Slide background

Getting to the Trail

Find shuttle, parking, and public transportation info here!

A.T. Parking (Trailheads)

HarpersFerryParking

Interactive Map


The Appalachian Trail interactive map includes the location of parking areas at the click of a button in addition to many other features.

TRAILSTORE

Ultimate A.T. Store


The Ultimate Appalachian Trail Store has guidebooks and official Trail maps that are excellent resources for locating parking areas near the Trail.

appalachiantrail_rohland

A.T. Parking Website


Crowdsourced A.T. parking info: directions; info; safety ratings; and comments for A.T. parking areas, hosted by David and Cyndi Rohland. Use and contribute.



Most trailhead parking areas are relatively safe, but vandalism or theft is a possibility at any remote trailhead. Take these steps to reduce risk:

  • Never leave valuables in sight. Leave them at home. If you must take something of value, stow it in the trunk before you reach the trailhead.
  • Check recent vandalism reports; information can be obtained by contacting the local Trail Clubs or police in the area. Click the "Vandalism Reports" button below for locations where vandalism has been reported to ATC over the last several years.
  • Local business nearby may present a good parking alternative; be sure to request permission ahead of time. Check out the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion to find businesses close to the A.T.
  • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia allows hikers to park at their Visitors Center for up to two weeks. Call the park at 304.535.6298 for information.

Tips at the trailhead before you hit the A.T. 

  • Make sure you have your car keys. Turn off your headlights and lock your vehicle, stowing valuables in the trunk (preferably do this before arriving at the trailhead).  
  • Check the trailhead information kiosk for notices and local information that can enhance your hike or alert you to unusual circumstances, special regulations, or closures.  
  • Make sure you're headed in the right direction. This is where your map and compass come in handy. Keep in mind "trail north" is sometimes east (or another direction).  
  • Put things you might need in the first hour of the hike in a pocket. That might be an energy bar; tissues, wipes, and a resealable bag; or your map and compass.  .
  • Turn your cellphone to airplane mode. This will prevent your phone from roaming and save battery life, as well as prevent unwelcome ring in the backcountry that may disturb others. 
  • Note what time you left the car so you can gauge your progress.  
Vandalism Reports (click for expandable list)
Location Details
Vandalism Alert in Georgia
Unicoi Gap Trailhead One instance involving 4 car break-ins reported 4-3-17.
Big Stamp Gap (Springer Mountain) Trailhead Two incidents of vandalism reported 06/12; again in 8/13.
Neels Gap Trailhead Vandalism reported 06/11.
Vandalism in North Carolina/Tennessee Smokies area
Davenport Gap (Tenn. 32/N.C. 284, eastern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park) - DO NOT PARK overnight This location has a history of vandalism. Park at Big Creek Ranger Station in seasons when rangers are present.
Vandalism in North Carolina and Tennessee north of the Smokies
US19E/Bear Branch Rd Trailhead - DO NOT PARK overnight This location has a history of vandalism.
Davenport Gap (Tenn. 32/N.C. 284, eastern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park) - DO NOT PARK overnight This location has a history of vandalism. Park at Big Creek Ranger Station in seasons when rangers are present.
Sam’s Gap Trailhead caution Vandalism reported here 06/11.
Vandalism Alerts in Southwest Virginia
Damascus to VA Rt. 16 at Mt. Rogers NRA Headquarters. There is a long history of vehicle break-ins and thefts in this area.
U.S. 58/Summit Cut trailhead parking warning Vandalism was reported here May ’09.
Va. 600/ Elk Garden trailhead parking warning An SUV was stolen here June ’07. This trailhead has a history of thefts and attempted break-ins. Most recent known incident: 5/09.
Va. 603/Fox Creek trailhead parking warning : This trailhead has a history of thefts and attempted break-ins. Most recent known incident: 6/2010.
Vandalism Alerts in Central Virginia
Dragon’s Tooth trailhead parking warning Vandalism confirmed here August ’09.
Vandalism Alerts in Shenandoah National Park
Rockfish Gap Trailhead parking caution Vehicle break-in reported here 7/09.
Vandalism Alerts in Northern Virginia
U.S. 522/Chester Gap Vandalism occurred 08/11 and in 4/12 several vehicles were broken into at the parking area during the day.
VA 7/Snickers Gap Commuter lot on south side of hwy, accessed via blueblazed trail). o vehicles’ windows were smashed 5/14.
Keys Gap, WV (Route 9) trailhead caution This location has a history of sporadic vandalism, which has occurred both overnight and during the day. Last reported incident September 2012 (multiple vehicle break-ins on weekday). Cars with out-of-state plates have been disproportionately targeted. This is the second incident in 2012.
Vandalism Alerts in West Virginia
Keys Gap, WV (Route 9) trailhead caution This location has a history of sporadic vandalism, which has occurred both overnight and during the day. Last reported incident September 2012 (multiple vehicle break-ins on weekday). Cars with out-of-state plates have been disproportionately targeted. This is the second incident in 2012.
Vandalism Alerts in Maryland
Keeptryst Rd. trailhead caution Occasional incidents of vandalism have occurred here. There is no overnight parking. Last reported incident: July 2012
Weverton Rd. trailhead caution Occasional incidents of vandalism have occurred here. Catalytic converters were reported stolen from high profile vehicles in 2011; broken glass reported 12/2014.
A vehicle break-in on November 5th 2015 resulted in a broken window and stolen purse.
Crampton Gap/Gathland State Park trailhead caution The south parking lot, located up a short driveway, is probably safer for overnight hiker parking. Note that the south parking lot is behind a gate that is sometimes locked dusk to dawn.
Vandalism Alerts in Pennsylvania
Delaware Water Gap - Car Break-Ins There have been a number of car breakins in the Delaware Water Gap area (Lake Lenape parking area), targeting cars left mid-week when overall visitation is low. Thieves have been taking cash or items left in plain view. (June 16, 2015)
Appalachian Trail Road (just off of Route 34) AT signs vandalized (09/2010).
Stillhouse Hollow Road, Chambersburg Vehicle vandalized while parked on the road overnight (05/2011)
Port Clinton Vehicle parked overnight at the parking lot in Port Clinton on the south side of Hwy 61 was vandalized and theft took place 09/11.
Lehigh Gap trailhead caution Vehicle break-in reported 10/13.
Pa. 309 trailhead caution Vandalism reported 6/08. Attempted break-in reported 7/09.
Little Gap trailhead caution Substantive vandalism reported to one vehicle parked overnight in March ’06; vandalism/theft reported again June ’08.
PA 191/Fox Gap trailhead caution Four vehicles were broken into July 2011.
Vandalism Alerts in New Jersey
Delaware Water Gap - Car Break-Ins There have been a number of car breakins in the Delaware Water Gap area (Dunnfield Creek Parking Area, various National Park Service parking areas), targeting cars left mid-week when overall visitation is low. Thieves have been taking cash or items left in plain view. (June 16, 2015)
Culver’s Gap Vandalism to two cars reported at the parking lot on Sunrise Mountain Road in 07/2011.
Vandalism Alerts in New York
West Mountain On West Mountain, 0.75 mile south of Seven Lakes Drive, trail vandalism has occurred over the past few years, the most recent incident in 2010.
Vandalism Alerts in Connecticut
Ct. 55 Car break-in reported here about 11/11/2018.
Vandalism Alerts in Massachusetts
Blotz Road trailhead caution Location has a history of break-ins.
Vandalism Alerts in Vermont
North Clarendon Vt. 103 Car break-in reported here 8/4/15
Danby-Landgrove Road/USFS 10 Vandalism/theft reported here 8/09
Vandalism Alerts in New Hampshire
N.H. Route 25A trailhead Vehicle breakin and theft occurred 7/14/12 (gear stolen from trunk during the day).
Vandalism Alerts in Maine
No reports at this time. N/A

Shuttle Icon

Private Shuttlers, Ride Sharing Services, and Taxis

Private shuttle services can be found all along the Appalachian Trail. Advance arrangements are recommended (1-2 weeks or more in advance is best, especially for longer shuttles).

Ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft and sometimes taxis may be available where the A.T. passes near populated areas, such as parts of the mid-Atlantic (northern Virginia through New York) or close to major cities like Roanoke, Virginia. However, in remote areas, typically no such services exist.

Cell service is often unreliable or unavailable at trailheads, so research options and make plans in advance.

The following links are provided as an information service for A.T. hikers and do not constitute an endorsement by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) of the dependability or safety of the service providers in these listings. Be aware that those providing listings do not necessarily conduct background checks of shuttle drivers on their listing, nor verify that they hold licenses, permits, or insurance. 

Trailwide (Georgia to Maine)

WhiteBlaze.net - Large A.T. discussion forum with articles and trailwide shuttle providers listing.
TheTrek.co - Extensive community generated content, with blogs, advice, and a listing of shuttles buses, and taxis.
Acorn Trail Guides - Resources for day-hikers to thru-hikers, with a Trailwide shuttle listing.

Local

Georgia A.T. Club - The maintaining club for the A.T. in Georgia, with info on directions, shuttles, and parking and other info about the Georgia A.T. for hikers.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - The park can provide a list of shuttle drivers permitted to operate within the park if you call the Backcountry Office at (865) 436-1231. Be aware that all overnight hikers must have a backcountry permit in the park that must be acquired in advance.
Roanoke A.T. Club - A.T. maintaining club that covers more than 100 miles of the  A.T. in central Virginia has a shuttle drivers listing.

Additional Resources

Some A.T. guidebooks such as the A.T. Thru-Hikers' Companion, include shuttle service providers.
Outfitters and hostels along the A.T.  may be able to provide information on local shuttlers. Outfitters and hostels with an A.T. Community Supporter designation can be found in A.T. Communities; a trailwide listing on WhiteBlaze.net can be found here. 


bus


Local & Regional Transit Stations

Some towns along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) have local public transit systems to get you from town to town,  or from town to the A.T. In addition, you can find bus and train station locations for national transit companies.



 
 
Local & Regional Transit Station (click for expandable list)
Transit Details
Trailwide
MegaBus (877) GO2-MEGA; (877) 462-6342; http://us.megabus.com; Service between some mid-size towns along the A.T. and large cities of East Coast and elsewhere.
Greyhound Bus Lines (800) 231-2222
www.greyhound.com
Trailways Bus Lines (800) 343-9999
www.trailways.com
Amtrak (800) USA-RAIL
www.amtrak.com
Georgia
Amtrak Crescent Train stops in Atlanta, 68 miles from Amicalola Falls State Park (where a visitor center and the approach trail are located). Atlanta is 99 miles from Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the A.T. Private shuttle services, often quite knowledgeable about the A.T., are available to get you from the bus terminal to AFSP or Springer Mountain (see listings at left). The Gainesville station is 36 miles from AFSP; taxis are usually available here, but there are fewer private shuttle options. Taxis are generally not a recommended option for getting to Springer Mountain (which requires travel over rough and remote Forest Service roads that may be impassible to passenger cars in winter and spring).
North Carolina south of the Smokies
Macon County Transit (Franklin) Bus route around town Monday-Friday and seasonally (usu. late Feb. through May) to Winding Stair Gap and Rock Gap, $3.00. Other locations in the county by advance arrangement. www.macontransit.org, (828) 349-2222.
North Carolina and Tennessee Smokies area
None at this time N/A
North Carolina and Tennessee north of the Smokies
None at this time N/A
Southwest Virginia including Pearisburg area
Marion Greyhound Bus Station Located 7 miles west of the A.T. at Va.16 (by Mt. Rogers HQ, not to be confused with Va.16 crossing at Dickey Gap 15 miles south on the A.T.).
Mountain Lynx Transit (Marion)

Service between Marion and the A.T. at Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area Headquarters (NRA HQ) Monday through Friday by advance arrangement only for.  Call (276) 782-9300 in advance to arrange pick-up; 24 hours in advance recommended. www.district-three.org.
Bluefield, WV Greyhound Bus Station Located 12 miles north of US 52.
Wytheville Greyhound BUs Station Located 16 miles south of the A.T. crossing at US 52 (Between Bland and Bastian).
Central Virginia north of Pearisburg
Roanoke Greyhound Bus Station Located about 10 miles from the A.T. crossing at US 220 near Cloverdale and 17 miles from the A.T. crossing at Va.311 near Catawba.
Smart Way Commuter Bus Operates between Roanoke and Blacksburg, VA; (540) 982-6622
(800) 388-7005
info@valleymetro.com
www.smartwaybus.com
Maury Express Bus services in Buena Vista and Lexington
www.co.rockbridge.va.us/transit/publictransit.htm
Shenandoah National Park
Waynesboro Tourism Office For long-term A.T. hiker parking details and information about shuttles to and from Rockfish Gap, hikers can call the Tourism Office at (540) 942-6512 (weekdays) or The Rockfish Gap Tourist Information Center at (540) 943-5187 (7 days/week).
Staunton Virginia Breeze stop Bus stop 15 miles west of Rockfish Gap at southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park. Virginia Breeze bus line offers service from Union Station in Washington, DC to points south including Dulles Airport, Front Royal, Staunton, Lexington, and Blacksburg. Virginia Breeze.
Northern Virginia
Front Royal Virginia Breeze stop Bus stop 7 miles trail west of A.T. Virginia Breeze bus line offers service from Union Station in Washington, DC to points south including Dulles Airport, Front Royal, Staunton, Lexington, and Blacksburg. Virginia Breeze.
Front Royal Trolley Front Royal Trolley offers service from the trailhead at US 522 into town May 15 - July 15. Front-Royal-Trolley.pdf (540) 825-2456
West Virginia Harpers Ferry area
Harpers Ferry Train Station Located in Lower Town Harpers Ferry, 100 yards from the A.T. Amtrak and MARC (Maryland Rail Commuter) trains service this unmanned station.
Maryland
None at this time N/A
Pennsylvania south of the Susquehanna River/town of Duncannon
Capital Area Transit Bus connects to Carlisle and Harrisburg. Stop #14 on this route is about .7 east of the A.T. footbridge over Route 11 (across from Speedway gas station); stop is listed on the schedule as Carlisle Pike @ New Kingstown. Monday-Friday only; no holiday service. www.cattransit.com
Pennsylvania north of the Susquehanna River/town of Duncannon
Port Clinton public transportation Capitol Trailways has 3-4 buses to Hamburg, Reading and Phila (flag down) (800) 333-8444 www.capitoltrailways.com More frequent daily shuttles to Cabela’s Outf. (2 miles east) on Schuykill Transit System (www.go-sts.com); from there BartaBus goes to Hamburg and Reading (www.bartabus.com) (610) 921-0601. Connections to NYC from Reading via Bieber Trailways (800) 243-2374.
Delaware Water Gap Martz Trailways bus terminal new location: 1 mile north of town on Rt. 611 (from traffic light at bottom of hill). (800) 233-8604 or (570) 421-4451. www.martztrailways.com Serves Stroudsburg, NYC, Phila.
New Jersey
None at this time N/A
New York
Guide to public transportation serving hiking areas (including some points along the A.T.) in New York city area www.nynjtc.org/content/you-dont-need-car
Short Line Bus (to Bear Mtn.) (800) 631-8405 www.shortlinebus.com Bus service from New York City (Port Authority Bus Terminal) to Bear Mountain Inn on the Bear Mountain/West Point line; to Harriman (jct. of 17 and 17M) on the Newburgh/Poughkeepsie line.
Manitou train station Metro-North Hudson line 1.6 miles roadwalk from A.T. just north of Bear Mtn. Bridge, mostly on road with narrow shoulders. See link at top of this state’s listing for important details.
Garrison, NY Located 3 miles north/Trail west of NY 403, Garrison is served by the Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line
Appalachian Trail Stop Located near Pawling, New York, served by Metro-North Railroad's Harlem line. (800) METRO-INFO www.mta.info/mnr Train leaves from Grand Central Terminal Sat., Sun., holidays only. Pawling (3 miles east) and Harlem Valley-Wingdale (3 miles west) stations are served 7 days a week.
Pawling, NY Located 17 miles away is Danbury CT where there are many car rental companies as well as the Metro North New Haven/Danbury line
Wingdale, NY A 3 mile walk from Hoyt Rd. (NY/CT border) Metro North Harlem line railroad station. Take train south to Brewster, NY for Hertz/Enterprise car rental.
Gaylordsville, CT Located 2.5 mi. east of trail along 55 just after crossing into CT where Hertz or Enterprise will pick you up from New Milford (6-7 miles south)
Connecticut
Dover Plains, NY Located 13 miles to west, it has Metro North Harlem Line train to NYC.
Massachusetts
Peter Pan Bus Lines Serves New York City and some towns close to the A.T. in Massachusetts
(800) 343-9999
(888) 751-8800
www.peterpanbus.com
Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Multiple bus routes serving Trail towns of Great Barrington, Dalton, Cheshire, North Adams, and Williamstown
(413) 499-2782
(800) 292-BRTA
www.berkshirerta.com
Vermont
Green Mountain Express Transit Services, Bennington, VT Route 9 Trailhead Transit Service (for both pickup and drop off, to/from downtown Bennington) is available Monday - Friday between 10AM - 4PM. Times are flexible, $3 per passenger one way. You MUST call in advance, during regular business hours, for further info and to schedule rides. Also connects to other bus lines to the north and south.
(802) 447-0477
www.greenmtncn.org
Vermont Translines (Bus) South/north route from Albany to Burlington with stop in Rutland, and west/east route from Rutland to Hanover
1 (844) VTTRANS (888-7267)
https://www.vttranslines.com/content/schedules/schedules.asp
Yankee Trails Bus service Mon. – Fri. from Bennington, VT to Albany, NY (bus terminal is 14 miles from Albany airport, taxis available). Bus continues on to Syracuse, NY.
http://charter.yankeetrails.com/Corporate/Bennington.aspx
Marble Valley Regional Transit “The Bus” provides service between Killington and Rutland and can be flagged down anywhere on Rt 4. The bus runs approximately every 2 hours between 7:15 am and 5:15 pm. Cost is $2.
(802) 773-0160
www.thebus.com
New Hampshire
For info about public transportation in New Hampshire www.new-england-public-transit.org
Advance Transit Public commuter bus with routes in and around Hanover and connecting Hanover with Norwich and the Amtrak station in White River Jct. Mon– Fri. only.
www.advancetransit.com
Concord Coach Lines One bus a day each for the BerlinConway-New Hampton line (Logan Airport near Boston to Gorham, NH, with stop at Pinkham Notch) and the LittletonPlymouth-Tilton line from Logan Airport to the towns of Franconia and Lincoln
(800) 639-3317
www.concordcoachlines.com
Shuttle Connection Lincoln, NH
www.shuttleconnection.com
(603) 745-3140
(800) 545-3140
info@theshuttleconnection.com
Maine
Cyr Bus Lines Bangor to Medway (12 miles from Millinocket) Exit 56. Contact for schedule and cost.
(800) 244-2335
(207) 827-2010
www.cyrbustours.com
Concord Coach Lines Bus service from Boston, MA to Bangor, ME
www.concordcoachlines.com
(800) 639-3317

​get to the trail by train

Two locations on the trail have direct train service:

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Amtrak has daily service to and from Washington, D.C., Union Station, with westbound trains continuing to Chicago. Amtrak also serves the following towns not far from the Appalachian Trail: Roanoke, Virginia ; Charlottesville, Virginia ; Rutland, Vermont ; White River Junction, Vermont. Reservations required.
Maryland Rail Commuter (MARC) service's Brunswick line has two or three trains a day leaving Harpers Ferry for Washington in the morning and returning in the evening, weekdays only. 

Pawling, New York.
The Appalachian Trail Stop, right on the A.T., is served by Metro-North Railroad's Harlem line. Train leaves from Grand Central Terminal Saturday, Sunday and holidays. The nearby towns of Pawling and Wingdale, both about 2 miles away, have service 7 days a week.

​get to the trail by plane

Airports near the Appalachian Trail, listed North to South:

get to the trail by bus

New England has the most extensive bus service close to the Trail. In most other areas, you can get a bus to a city near the Trail, and arrange for someone to shuttle you to the trailhead. Check Greyhound and Trailways for details. Local service highlights:

  • New Hampshire
    Concord Trailways provides service to the Pinkham Notch Visitor's Center in the White Mountain National Forest, and to the town of Gorham.
    Dartmouth Coach provides service from Hanover to Boston, MA and New York City.
    Advance Transit public commuter bus provides service in and around Hanover, and connects Hanover with Norwich and the Amtrak station in White River Junction. Runs Monday through Friday only.


Massachusetts
Peter Pan Bus Lines serve several towns adjacent to the Trail along Route 7, including Great Barrington, Lee, Pittsfield, and Williamstown.

Pennsylvania
Martz Trailways at the Delaware Water Gap bus terminal provides links to several major cities.