• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
  

  
  The trail follows the crestline of the Great Smoky Mountains, cutting through the middle of the most visited national park in the United States. The park features some of the highest elevations along the Appalachian Trail with some long, tough climbs en route. You get an expansive view of forest-clad mountains from the observation tower at the top of Clingman's Dome - the tallest mountain along the trail at 6643ft.
  
  

• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
  

  
  This long and narrow park, consisting of the Piedmont hills to the east and the Shenandoah River and Valley to the west is ideal for beginner hikers, with its well-maintained trail, plenty of scenic viewpoints and an abundance of wildlife. The scenic 105-mile Skyline Drive passes through the park along the ridge of the mountains, giving hikers easy access to the park.
  
  

• Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia
  

  
  Springer Mountain, part of Chattahoochee National Forest, is the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The trail bisects the forest, passing mostly along ridges no higher than 3000-4000ft but there are some steep ascents and descents. There's good white water rafting to be done along the forest's Chattooga River and hiking highlights include the Anna Ruby Falls
  
  

• Mount Katahdin & Hundred-Mile Wilderness, Maine
  

  
  The Maine section of the Appalachian Trail is the most remote and challenging due to its rugged terrain; suitable for experienced trekkers only. 5269ft Mt Katadin is the northern terminus of the trail and the highest point in Maine. South of the mountain, the Hundred-Mile Wilderness consists of lakes, marshland, steep, uneven terrain that requires scrambling and climbing, and potentially dangerous mountain streams that have to be forded.
  
  

• White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
  

  
  This rugged section of the trail, over 100m long, is particularly popular with experienced hikers. Much of the trail is exposed, as it passes above the treeline, and involves scrambles up and down steep ridges of the Presidential Range, some involving the use of your hands. The weather can be severe; it snows on Mt Washington every month of the year.
  
  

• Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
  

  
  Nantahala National Forest, with its deep gorges, waterfalls and expansive views from its ridges and balds - the views of North Carolina from Cheoah Bald are particularly good - is one of the most appealing parts of the Appalachian Trail. The elevation and some long ascents make this section moderately challenging.
  
  

• South Mountains State Park, Maryland
  

  
  This 40-mile section of the Appalachian Trail runs along the backbone of South Mountain ridge - the northern extension of the Blue Ridge Mountain range - from Pennsylvania to the Potomac River. The hike is straightforward, barely exceeding 2000ft at its highest point, with numerous scenic viewpoints and easy access from nearby towns. Good for beginners and hikers wanting to do a short 3-day stretch.
  
  

• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, West Virginia
  

  
  The trail passes through Harpers Ferry National Historical Park that sits at the confluence of the Shenandoah and the Potomac rivers. At the heart of the park, tiny Harpers Ferry town was the site of three major Civil War battles, a favorite retreat of seven presidents and the starting point for the Lewis and Clarke expedition. Attractions include whitewater rafting a canopy tour and Civil War reenactments.
  
  

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