Find a Hike

Websites & Apps to Find Great Day Hikes

Trailwide:

Recommended A.T. Day Hikes – Explore by state to find day-hikes in each of the A.T.’s 14 states.
A.T. 14 State Challenge – Beginner-friendly short day hikes (1 to 4 miles) are featured for each of the A.T.’s 14 states. Driving destinations are also highlighted in each state that require little or no hiking. Take the challenge!
ATC Interactive map – Shows parking, major viewpoints/vistas, and A.T. Communities. This can help you locate access points; you’ll need a map or guidebook to fill in the details.
AllTrails.com – Dozens of day hikes , with in-depth ratings, descriptions, directions, keywords, interactive maps, reviews, user-contributed photos, elevation profiles, and more. Some advanced features require a subscription. App also available.
FarOut app (formerly Guthook) – An A.T.-specific app by Atlas Guides, designed for long-distance hikers but a useful navigational tool for day hikers as well. It includes elevation profile, photos, comments on multiple features. Sections available for purchase by Android users; IOS users must purchase entire A.T.
Hiking Project – The Hiking Project is a crowd-sourced online trail guide and mapping resource created by REI. It including GPS tracks, detailed descriptions, photos, and ratings, reviewed by staff. App also available.

Regional (south to north):

Roanoke A.T. Club.com – Twelve contiguous road-to-road hikes along the trail club’s 120 mile section of the A.T. in central Virginia, ranging from 5 to13 miles, with descriptions and interactive maps.
hikingupward.com – Dozens of day hikes from North Carolina through Pennsylvania with descriptions, interactive and locator maps, elevation profiles, and many helpful details, including length, and user ratings of difficulty, streams, views, and solitude.
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference – Many day hikes on and off the A.T. in New Jersey and New York.
Vermont & New Hampshire Trail Finder – An interactive mapping site with photos, reviews and user comments, overseen by the Upper Valley Trails Alliance and reviewed by trail managers and others.
Maine Trail Finder – An interactive mapping site with photos, reviews and user comments, overseen by the Center for Community GIS, and reviewed by trail managers and others.

Books

Best of the Appalachian Trail: Day Hikes – Point-by-point hike descriptions with trailhead directions. Hikes range in length from less than 1 mile to 11 miles. Previews the flora, fauna, and history of the A.T. Up to dozen hikes are featured in each of the A.T.’s 14 states.
The Appalachian Trail Day Hikers’ Guide: Downhill to Fine Wine and Accommodations: Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee

Advice Sources

Visitor centers and outfitters along the Appalachian Trail are great places to get one-on-one recommendations for local hikes. Just about all have local trail maps available free or for purchase.

Establishments are listed south to north, with the closest town noted. Those marked with an asterisk (*) are seasonal; be sure to check dates and hours first.

Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center, Dawsonville
Mountain Crossings, Blairsville
Blairsville Bikes and Hikes, Blairsville

Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City
Smoky Mountain Visitor Center, Franklin
Outdoor 76, Franklin
Three Eagles Outfitters, Franklin
Fontana Dam Visitor Center, Fontana Dam
Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome Road
Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Cherokee
Hot Springs Welcome Center, Hot Springs
Bluff Mountain Outfitters, Hot Springs