The Most Beautiful Section of the Appalachian Trail, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the section you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:20
Hiking enthusiasts often debate which section of the Appalachian Trail offers the most stunning scenery. With so many breathtaking vistas and unique landscapes along the trail, it can be challenging to decide where to start your journey or which part deserves a special visit. That's why having a community-ranked list of the most beautiful sections can be incredibly helpful. It provides clarity and helps prioritize which stretches might offer the most rewarding experiences.
By participating in the ranking, you contribute your unique perspective and learn from the insights of others who have walked different parts of the trail. This collaborative effort not only enriches your own planning but also assists fellow hikers in crafting memorable adventures. Every vote brings more accuracy to the list, enhancing the usefulness for the entire community. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or planning your first trip, your input is valuable in shaping this ongoing guide.
What Is the Most Beautiful Section of the Appalachian Trail?
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154votes
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
United States CongressThis section of the trail offers stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and is home to diverse wildlife.The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a breathtaking section of the Appalachian Trail located in the eastern United States. It is renowned for its stunning mountainous landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history. Spanning across Tennessee and North Carolina, this national park offers an unparalleled outdoor experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.- Location: Tennessee and North Carolina, USA
- Size: 522,427 acres (211,415 hectares)
- Elevation Range: 875 to 6,643 feet (267 to 2,025 meters)
- Flora: Over 1,500 species of flowering plants, including iconic springtime blooms like rhododendrons and mountain laurels
- Fauna: Home to black bears, elk, deer, coyotes, and more than 200 species of birds
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217votes
Brian Stansberry · CC BY 3.0This section of the trail is known for its wildflowers and panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.Roan Mountain is a majestic mountain located in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, incredible biodiversity, and breathtaking views. The mountain is part of the Roan Highlands, which straddle the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Roan Mountain offers a diverse range of ecosystems, including spruce-fir forests, grassy balds, and rhododendron gardens, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The mountain attracts visitors year-round, especially during the spring and summer months when its stunning displays of rhododendron blooms draw crowds from far and wide.- Elevation: 6,285 feet (1,916 meters)
- Location: Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina, United States
- Range: Roan Highlands
- Biodiversity: High biodiversity with a rich variety of plant and animal species
- Ecosystems: Spruce-fir forests, grassy balds, rhododendron gardens
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312votesThis section of the trail offers one of the most photographed views on the entire trail. The view from the knob is breathtaking.McAfee Knob is a renowned natural landmark along the Appalachian Trail located in Roanoke County, Virginia. It is a prominent rock outcrop that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Its unique geological formation and breathtaking scenery make it one of the most beautiful spots along the entire trail.
- Location: Roanoke County, Virginia
- Elevation: 3,197 feet (974 meters)
- Distance from Trailhead: Approximately 5.2 miles (8.4 kilometers)
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
- Views: 360-degree panoramic views of Catawba Valley and North Mountain
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415votes
Ken Thomas · Public domainThis section of the trail is known for its wild ponies and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.Grayson Highlands State Park is a stunning natural attraction located in southwestern Virginia along the Appalachian Trail. It is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and unique features.- Location: Southwestern Virginia
- Elevation: Between 3,700 and 5,089 feet
- Size: Over 4,500 acres
- Scenic Views: Panoramic vistas of rolling hills and rocky landscapes
- Wildlife: Abundance of wild ponies and diverse bird species
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517votes
Rubyk at English Wikipedia · Public domainThis section of the trail marks the end of the trail and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.Mount Katahdin is the highest peak in Maine and is often considered the crown jewel of the Appalachian Trail. It stands at an elevation of 5,267 feet (1,605 meters) and is located within Baxter State Park. The mountain presents a stunning rugged landscape with its rocky slopes and beautiful panoramic views. It is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience. The iconic Northern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail is marked by a sign atop the mountain, signifying the end (or beginning) of the 2,190-mile-long journey.- Elevation: 5,267 feet (1,605 meters)
- Location: Baxter State Park, Maine
- Trail Connection: Northern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Landscape: Rugged and rocky slopes
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614votes
Image copyright 2005 by user G. Edward Johnson (user Lorax) and released under the terms of the GFDL · CC BY-SA 3.0Shenandoah National Park
United States CongressThis section of the trail runs through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.Shenandoah National Park is a stunning section of the Appalachian Trail located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, United States. This national park showcases breathtaking natural beauty, including cascading waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and panoramic vistas.- Location: Virginia, United States
- Size: Approximately 200,000 acres
- Establishment: December 26, 1935
- Elevation: Average elevation of 2,800 feet
- Mileage: Approximately 105 miles of the Appalachian Trail
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76votesThis section of the trail runs through some of the wildest and most remote parts of Maine and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.The Hundred-Mile Wilderness is a stunning section of the Appalachian Trail located in the state of Maine, USA. Stretching for approximately 100 miles from Monson to Abol Bridge, this wilderness area offers breathtaking natural beauty and a true backcountry experience for hikers.
- Length: Approximately 100 miles
- Location: Maine, USA
- Difficulty: Challenging due to rugged terrain and remote wilderness
- Scenery: Stunning landscapes including dense forests, mountain peaks, lakes, and rivers
- Wildlife: Opportunities to spot various wildlife species such as moose, deer, black bears, and many more
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811votes
Sanford Robinson Gifford · Public domainThis section of the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is home to some of the most challenging terrain on the trail.The White Mountains is a stunning mountain range in the northeastern part of the United States, primarily located within the state of New Hampshire. It is part of the northern Appalachian Mountains and is known for its breathtaking landscapes, majestic peaks, and diverse wildlife.- Highest peak: Mount Washington (6,288 feet / 1,917 meters)
- Total area: Approximately 1,200 square miles (3,100 square kilometers)
- State: Located primarily in New Hampshire, with small portions extending into western Maine
- Geology: Primarily composed of granite and other metamorphic rocks
- Vegetation: Rich forests consisting of a variety of tree species, including spruce, fir, birch, and maple
The White Mountains in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful mountain range in the United States
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98votesThis section of the trail runs through the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.The Green Mountains is a breathtaking section of the Appalachian Trail that spans through the state of Vermont, offering stunning natural landscapes and panoramic views. It is renowned for its lush greenery, picturesque valleys, and towering peaks.
- Length: Approximately 100 miles
- Highest Elevation: Mount Mansfield at 4,393 feet
- Lakes : It crosses several scenic lakes, including Chittenden Reservoir and Somerset Reservoir.
- Waterfalls: Features numerous breathtaking waterfalls, such as Thundering Falls and Bingham Falls.
- Wildlife: Abundance of wildlife, including moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, and various bird species.
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105votes
Ken Thomas · Public domainThis section of the trail is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is home to wild ponies.The Grayson Highlands is a breathtaking section of the Appalachian Trail located in southwest Virginia. It is known for its stunning panoramic views, rolling hills, and unique ecosystem. The area is characterized by its high elevation meadows, rocky outcrops, and beautiful wild ponies that freely roam the landscape. Hikers are treated to a diverse range of scenery, including open grasslands, dense forests, and picturesque mountain streams.
- Forests: Yes
- Location: Southwest Virginia
- Elevation: 2,000 - 5,000 feet
- Panoramic views: Yes
- Rocky outcrops: Yes
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Ranking factors for beautiful section
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Seasonal beautyConsider how the section changes with the seasons. Some areas may be particularly beautiful during fall foliage, spring wildflowers bloom, or winter snowfall.
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Terrain diversityA varied terrain with a mix of challenging and easy sections, ups and downs, and open and wooded areas adds to the overall beauty of a trail.
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Wildlife and biodiversityA beautiful section should have abundant flora and fauna, which can include colorful wildflowers, interesting plants and trees, and opportunities to spot native wildlife.
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Historical and cultural significanceLandmarks, historical sites, and cultural areas along the trail can enhance the beauty and intrigue of a section.
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Trail conditionsA well-maintained section with good signage and facilities, such as shelters, campsites, and water sources, can improve the overall experience.
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Crowding and solitudeSome hikers may prefer sections with fewer crowds and more opportunities for solitude, which can contribute to the perceived beauty of the area.
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AccessibilityA beautiful section should be reasonably accessible to hikers and have easy access to parking or other transportation.
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Length and durationConsider how long the section is and how many days it takes to complete. A beautiful section may be more enjoyable if it's not overly long or strenuous.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or section is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1432 views
- 160 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each section once every 24 hours. The rank of each section is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful section of the appalachian trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,200-mile long trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine, crossing through 14 states in the eastern United States. It is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. The trail passes through a diverse range of landscapes, from lush forests to rocky peaks, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Many hikers consider the Appalachian Trail to be one of the most beautiful trails in the world. In this article, we will explore the most scenic sections of the trail and help you plan your next hiking adventure.
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