The AT runs RIGHT THROUGH my neck of the woods. me and my boys ride our bikes and drag knees all the way up on the road that runs perpendicular to the trail itself up near the pisgah valley break into NC. im telling you, if you arent in TOP shape and know what you are getting yourself into, you are going to be in for more than you really ever thought. this is supposing you attempt to hike the entire trail, mind you. its over 2,000 miles. through mountains. have you ever been outdoors that long? i sure as hell havent. the record is like 3 months. thats doing like 30 miles a day. you dont understand how hard that is... i rucked 18 this past summer ONE day and was about to fall out at pt the next morning from my feet being done. and im in pretty good shape. hiking the AT is a REAL deal. make sure you are in shape before you head out... i would recommend going from the top to bottom.