You can begin or end your hike at hundreds of places between the Appalachian Trail's northern and southern ends. Here's what to expect in Pennsylvania.
You can explore many locations along the trail including shelters, A.T. Communities, Trail Clubs, and more!
Comprehensive and accurate A.T. printed hiking maps are available from the Ultimate Appalachian Trail Store.
Long, flat and rocky ridges characterize much of this state. The southern part of Pennsylvania offers some of the easiest walking of the entire A.T., but steep descents to rivers and gaps break the ridgelines in the northern two-thirds of the state.
The A.T. passes through game lands managed for hunting, so fall is not the best time to go.All hunters and non-hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back combined, or a fluorescent orange hat, from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15 (except on Sundays) on state game lands in Pennsylvania (much of the A.T. between the and Delaware Water Gap (roughly the northern 2/3 of the state). For more information about hunting safety along the A.T. visit www.appalachiantrail.org/hunting.Only thru-hikers (defined as those "walking the Appalachian Trail from point of beginning to an exit, which is not the place of beginning) may camp on Pennsylvania Game Commission lands, and these hikers must camp within 200 ft of A.T., at least 500 ft from a stream or spring.In addition, camping regulations vary considerably throughout the state, so be sure to plan ahead for your hike.
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