The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply The A.T., is a marke hiking trail in the eastern United States, extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is approximately 2175 milesa[›] (3,500 km) long. The path is maintained by thirty trail clubs and multiple partnerships. The majority of the trail is in wilderness, and thus encounters a wide array of wildlife, topography and plantlife. Some portions do traverse towns and roads, and even cross rivers.