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5

The world's longest continuous mountain trail is the 2,000 mile long Appalachian Trail. The longest stretch of this trail is located in which state?

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geography

The iconic Appalachian Trail is a colossal undertaking, a continuous footpath stretching nearly 2,200 miles from its southern terminus in Georgia to its northern end in Maine. As it meanders through the mountains of the eastern United States, it crosses through a total of 14 different states. However, one state contains a larger portion of this legendary trail than any other. With over 550 miles of the path located within its borders—roughly a quarter of the entire trail—Virginia is home to the longest section.

This sprawling Virginian stretch is famous for its scenic beauty, including a celebrated 100-mile segment that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park. While the terrain is not considered the most difficult on the trail, its sheer length presents a unique psychological challenge for long-distance "thru-hikers." Many experience what's known as the "Virginia Blues," a feeling of monotony or slow progress that sets in during the seemingly endless journey through the state, making its completion a significant milestone on the way to Mount Katahdin.