A wonderful ability that people have always been able to do is hike thousands of miles through difficult terrain to get where they want/need to go. The exercise known as hiking was practiced all over the world, including on the famous Appalachian Trail, approximately 2,184 miles long. The AT was "designed 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 forestry agencies State and thousands of volunteers”, as indicated on the site. National Park Service website. The trail runs along the Appalachian Mountains and through 14 different states, stretching from Maine to Georgia. The creation of the trail went through several stages, beginning with the idea and planning of a super trail by Benton MacKaye in late 1921. A committee was formed, followed by a conference that became years later the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The AT is a great hiking trail for brave people looking for a good time and adventure. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay With the AT crossing fourteen mountains, the landscape changes and so does the experience. The degree of difficulty ranges from flat and smooth to rough and rocky, requiring a lot of use of hands for hanging on, feet for stability, and jerky movements for the most 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 would want to refer to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website under the “About the Trail” module. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, “Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four make it through to the end.” (ATC) Hikers have the option of backpacking, which is a long trip, or section hiking, which is more than one trip over a period of time. Hikers are advised not to start or end their hike around New Hampshire and Maine, as these two states represent the greatest challenge in the entire AT. The OT has 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 encounter plants and shrubs such as maples, saskatoon berries, firs and Catawba rhododendrons. Some of the wildflowers that travelers may encounter might be Jewel Weed, Columbine, Bluets, and Trillium. While hiking, travelers may encounter large animals such as deer, bears, bobcats, coyotes, etc. There are also small animals along the trail, such as mice, chipmunks, rabbits, foxes, skunks, bats, etc. Birds like scarlet tanagers, bluebirds, and bald eagles are found somewhere along the AT. The AT is also home to frogs, salamanders, turtles, and even a few types of snakes. Hikers should be wary of animals like snakes, bears and even porcupines. The ATC lists several animals and insects that could present a danger as well as certain threatened plant and animal species. Hikers should be aware that any wild animal may have an unexpected reaction to humans. In an article written by Marcus Wolf on WhiteBlaze.net, “The service.