In celebration of the Appalachian Trail's seventy-fifth anniversary, this official book documents in text and photos the history, beauty, and significance of America's most iconic hiking trail. Completed in 1937 by a small cadre of volunteers, the Appalachian Trail spans fourteen states, from Maine to Georgia, and is more than 2,000 miles long. Now, seventy-five years after its completion, the A.T. remains America's premier hiking trail and is known as "the people's path." Visitors from all over the world are drawn to the trail for a variety of reasons, whether to reconnect with nature and see its beauty and wildlife, or to challenge oneselffor 2 miles or 2,000. Out of 3 million annual visitors, almost 2,000 attempt each year to earn the distinction of "thru-hiker" by walking all 5 million footsteps in one continuous journey.The only illustrated book officially published with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, The Appalachian Trail explores this legendary footpath in detail, with more than 250 spectacular contemporary images, unpublished historical photos, and documents from the ATC archives as well as maps pinpointing locations along the trail. With fascinating essays on topics ranging from the trail's history to the day-by-day hiking experience, this book is perfect for anyone interested in conservation, outdoor recreation, or American history, and for all those who dream of one day becoming thru-hikers themselves.