Google Doodle celebrates Appalachian Trail: What’s it?

Google is celebrating the Appalachian Trail today (October 2) by dedicating its home screen to the 2,190-mile popular trail that spans across 14 states.

According to Google, the Appalachian Trail is the world’s longest hiking-only pathway and has been a popular destination for tourists for almost a century.

According to the description, the Appalachian Trail is the world’s longest hiking-only footpath and has been a popular destination for tourists for almost a century.

 “It traverses through dense forests, across rushing rivers, and over mountain summits along the east coast. On this day in 1968, The National Trails System Act established the Appalachian Trail as one of the country’s first National Scenic Trails.”

The doodle was created by Nate Swinehart, who trekked to the Appalachian Trail to conduct research for it.

Appalachian Trail

The iconic trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, spanning more than 14 US states and 2,190 miles, as it meanders across dense forests, rushing rivers, and soaring mountains.

The idea of the Appalachian Trail was first proposed in 1921 by Benton MacKaye, a forester, conservationist, and lifelong outdoorsman.

His original plan was titled An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning, and outlined a stretch of several self-sustaining agricultural camps along the way.

In 1937, the Appalachian Trail became fully connected from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine with the help of many trailblazers.

The first woman to walk the trail in a single season was Peace Pilgrim in 1952, while the first solo woman to complete the hike was 67-year-old Emma Gatewood who completed the northbound trek in 1955.

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Trails System Act, declaring the Appalachian Trail as one of the first national scenic trails. It also became recognised as federal land. Finally, in 2014, the last major stretch of land was acquired, turning initial dreams for the trail into reality.

There are thousands of species of plants and animals that can be found on the Appalachian Trail. The American black bear is among the largest, and there are small mammal species along the trails including beavers, squirrels, river otters and chipmunks. Plants include oak and tulip trees.

The trail is maintained by various organizations, environmental advocacy groups, and governmental agencies.