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Flying To Hike: Five Airports Close to the Appalachian Trail

You do not have to cover all 2,194 miles to make the trip worthwhile.

A Piper Cub at Sugarloaf Regional Airport in Carrabassett, Maine. [Shutterstock]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a 2,200-mile journey through 14 states, appealing to hikers seeking escape, challenge, natural beauty, and historical exploration, suitable for both long thru-hikes and shorter excursions.
  • A unique aspect highlighted is the convenient accessibility of the AT via general aviation airports located along its length, streamlining travel for hikers to reach various trailheads.
  • Sections of the AT accessible from these airports offer diverse experiences, including challenging terrain in Maine and Georgia, historical sites in West Virginia, and community support facilities in New Hampshire.
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Hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) between Georgia and Maine, a total of almost 2,200 miles through 14 states, has long been a “bucket list” item for many people. Those who end up actually making the trip do so for a variety of reasons.

For some, the attraction lies in escaping from their everyday routines for five to seven months— the average time it takes someone to hike the full distance. Others just want to see if they can do it—or perhaps if they can do it in record time. But regardless of your motivation, the trail is worth visiting for its natural splendor, historical waypoints, and challenging terrain. And, a section of the trail can provide a great hiking experience for even just a day or two.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is Lead Editor of Aviation Consumer and a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

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