The old clubs that united behind MacKaye, plus the new clubs formed specifically to advance the A.T. idea, concentrated on the hiking aspects of his vision, under the leadership of Myron H. Avery, ATC chairman from 1931 to 1952. The clubs, the two federal agencies, states, and the Depression era Civilian Conservation Corps combined forces to open a continuous trail by August 1937. The 1968 National Trails System Act made the A.T. a linear national park and authorized funds to surround the entire route with public lands, either federal or state, protected from incompatible uses. A Footpath in Nature From Maine's Katahdin to Georgia's Springer Mountain, this footpath winds through the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Trail is primarily used for walks and day hikes by all manner of nature enthusiasts from birders to wildflower photographers.
Backpackers make weekend escapes to it from heavily urbanized areas.
The ancient, worn-down, and forested Appalachians stretch from Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula in Canada to Georgia's northern mountains. Along their back-bones Arctic plants, paper birch and black spruce penetrate deeply into southern ecosystems. Trail Ethics Treat the land the Trail crosses and its neighbors with respect and care. Use log walkways, steps, rock treadway, and other protective trail construction. Ask for information and water from homes along the Trail only when they are really needed.