Book excerpt: The Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails in the world and a testament to the power of cooperation. Winding through fourteen states from Georgia to Maine, the Trail is cared for by thirty-one trail clubs, numerous partnerships, the National Park Service, and Appalachian Trail Conservancy. At 2,200 miles long, the trail attracts millions of hikers per year. In this young reader's book, the author lays out the history of the Appalachian Trail in its many facets. He includes its geological, ecological, and human history, as well as its history as a trail. By weaving these all together, the author allows the reader to better understand one of the world's longest hiking trails.