By Olivia Hall
Ways to Experience the Appalachian Trail Besides Hiking
March 13, 2025
Each year, about 3 million people visit the Appalachian Trail. While many are there to hike, there are also other ways to enjoy the natural, scenic and restorative qualities of this natural treasure. We hope these ideas of other ways to experience the A.T. inspire you to view the Trail from a new perspective.
Birding
More than one-third of U.S. adults are birding! From the delights of birdsong to the excitement of spotting and logging a new bird in your favorite app, birding is a great way to experience the A.T. There are many useful websites and apps available for birding, including the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Merlin Bird ID, and eBird.
For More on Birding on the A.T.
- Learn about the importance of habitat restoration (specifically of balds in the ATC’s southern region).
- Learn about the birds near Kittatinny Ridge, the premier migration range of the eastern U.S.
- Read an essay by Matthew Podosky about his experience with birding recreationally and recording birdsong during his 2022 thru-hike.
Whether done alone or as part of a group, birding is a great way to spend time out in nature. Photo by Jonathan Ely.
Exploring A.T. Communities
There are 56 towns and cities along the Appalachian Trail’s corridor that have been recognized as part of the A.T. Community™ program. A.T. Communities provide visitors the opportunity to resupply, attend events, volunteer, recreate, learn history, and so much more!
For More on A.T. Communities
- Learn more about the A.T. Community™ program and each of our 56 communities.
- Use the ATC’s interactive map and filter by “A.T. Communities” to locate an A.T. Community near you.
- Read Kim O’Connell’s essay detailing her experiences exploring many of the A.T. Communities.
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Local elementary school students at the Buena Vista A.T. Community™ Ceremony on April 19, 2012. Photo by Patte Wood.
The A.T. Community™ designation for Harlem Valley (consisting of the town of Dover and Pawling in New York) in 2013.
The designation of Damascus, VA as an A.T. Community ™.
Bikes and Hikes, a business in Blairsville, Georgia, is designated as an A.T. Community™ Supporter due to its assistance to the hiking community. From left to right are Dayton Miller, Janet Hartman, Randy Denniston, Grady Garner and Valencia Morris of the USFS.
Fishing
Lakes, rivers, and streams near the Trail and A.T. Communities provide opportunities for people to experience fishing.
For More on Fishing Near the A.T.
- Read Alec Clement’s essay on his experience fishing during his thru-hike, fishing spots along the A.T., and Leave No Trace fishing tips.
- Read this blog featuring reflections from 5 people on their love of their local waterways.
- Read this blog (or watch this video) about the ATC’s partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Club to successfully remove of one of the final remaining fish passage barriers in the Maine woods.
*Make sure to confirm local fishing regulations before going out. This page is a great place to start.
Whether you catch a big fish, a small fish, or no fish at all, fishing is an enjoyable way to spend time in nature. Photo by Christian Jobst.
Hunting
Did you know hunting is allowed along approximately 1,250 miles of the A.T.? National Forest lands, National Recreation Areas, State Forests and Game Lands are all places where hikers and hunters are partners in conservation.
Hunting is prohibited along approximately 900 miles of the Trail through national parks (like Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains), most state parks, and on lands acquired by the National Park Service exclusively for the Trail and still under National Park Service administration, including the outside edges by A.T. corridor boundary signs.
Visit this page to learn tips for both hikers and hunters during hunting season, and for general information about hunting seasons.
*Always confirm hunting season dates locally before you go.
Wearing bright colors, like neon orange, is important to help stay safe and maintain visibility during hunting season. Photo by Ilana Goll.
Paddling
On parts of the A.T. near bodies of water, paddle activities like kayaking or canoeing can be a novel way to experience the Trail’s landscape.
For More on Paddling Near the A.T.
- Learn about riparian zones (areas where rivers transition to land), our work to protect watersheds, and what you can do to help restore waterways here.
- Brush up on river and stream crossing safety.
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“A favorite place/experience is a high overlook on the riverbank from which one can observe a rare whirlpool. From here I have watched in awe as the winter winds and chunks of ice swirled the river into large waves and a cacophony of ice sheets swirling and banging into each other. From this site, I also watched a bear on an island jump into the frozen water and swim to the other side.”
– Marie Liu, Resident Artist 2015/16 for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
“The Delaware is a special river. It’s so close to big metropolitan areas, but when you’re out here, you might as well be in Alaska. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area helps keep it undeveloped.”
“I’ve been on the Delaware River since the early 60s. Actually, my first trip down the river was in 1956 with Explorer Scouts. I’d like to tell my scout master how much I appreciate what he did. That trip got the river in my blood. Then I started Adventure Sports in 1969 to guide trips along the Delaware. I’m almost 78 years old now, and I get on the river any chance I get.”
– John “Jake” Jacobi, Owner of Adventure Sports.
“I pretty much grew up in the Lehigh River area, and I’ve definitely seen certain areas change over the last 10 years or so. When you drove down the Lehigh River Valley, it was heavily mined, and a lot of the foliage had died out. But now the area is starting to make a little bit of a rebirth. When people started running the Lehigh River years ago, they would talk about one side being polluted because of mines. But today we have seen an uptick in outdoor recreation and fishing, and that’s a good sign.”
“Water is life. It’s that simple. (laughing) I wish it were that simple, to be honest. I grew up loving water, first the ocean and now rivers. Obviously, we need healthy forests to protect our water and the ecology surrounding it. We need a healthy planet. We’re not on that path, but we’re making strides, and we need to keep making those strides.”
– Regina Nicolardi, Professional Photographer.
Photography
Whether you have a DSLR setup, use your cell phone, or opt for a film camera, there are plenty of opportunities for photography along the A.T. Remember to use #ATCSpotlight on your social media posts or share your favorite pictures via our Media Submission Form for a chance to have your photography featured on the ATC’s channels.
For More on A.T. Photography
- Practice responsible photography on the A.T.
- Learn about George Masa, a Japanese-born immigrant to the U.S. often referred to as the “Ansel Adams of the Smokies,” who used his passion for photography into a legacy of environmental conservation.
- Read Jennifer Pharr Davis’ essay about scenic views on the Trail.
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Often referred to as the “Ansel Adams of the Smokies,” photographer George Masa was known for spending long days high up on exposed ridges, waiting for the right clouds to roll in — holding out for the perfect light to capture his shot. Here, Masa is depicted on Graybeard mountain, taking a photograph alongside Horace Kephart.
Masa with his fellow Carolina Mountain Club members. Courtesy of the Pack Memorial Library, Asheville, North Carolina.
A postcard (image 1) featuring Masa’s image of visitors to the area (image 2), before it became the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, was used to promote the park after Masa’s death. Photos Courtesy of the Pack Memorial Library, Asheville, North Carolina.
DSLRs are a popular option for photography. Photo by Horizonline Pictures.
Phones can also be used to capture beautiful photographs. Photo by Dana Jackins.
Plant Identification
Learning more about the plants around you can increase your connection with nature. Plus, learning how to identify plants like poison ivy can help keep you safe. The iNaturalist website and app is a great resource for learning about and logging plants.
For More on A.T. Plants
- Learn about the importance of species monitoring for the protection of rare species and the removal of non-native plants.
- Read about four common non-native plant species (and one insect) found along the Trail, what the ATC is doing about them, and how you can help.
- Learn about land and resource management on the A.T.
Whether on your own or in a group, identifying plants can be both a fun activity, and an important part of ecosystem management. Photo by Ilana Copel.
Stargazing
There are many spots along the A.T. that are far from light pollution where visitors can take in the beauty of a clear night sky. There are 7 locations within 30 miles of the Trail officially designated as International Dark Skies Places (find them on the map here), and many more “unofficial” locations to see bright stars.
For More on the A.T.’s Night Sky
- This short film highlights starry-night skies above the A.T.
- This essay by Mark Ellison is about the significance of darkness and dark skies.
- This essay by astronomer Dr. Tyler Nordgren covers the issue of light pollution and the importance of the Trail, not just as a footpath, but also for its surrounding interconnected landscape, including the skies.
Volunteering
Spanning roughly 2,190 miles, maintaining the Appalachian Trail for its approximately 3 million annual visitors and protecting the surrounding landscape is no small feat! Each year, volunteers generously give around 200,000 hours of work to support the Trail. You can join this welcoming community of A.T. volunteers and help keep the Trail alive!
Visit appalachiantrail.org/volunteer to begin your journey.
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No matter how you volunteer for the A.T. — whether it’s working directly on the footpath or assisting with education and outreach far from the Trail itself — there are real results thanks to your time and effort. There is joy in making a positive impact that will continue to benefit others in the future. More than one volunteer has proudly pointed to a blaze they painted, a rock step they installed, or a revitalized section of Trail and proclaimed, “That happened because of me.” Photo by Horizonline Pictures.
When you volunteer, you are tapping into a valuable, welcoming resource of other people that also love the Trail. Many volunteers have built lifelong friendships through their joint passion of caring for the Trail.
Whether you are looking to make a career move, expand your skillset, or just break out of the 9-5 work schedule, volunteering experience can be used toward finding a career in conservation and recreation. Even if you aren’t entering the conservation field, you’ll have an opportunity to develop project management skills that translate into other career opportunities. Photo by Horizonline Pictures.
For anyone who might be interested in going out to volunteer for the first time: Yahaira Ramirez wants you to know that the people you will be working with are really nice and they make sure to show you what to do so that you aren’t guessing. "And I say, 'give it a try!' I’ve wanted to do this [volunteer on the A.T.] for quite a while but felt like I should have some experience first. Funny thinking, I know, because the only way to get experience is to go out and do the work. It is fun, and the people are AMAZING!" Photo by Amanda Ramirez.
Bill Beehler and his nephew, Gabe Brower painting a white blaze on a tree on an outing with the Harlem Valley Trails Crew. Photo by Donna Briggs Champman.
When we talk to volunteers, one word is repeated more than any other: love. Love for the Trail itself, love for the community of hikers, love for the unique Trailside communities, love of the protection the Trail provides for wildlife habitat, love for the one-of-a-kind hiking experience — the list goes on and on.
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