The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, begun in 1910 and finished in 1937 (with modifications made after 1937), is not only a story in itself, but it has been the impetus for many amazing tales and feats. The trail stretches from Maine to Georgia, some 2168 miles in length.
Once thought to be an impossible through hike, some 2000 people have made the trek straight through with an average time of between 4 and 5 months. One person has even hiked it walking backwards.
Graham County proudly hosts almost 29 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Fontana Dam to Grassy Gap near Wesser in the Nantahala Gorge. Elevations in this section vary from 1,725 to 5,062 feet and presents hikers with some of the most challenging elevation changes along the entire trail.
South of the Smokies are the long climbs of the Stecoah-Cheoah Mountain area, then the outstanding Nantahala section, with 4,000-foot gaps and 5,000-foot peaks. Cheoah Bald offers panoramic views of western North Carolina. The variety of forest growth and the beauty of the flowering shrubs, along with the many spectacular views, make this entire section of trail memorable.
