The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest hiking trails in the world with a length of 2,175 miles. The trail starts at Springer Mountain, Georgia, winding its way through 14 states, and ends at Katahdin, Maine. Every year between 1,800 to 2,000 people attempt to hike the trail but only 1 in 4 succeed. The trail takes the average person between 5 and 6 months to hike. During this time, a hiker is tested physically by hiking an upwards elevation equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times. However, the part hikers talk about the most is the emotional struggles of pushing yourself everyday even when you want to quit. Hikers quickly lose weight on the trail by burning up to 6,000 calories a day while hiking 15-25 miles a day.
Most hikers start in Georgia and head north towards Maine. This is called going Northbound. Appropriately, hikers that hike Northbound are called Northbounders. In order to make the trail easier to follow, "white blazes" are marked all along the trail. 
It is possible to bring a tent or hammock to sleep in for the entire length of the trail but many people prefer to stay in these conveniently located shelters that cover the entire length of the trail. However, there is limited space in these havens and bringing your own shelter is definitely recommended.
Those who choose to hike the trail do so for varying reasons but I think even people that have no interest in living out of a bag for 6 months can agree that the views are amazing and inspiring.
