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1921 Benton MacKaye had the idea to create a coherent long distance trail from Georgia to Maine. It took a couple of years until his idea had been realized in 1937. Since its completion the AT belongs to the most popular long distance trails in the USA and is surrounded by an almost mystic aura which is given to the trail mainly by the hikers who set out to accomplish the whole distance.

These hikers are called thru-hikers in the US and experience not only the 14 states but also a personal metamorphosis. While in the beginning you start freshly shaved and loaded with a heavy pack a couple of weeks later on you will find yourself only with what is absolutely necessary. Your own name has given way to your new trail name that every thru-hiker will receive sooner or later. Eventually you will even present yourself to non-hikers with your trailname what can appear a little odd (e.g. if you are called Sauerkraut, Monkey Man or Burrito).

The AT is a very social trail. Even if you start by yourself you often find other hikers with whom you share a couple of hours, sometimes day or even weeks. Around the trail there are many people who offer their assistance to the hikers and that’s how it happens that you might get around to having a good dinner or an unhoped for shower. Thru-hiker call these people trail-angels.

"A footpath for those who seek fellowship with the wilderness" is a very appropriate description of the AT.

The trail has gained on popularity by non hikers through Bill Bryson´s book "A walk in the woods".

The AT starts at Springer Mountain in Georgia and goes along the Appalachian Mountains to Katahdin Mountain in the Baxter National Park in Maine. The trail length varies every year about a couple of miles and in books and magazines is being given as 2160 miles(3450km). In Sauerkraut´s year the official length amounted to 2176 miles.

The AT is special in many ways. You hike through 6 national parks, 8 national forests and visit 14 states in total. 30 associations take care that the trail stays in good condition and that there are enough markings.

The AT is one of several National Scenic Trails, which in the US have a high significance. The AT, PCT and CDT as the longest trails in the USA enjoy an exceptional position. Who has thru-hiked these three can be proud of himself and call himself a triple-crowner.