshire state line.

===New Hampshire===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article "Appalachian Trail by state" -->
New Hampshire has {{convert|161|mi|km}} of the trail.<ref name=newhampshire>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/New-Hampshire "Explore the Trail: New Hampshire"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711003557/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/new-hampshire |date=July 11, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016).</ref> The New Hampshire AT is nearly all within the [[White Mountain National Forest]]. According to the [[Appalachian Trail Conservancy]], New Hampshire has more trail above tree-line than any other Appalachian State.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New Hampshire|url=https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/explore-by-state/new-hampshire/|access-date=2020-10-06|website=Appalachian Trail Conservancy|date=December 9, 2019 |archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024025023/https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/explore-by-state/new-hampshire/|url-status=live}}</ref>

For northbound thru-hikers, it is the beginning of the main challenges that go beyond enduring distance and time: in New Hampshire and Maine, rough or steep ground are more frequent and [[alpine climate|alpine]] conditions are found near summits and along ridges. The trail crosses 15 of the 48 [[four-thousand footers]] of New Hampshire, including {{convert|6288|ft|m|adj=on}} [[Mount Washington (New Hampshire)|Mount Washington]], the highest point of the AT north of Tennessee and most topographically prominent peak in eastern North America. The trail passes within half a mile of 9 additional 4000-footer peaks in the Whites (one summit is only 60 yards from the trail). Entering the alpine zone on the summit of [[Mount Pierce (New Hampshire)|Mount Pierce]], from the south, the trail continues in alpine or near-alpine scrub continuously along the high Presidential ridge until descending the southeast flank of Mount Madison into the Great Gulf Wilderness over 12 miles northward. This region is subject to extremes of weather with little natural shelter and only occasional human-made shelter from the elements. The threat of severe and cold conditions in the Presidentials and across the New Hampshire Section is present year-round and requires hikers' careful attention to weather forecasts and planning, provisions and gear.

The [[Dartmouth Outing Club]] maintains the Appalachian Trail from the Vermont state line past [[Mount Moosilauke]] to [[Kinsman Notch]], northwest of [[Woodstock, New Hampshire]], Randolph Mountain Club maintains 2.2 miles from Osgood Trail near Madison Hut to Edmands Col, with the [[Appalachian Mountain Club|AMC]] maintaining the remaining miles through the state.

===Maine===
<!--Any major expansion to this section should be done at the article "Appalachian Trail by State"-->
Maine has {{convert|281|mi|km}} of the trail. The northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail is on Mount Katahdin's Baxter Peak in [[Baxter State Park]].

In some parts of the trail in Maine, even the strongest hikers may only average {{convert|1|mph}}, with places where hikers must hold on to tree limbs and roots to climb or descend, which is especially hazardous in wet weather.<ref>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Maine "Explore the Trail: Maine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712043902/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/maine |date=July 12, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016).</ref> The western section includes a mile-long (1.6&nbsp;km) stretch of boulders, some of which hikers must pass under, at [[Mahoosuc Notch]], sometimes called the trail's hardest mile.

Although there are dozens of river and stream fords on the Maine section of the trail, the [[Kennebec River]] is the only one on the trail that requires a boat crossing. The most isolated portion of the Appalachian Trail, known as the "[[Hundred-Mile Wilderness]]", occurs in Maine. It heads east-northeast from the town of [[Monson, Maine|Monson]] and ends outside [[Baxter State Park]] just south of [[Abol Bridge]].<ref name=maine>[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Maine "Explore the Trail: Maine"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712043902/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/maine |date=July 12, 2016 }}  AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016).</ref>

Park management strongly discourages thru-hiking within the park before May 15 or after October 15.<ref>[http://baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/at.htm "Thru-Hiking in Baxter State Park"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708080945/http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/at.htm |date=July 8, 2016 }} BaxterStateParkAuthority.com (accessed July 14, 2016)</ref>

The [[Appalachian Mountain Club|AMC]] maintains the AT from the [[New Hampshire]] state line to [[Grafton Notch]], with the [[Maine Appalachian Trail Club]] responsible for maintaining the remaining miles to [[Mount Katahdin|Mt. Katahdin]]. The international extension, called the [[International Appalachian Trail]] begins at Mt. Katahdin.