The Appalachian Trail is a primitive footpath where hikers are expected to be well-prepared and self-reliant. However, those seeking guided or organized hikes do have these options:

Appalachian Trail Clubs from Georgia to Maine offer group hikes that are usually open to the public. Most are free, with only a charge to cover the cost of any carpooling. The Appalachian Mountain Club, with chapters from Washington, DC to Maine, has the most extensive offerings.

ATC’s A.T. Biennial Conference offers dozens of hikes and workshops during a week-long period in the summer every two years.

Shenandoah National Park offers free ranger-led walks and programs about the parkís 101 miles of the A.T. from early April through late November. Visitors can also rent a GPS Ranger Unit from the Byrd Visitor Center with preloaded content about the Appalachian Trail. The short hike features historic photos of the history of the Trail and the area, as well as interviews with two thru-hikers.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park may offer short ranger-led day hikes from Newfound Gap.

Due to commercial use regulations affecting public lands, and the ethics of the A.T. cooperative management system, hikes led by commercial guide services are uncommon on the A.T. However, a few national parks and forests do permit a limited number of outfitters to provide either day or multi-day guided A.T. hikes. These parks and forests include:

• Shenandoah National Park
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Green Mountain National Forest