International Appalachian Trail

Understand

The International Appalachian Trail (IAT) is a long-distance hiking trail that extends the Appalachian Trail concept northwards, following the Appalachian mountain range through Maine, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The trail's conception in 1994 by Richard Anderson was inspired by the geological fact that the Appalachian Mountains are part of an ancient range, the Central Pangean Mountains, which were split when the supercontinent Pangaea broke apart. This geological connection forms the basis for the IAT's expansion into Europe and North Africa, with chapters and affiliated trails in countries like Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. This itinerary focuses primarily on the North American sections of the IAT, which offer a continuous trail experience from the northern terminus of the original Appalachian Trail in Maine, through diverse Canadian landscapes, to the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. The trail takes hikers through remote wilderness, along rugged coastlines, over challenging peaks, and into culturally rich regions. It celebrates the shared geological and natural heritage of the lands it traverses. The IAT is not a single, centrally managed trail in the same way as the Appalachian Trail. It consists of various connected trail systems and routes managed by different local, regional, and national organizations in each jurisdiction. This means that trail conditions, marking, and available facilities can vary significantly.

Getting there

Accessing the International Appalachian Trail depends on the section you intend to hike.

Maine (USA) The IAT officially begins north of Baxter State Park and is often considered to start in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. By air, Bangor International Airport (BGR) is the closest major airport. By bus, Concord Coach Lines and Greyhound provide service to towns in Maine, from where you may need to arrange local transport or shuttles. By car, you can drive to access points near Millinocket or Patten for the southern sections. Parking is available at various trailheads, but be sure to check regulations for overnight parking, especially within the National Monument or Baxter State Park. Private shuttle services are common for Appalachian Trail hikers around Baxter State Park and may also serve IAT trailheads. Advance booking is usually necessary.

New Brunswick (Canada) The trail enters New Brunswick near Fort Fairfield, Maine, and Perth-Andover, New Brunswick. By air, Fredericton International Airport (YFC) and Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) are options, though both are still a considerable distance from many trail sections. Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) in Maine is also relatively close to the border. By car, major highways like the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2) run through New Brunswick, with provincial roads leading to trail access points such as near Mount Carleton Provincial Park. When crossing the border, make sure to use an official Canada Border Services Agency port of entry.

Quebec (Canada) The IAT in Quebec crosses the Gaspé Peninsula (Gaspésie). By air, Mont-Joli Airport (YYY) and Gaspé (Michel-Pouliot) Airport (YGP) serve the region. By bus, Orléans Express offers services to towns along the Gaspé coast. By car, Autoroute 20 and Highway 132 loop around the peninsula, providing access to trail towns and parks such as Gaspésie National Park and Forillon National Park. The Relais Nordik ferry does not

Go next

Completing a section or the entirety of the North American International Appalachian Trail opens up numerous possibilities: Continue on International Chapters: For the truly adventurous, explore the IAT chapters in Europe (e.g., Scotland's West Highland Way, trails in Ireland, Norway, Spain, Portugal) or even Morocco. Each offers a unique cultural and hiking experience, following the geological remnants of the Appalachian Mountains. Explore the Appalachian Trail: If you hiked the IAT northbound, consider tackling sections of the original Appalachian Trail southbound from Maine, or explore other iconic parts of this trail.