<Tr> <Th> Hazards </Th> <Td> Severe weather American black bear Tick - borne diseases Mosquitos Yellowjackets Biting flies Chiggers Steep grades Limited water Dangerous Fordings Diarrhea from water Poison ivy Venomous snake </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Website </Th> <Td> Appalachian Trail </Td> </Tr> <P> The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the A.T., is a marked hiking trail in the Eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine . The trail is about 2,200 miles (3,500 km) long, though the exact length changes over time as parts are modified or rerouted . The Appalachian Trail Conservancy claims that the Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking - only trail in the world . More than 2 million people are said to do at least one day - hike on the trail each year . </P> <P> The idea of the Appalachian Trail came about in 1921 . The trail itself was completed in 1937 after more than a decade of work, although improvements and changes continue . It is maintained by 31 trail clubs and multiple partnerships, and managed by the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, and the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy . The majority of the trail is in forest or wild lands, although some portions traverse towns, roads and farms . It passes through 14 states: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine . </P>

Where does the appalachian trail start and finish