The First Step
Provides information on the Appalachian Trail for inexperienced hikers. Discusses preparation, safety, equipment, getting in shape, water, food, shelters, and weather. Includes a list of small towns close to the AT and a suggested reading list.
TrailPlace
A resource for information on the Appalachian Trail. Includes news, photo gallery, discussion boards, hiking partner ads, section-by-section description of the trail, and suggestion for planning a hike.
National Park Service - Appalachian Trail
Describes the activities, basic facts, nearby attractions, and weather along the AT. Includes a map.
Appalachian Trail Conference
Provides AT trail news and information on hiking the trail. Includes a detailed state-by-state description of the AT, a photo gallery, trail conditions, and info on the plants and animals of the Appalachian Trail. Also discusses how the trail is maintained and how you can help.
WhiteBlaze.net
A community of Appalachian Trail enthusiasts. Offers thru-hiking information, including mileage between shelters, the Kennebec Ferry schedule, list of AT shuttle services, and advice on mail drops. Includes photos, forums, a thru-hiker registery, and a FAQ.
Datto's AT Thru-Hiking Tips
From WhiteBlaze.net. Advice on clothing to bring, hygiene, dealing with blisters and bugs, carrying water, trail etiquette, and mileage planning. Has a nice section describing the highlights of the trail.
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion
The online version of this book. Provides detailed information about each section of the AT, including a list of shelters, water sources, post offices, lodging, resupply sources, outfitters, and geologic features along the trail.
Available as downloadable .PDF files.
Appalachian Mountain Club
Includes an overview of hiking the AT, the history of the AT, a FAQ, and a list of AMC publications. Also find information on lodging, trail management, interpretive programs and courses, conservation, and research.
Cloudwalker's Appalachian Trail Page
Comprehensive information on the AT as well as general advice on hiking and backpacking.
Appalachian Trail Home Page
Provides state-by-state descriptions of the trail, a list of AT events, AT hike journals, thru-hiking FAQs, advice from hikers, a discussion forum, and links to maps of the Appalachian trail.
Thru-Hikers Papers
Advice for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. Covers equipment, how to "hike your own hike," and how hiking the AT changes you personally, and more. Note: There's glitch that prevents you from getting from page 2 to page 3, so here's page 3.