The Greatest Walks in America

BACKCOUNTRY SKILLS

The grandeur of our national scenic trails.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Jurisdiction: National Park Service
Established:1968
Route: 2,159 miles (km 3,482)

ILLUSTRATION:

The Appalachian Trail was first envisioned in 1921 by Benton Mackaye as a greenway from Maine to Georgia. The trail hugs the crests of the Appalachian Mountains and is open only to hikers. Shelters are spaced for convenient overnight stays. The Appalachian Trail Conference, established in 1925, developed the trail and maintains it today through affiliated volunteer trail clubs. Only 65 miles still need protection through public ownership. More than 200 people each year hike the entire trail, while millions find inspiration and adventure on shorter trips along the "A.T."

Contact: Appalachian Trail Conference, PO. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425; (304) 535-6331; e-mail address: appalachiantrail@charitiesusa.com.

National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Project Office, c/o Harpers Ferry Center, Harpers Ferry VVV 25425; (304) 535-6278.

Continental Divide National ScenicTrail

Jurisdiction: Forest Service
Established: 1978
Route: 3,200 miles (5,150 km)

The Continental Divide Trail provides spectacular backcountry travel the length of the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Canada. It is the most rugged of the longdistance trails. The only section officially designated runs for 795 miles from Canada through Montana and Idaho to Yellowstone National Park It is open to hikers, pack and saddle animals, and in some places, off road motorized vehicles. Some segments are open for use in other states.

Contact: Continental Divide Trail Society, 3704 N. Charles St. #601, Baltimore, MD 21218; (410) 235-9610; email address: cdtsociety@aol.com.

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Jurisdiction: National Park Service
Established: 1983
Route 700 miles (1,130 km)

The Potomac Heritage Trail recognizes and commemorates the unique mix of history and recreation along the Potomac River. Much is already in place: the 184—mile towpath of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in the District of Columbia and Maryland, the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail in Virginia, and the 75-mile Laurel Highlands Trail in Pennsylvania. In western Maryland, members of the Potomac Heritage Trail Association have recommended a 55-mile hiking path from Cumberland, Maryland, north to Pennsylvania's Mount Davis and on to the Laurel Highlands.