The Appalachian Trail is arguably the world’s most well known hiking trail. Completed in 1937, the “AT” currently runs 2,175 miles through 14 states, from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Katahdin, Maine. We are fortunate indeed that the AT runs right through Pawling, with several access points from which to start or end your trip.

Short on time? Take a short hike to Cats Rock, a relatively short but steep climb which rewards you with a panoramic view of Pawling and neighboring towns in Connecticut. Just off the trail is the Telephone Pioneers Shelter, an AT lean-to, if you would like to extend your trip to an overnight stay. Arrangements can also be made to drop you off at one access point and pick you up at another, thus avoiding backtracking over the same trail section. With 2175 miles of trail, you may as well see as much as you can!

Just east of Route 22 in Pawling is the lovely Pawling Nature Reserve, with over 1000 acres and 10 miles of trail including the AT as it winds its way toward Connecticut. Enjoy a quiet walk through a mixed hardwood forest, and be sure to check out the beautiful cascading falls. No camping or biking is permitted here.