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<\/a><\/div>\nTimeshares plus the Appalachian Trail can equal vacation magic. The Appalachian Trail is an amazing trail that stretches over 2100 miles across 14 eastern U.S. states. It goes from the hot, southern climes of Georgia to the most northern reach of the continental U.S. in Maine. An unofficial extension continues on into Canada.<\/div>\n
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The Appalachian Trail offers varied natural beauty as it winds from lowlands in the south up through subalpine regions, and even some true alpine areas where you might find yourself above the timberline. <\/div>\n
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Out on the trail you have the rare opportunity to encounter any one of 2,000 rare, threatened, or endangered plant and animal species. You\u2019ll also have a chance to see more customary animals such as deer, elk, and moose. Black Bear sightings are especially common in the Shenandoah National Park<\/a> and the New Jersey sections.<\/div>\n
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Along the entire length of the Trail, hikers encounter \u201cTrail Magic.\u201d These are the \u201cAppalachian Trail Angels\u201d that volunteer as guardians and good-Samaritans for the hikers and day backpackers. Many do their good deeds anonymously \u2013 you might come through a thickly wooded area into a clearing to find coolers alongside the trail, filled with bottles of chilled water and cans of cold beer.<\/div>\n
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Other Angels offer their version of Trail Magic by inviting hikers<\/a> to a free barbecue meal at their home. These volunteers can serve up to 2000 meals over the course of a season. And still other Angels will give you a free ride to the trailhead and then back to your timeshare.<\/div>\n
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The hikers of the Appalachian Trail have created a sub-culture of \u201cthru-hikers\u201d \u2013 those who make the entire 2100-mile trek in one season, generally a six-month commitment. Thru-hikers have \u201chiker handles\u201d \u2013 names by which they are known along the Trail, and that become infamous in Appalachian Trail lore. <\/div>\n