International Appalachian Trail Voyage Tips and guide

The International Appalachian Trail (French: Sentier International des Appalaches) is an itinerary primarily in Maine, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador, with extensions and affiliated trails in Europe and North Africa.

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.

The IAT is a serious wilderness backpacking trail. Terrain ranges from mountain footpaths to overgrown logging roads, making it completely unsuitable for wheelchairs, baby carriages, or wheeled luggage — you carry everything yourself. Cell reception is unreliable throughout, so bring a waterproof map or download the FarOut app (the official trail guide).

Permits are required in several places: Baxter State Park requires a free long-distance hiker permit, Shenandoah National Park charges a small overnight fee (around $15), and the Quebec section requires advance reservations. Note that the Matane Wildlife Reserve in Quebec closes to hikers after Labour Day for hunting season — check the IAT Quebec website before you go.

No shops or restaurants exist on the trail. Plan to leave the route every 3–5 days to resupply in nearby towns, though in wilder stretches like Maine's 100 Mile Wilderness you may need to carry a week's worth of food. Many hikers mail supply packages ahead to post offices along the route. A camping stove is essential.

All water comes from streams and springs and must be purified — carry a filter, UV pen, or purification tablets. Water sources exist throughout but can require a detour to reach. Carry at least 2–3 litres capacity and top up whenever you can.

The AT section has lean-to shelters roughly every 8–10 miles — basic three-sided wooden structures with no electricity or bedding. Always bring your own sleeping bag and pad. In the Canadian sections shelter spacing becomes less predictable, so a tent is strongly recommended for the full trail. Some shelters in New Hampshire and Maine charge a small nightly fee.

Hike between late May and early October. The Quebec trails officially close October 10. Winter conditions are severe and only suitable for experts. Expect rain and fog throughout, particularly on the Gaspé Peninsula and in Newfoundland, and dense biting insects in late spring and summer. Waterproof gear and insect repellent are essential.

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

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.

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.

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 serve the Quebec IAT mainland sections directly but connects to Anticosti Island and the Sept-Îles on the Noryh Shore, which are more remote areas of Quebec.

The IAT connection to Newfoundland often involves a conceptual ferry link across the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The IAT in Newfoundland starts near Port aux Basques, which you reach by ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and then heads up the west coast of the island.

By air, Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF) is well located for accessing central and northern sections of the Newfoundland IAT, including Gros Morne National Park. St. John's International Airport (YYT) is on the eastern side of the island and farther from the IAT.

By ferry, Marine Atlantic operates year-round service from North Sydney (Nova Scotia), to Port aux Basques, and seasonal service to Argentia. The Port aux Basques ferry is the main way to bring a vehicle or access the start of the Newfoundland IAT.

By car, the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) runs through Newfoundland, with various local roads providing access to trailheads along the island’s western portion.

The International Appalachian Trail offers an immense variety of hiking experiences across its different sections. As of May 2025, the trail is incomplete.

Maine Section

 404 km 25 days

Quebec Section

 650 km 38 days

New Brunswick & Nova Scotia Section

 1050 km 62 days

Newfoundland Section

 1100 km 65 days

Gaspésie Section

 480 km 28 days

Map of International Appalachian Trail

The IAT passes through remote wilderness where self-sufficiency is essential. Black bears are widespread across North American sections — store food securely, make noise on the trail, and carry bear spray where permitted. Moose, while typically non-aggressive, can be dangerous if startled, so give them a wide berth. Insects are a serious nuisance from late spring through summer; use repellent, treat clothing with permethrin, and check daily for ticks, as Lyme disease is present in some areas.

Weather can turn quickly at any elevation — pack layers and rain gear regardless of the forecast, and know the signs of both hypothermia and heat exhaustion. The terrain is consistently challenging, with roots, rocks, mud, and unbridged stream crossings throughout. Trekking poles help, and at any crossing that looks risky after rain or snowmelt, turn back — unbuckle your hip belt before attempting any ford. Cell service is unreliable across much of the route, so a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger is strongly recommended.

Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit and know how to use it. Leave a detailed itinerary with someone at home, agree on check-in times, and familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers before you set out — 911 in the US, with services varying considerably across remote parts of Canada.

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.