Appalachian Trail Histories

Menu

Similar Trail Towns

Interested in learning more about trail towns along the Appalachian Trail? Please check out our other exhibits on trail communities.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Harpers Ferry, WV

Known historically for John Brown's raid in 1858 and its role in the Civil War, Harpers Ferry is currently the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The community is also the symbolic halfway point of the Appalachian Trail, with many northbound and southbound hikers converging to relax, take in the sights, and restock on supplies. Learn more about Harpers Ferry here.

"Pie lady," Sydney Pratt, gets a lot of customers from hikers on the Appalachian Trail, Monson, Maine

Monson, ME

Monson is the last town for northbound hikers before tackling the fabled "Hundred Mile Wilderness" on the way to Mount Katahdin. Inversely, the town is the first major stop for south bounders making their way from Katahdin. Hikers must thoroughly prepare for the challenges that await them on the last part of their journey. Monson, like many other trail communities envisioned by Benton MacKaye, is a unique town with its own history while also supporting the Appalachian Trail. To learn more about Monson, click here.