Appalachian Trail Honeymoons

An Appalachian Trail honeymoon provides active couples with dense forests, vast wild lands, and historic towns across 14 states, beginning in Maine in the north, and finishing in Georgia in the south. With over 2000 miles of rugged terrain and frequent ascents and descents in the trail, an average hiker requires five to six months to complete the trail from end to end. The Appalachian Trail is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and historic landmarks, offering outdoor enthusiasts a sanctuary of solitude and opportunity to connect with Mother Nature. So, if you and your future spouse are avid hikers and looking for a destination that’s full of outdoor activities, an Appalachian trail honeymoon will be right up your alley! 

Discover the breathtaking sites of the Great Outdoors of America during your Appalachian Trail honeymoon.

Where to Go

When planning an Appalachian trail honeymoon it’s a good idea to find the right time and season for you and your S.O. to tackle the trail. For thru- hikers, beginning the trail in late March or early April allows for sufficient time to complete the hike before closure of parks in October. The months of March and April are peak season on the Appalachian Trail with throngs of hikers in the day. For shorter visits, March through October present travelers with optimal weather and conditions across the states.

Top Sights and Activities

• Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire: Pinkham Notch is the region’s finest destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a host of activities available year round. Opt to mountain bike, hike, or ski its intricate network of trails during your Appalachian trail honeymoon.
• Hang Glide on Mount Greylock, Massachusetts: The natural beauty and unique saddle shape of Massachusetts’s highest point is credited to have inspired the literary classic, Moby Dick. Reach its summit and hang glide to its base for a thrilling experience.
• Anthony’s Nose, New York: A relatively short but steep trail leads hikers to a scenic viewpoint that overlooks the serene Hudson Valley and expansive Bear Mountain Bridge.
• High Point State Park, New Jersey: The highest point of New Jersey, High Point, offers extensive panoramic views of its state, New York, as well as Pennsylvania. Situated at its summit is High Point Monument, a commemorative tribute to the nation’s war veterans and great to check out during your Appalachian trail honeymoon.
• Gathland State Park, Maryland: As the battlegrounds of a segment of the Battle of South Mountain, Gathland State Park’s main attraction is the War Correspondents Arch, a stone monument dedicated to correspondents of the Civil War.
• Horseback Riding at Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: Experience Shenandoah National Park on a guided horseback ride through the wooded trails and discover cascading waterfalls, scenic vistas, and diverse wildlife.
• Harpers Ferry, West Virginia: Harpers Ferry played a historic role in the American Civil War that plagued the 1860s, and the Jefferson County Museum encourages its Appalachian trail honeymooners to discover the events and elements that shaped the town.
• Hot Springs, North Carolina: A rustic town that observes a relaxing pace of life, Hot Springs offers hikers of the Appalachian Trail a peaceful retreat. Soak in the hot tubs supplied with natural hot mineral water as you admire the town’s picturesque mountain views.
• Chimney Rock State Park, North Carolina: One of North Carolina’s most iconic sites, the towering granite monolith, Chimney Rock, shares its name with the park, and boasts sweeping views of Lake Lure, Hickory Nut Gorge and the lush countryside below.
• Springer Mountain, Georgia: As one of Georgia’s most popular hiking destinations, Springer Mountain encompasses a number of trailheads for hikers of all skill levels, each of them rewarding its visitors with extraordinary views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Vogel State Park, Georgia: Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s oldest and most treasured parks, and offers a range of recreational activities from swimming to hiking to fishing. A haven for nature lovers, the park also features an exciting variety of vegetation and wildlife.
• Clingmans Dome at Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee: The observation tower atop Tennessee’s highest point of Clingmans Dome offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding Great Smoky Mountain range, and a thick carpet of spruce fir forests below.