First completed in 1937 and designated the first national scenic trail in 1968, the Appalachian Trail is approximately 2,181 miles. It crosses six other units of the national park system, traverses eight national forests, touches 14 states and is home to more than 2,000 occurrences of rare, threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and animal species. Cross the Potomac River to continue south through West Virginia. The Appalachian Trail Visitor Center and headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy are located in Harpers Ferry. Head downstream from the lock and look for 2" x 6" white paint blazes to follow the Appalachian Trail north through Maryland.
