For much of the Illuminati.......the American one.......think of the proximity to dc..............West Va.........is not far at all..........

Tennessee[edit]

Sign denotes access to the Appalachian Trail at Clingmans Dome, the highest mountain inTennessee

Tennessee has 71 miles (114 km) of the trail,^[54][55] not including more than 200 miles (320 km) along or near the North Carolina Border.^[56] The section that runs just below the summit ofClingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is along the North Carolina and Tennessee border and is the highest point on the trail at 6,643 feet (2,025 m). The Smoky Mountains Hiking Club (Knoxville, TN) maintains the trail throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Davenport Gap. North of Davenport Gap, the Carolina Mountain Club (Asheville, NC) maintains the trail to Spivey Gap. Then the remaining Tennessee section is maintained by the Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club (Kingsport, TN).

The Pocosin cabin along the trail in Shenandoah National Park

Virginia[edit]

Virginia has 550 miles (890 km) of the trail, including about 20 miles (32 km) along the West Virginia border.^[57] With the climate, and the timing of northbound hikers, this section is wet and challenging because of the spring thaw and heavy spring rainfall.^[58] Substantial portions closely parallel the Blue Ridge Parkway and, in Shenandoah National Park, the Skyline Drive. Parts of the trail near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive are often considered the best for beginner hikers. In the southwestern portion of the state, the trail goes within one half mile of the highest point in Virginia, Mount Rogers, which is a short side-hike from the AT.^[57]

West Virginia[edit]

West Virginia has 4 miles (6.4 km) of the trail, not including about 20 miles (32 km) along the Virginia border.^[59] Here the trail passes through the town of Harpers Ferry, headquarters of theAppalachian Trail Conservancy. Harpers Ferry is what many consider to be the mental midpoint of the entire A.T., although the actual midpoint exists a few miles north in Pennsylvania.^[60]

Pedestrian pathway on left side of railroad bridge, connecting AT between MD and WV

Maryland[edit]

Maryland has 41 miles (66 km) of the trail, with elevations ranging from 230 to 1,880 feet (70 to 573 m).^[61] Hikers are required to stay at designated shelters and campsites. The trail runs through the eastern edge of Greenbrier State Park. This can serve as a luxurious stop point for a hot shower and a visit to the camp store. The trail runs along the C&O Canal Towpath route for 3 miles (4.8 km). Hikers will also pass High Rock, which offers spectacular views and is a popular hang-gliding site. The section ends at Pen Mar Park, which sits on the border of Maryland and Pennsylvania.