Appalachian Trail Essay

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Many Americans love to hike. There are many hiking trails located in the United States. One of the most well known trails is the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail, with its distinct history, requires much conservation for the safety of its many hikers.
The Appalachian Trail has much unique history. Benton MacKaye is known as the founder of the trail (“Appalachian”). Friends encouraged MacKaye to write an article putting the idea in place (Fisher 5). MacKaye had many supporters that organized the Appalachian Trail Conference, where they laid out more specific plans for the trail (Appalachian). Benton MacKaye is not the only person who is credited for the Appalachian Trail. Raymond Torrey rallied the hiking community and negotiated the trail to consist of public and private land (Kates). The building of the trail was done by mostly volunteers who worked on it from 1921 to 1937 (Kates). The first section of the trail opened in October 1923 in New York (“Appalachian”). It is hard to imagine the expansion of the Appalachian Trail was no more than an idea.
To get an idea of what the Appalachian Trail looks like it is important to understand its description. The trail spans from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Northern Maine …show more content…

One should be able to know when a specific trail or section is closed due to alerts in effect (“Safety”). Also, accidents can be reported on the trail (Appalachian). Although it is important to know how to stay safe and help someone on the trail there are some things on the trail than can help keep one safe. The main trail markings include paint blazers, double blazes, and metal markers (Birchard 145-150). Leave no trace signs are located through the trail (Birchard 156). A hiker should respect wild animals and plants from a safe distance (Appalachian). It is very important that one knows how to stay safe on the trail to be able to have a successful

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