This guide provides essential information for undertaking a multi-month trek along the Appalachian Trail. It details elevation profiles, landmark-by-landmark tables, and town maps indicating food and lodging. Developed collaboratively by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association, this resource is crafted by volunteers to offer a reasonable price for potential thru-hikers. The guide aims to provide fundamental information while encouraging the discovery of additional details through personal experience.

This guide is a long-standing favorite among section-hikers and aspiring thru-hikers, valued for its comprehensive yet accessible information for a five- to six-month trek. Its unique volunteer-driven compilation process, involving numerous thru-hiker volunteers across 14 states and supported by trail maintainers, ensures a high degree of accuracy and practical relevance. The collaborative effort between the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association underscores its dedication to supporting the trail and its community. The guide's enduring popularity for 28 years speaks to its effectiveness as a resource for planning and executing a challenging hike.