A wonderful skill that people have always been able to do is walk thousands of miles through difficult terrain to get where they want/need to go. The exercise known as hiking was practiced throughout the world, including on the famous Appalachian Trail, which is approximately 2,184 miles long. The AT was “Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, the US Forest Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies, and thousands of volunteers,” as stated on the National Park Services website. The trail route runs along the Appalachian Mountains and through 14 different states stretching from Maine to Georgia. The formation of the trail went through several phases starting with the idea and planning of a super trail by Benton MacKaye in late 1921. A committee was formed, followed by a conference that years later became the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The AT is a great trail to hike for courageous individuals looking for fun and adventure. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay As the AT passes through fourteen mountains, the landscape changes and so does the experience. The degree of difficulty varies from flat and smooth to rough and rocky, requiring a lot of use of the hands for hanging, feet for stability and jolting movements for the more physically fit hikers. The AT can be divided into five sections: Northern New England, Southern New England, Mid-Atlantic, Southern Appalachia, and Virginia. To learn more about each section, a hiker should refer to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website under the "Trail Information" form. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, “Every year thousands of hikers attempt a continuous hike; only one in four gets to the end." (ATC) Hikers have the option of taking a continuous hike, which is one long trip, or a sectional hike, which is more than one trip in a period of time. Hikers are advised not to start or end their hike in New Hampshire and Maine because the two states represent the greatest challenge on the entire AT. The AT is characterized by a profound beauty. “The Appalachian National Scenic Trail may contain the greatest biodiversity of any National Park Service unit.” (ANST) On the trail a hiker may come across plants and shrubs such as Catawba maples, blueberries, firs and rhododendrons. Some of the wildflowers that travelers may come across might be Jewel Weed, Columbine, Bluets, and Trillium. While hiking, travelers may encounter large animals such as deer, bear, bobcat, coyote, and so on. There are also small animals along the trail, such as mice, squirrels, rabbits, foxes, skunks, bats, etc. Birds like scarlet tanagers, bluebirds, and bald eagles are found somewhere along the AT. The AT also has frogs, salamanders, turtles, and even a couple different types of snakes. Hikers need to watch out for animals such as snakes, bears and even porcupines. The ATC lists several animals and insects that may pose a danger, as well as some endangered plant and animal species. Hikers should be aware that any wild animal can have an unexpected reaction to people. In an article written by Marcus Wolf on WhiteBlaze.net, “The USDA Forest Service announced this month that hikers should store food in a bear canister, rather than simply hanging food in a bag, if they camp along these five miles of the AT." from March 1st to.