The Appalachian Trail is over 2,100 miles long and winds through valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Northern Georgia. It covers fourteen states along the Eastern Seaboard: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. The trail was completed in 1937 and is almost entirely protected by federal and state ownership.
The New York-New Jersey section of the trail is over 160 miles long and goes from the Delaware Water Gap to Connecticut. I confine my hiking to the Dutchess County New York area, doing day trips only. I find walking though this scenic trail and sometimes picnicking very enjoyable, but draw the line at exhausting hikes and camping. Even my dog, Farrah, wants to be in her comfortable bed at night and, after a couple of hours in the heavily wooded sections, the insects are sometimes relentless. To that end, I bring my trusty flyswatter, along with a good spray repellent. When necessary, I use the “swat”, (as my British friends call it) like a fan across my face as an additional deterrent to the flying pests. After initially laughing, a lot of people we have encountered have come to the conclusion that it’s a useful and lightweight addition to their gear. Another thing I bring along is a sturdy walking stick with a heavy metal handle. It is not so much to assist with walking, but rather my own personal security blanket in case we run into unpleasant critters along the way.
Unlike the aforementioned insects and critters, hikers we meet on the trails are almost always pleasant. There is a certain kind of person who enjoys the peace, solitude and sheer beauty of the woods, and an easy camaraderie develops when you stop for a rest. Hikers are usually well-traveled and enjoy a little adventure in their lives. My kind of people!
There was only one letdown on our recent hike. Sadly, our trails were neglected and overgrown, and wooden walkways and benches were crumbling. I know these areas are heavily dependent upon volunteers, and I hope that people with the capability and/or proper equipment will step up and assist with the cleanup. The rest of us can donate money. Whatever it takes, I hope we can retain the enjoyment so many people find in this beautiful area.
Happy trails to you!
