The 3 Closest Airports to appalachian trail

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The 3 Closest Airports to Appalachian Trail

Planning a trip to hike the iconic Appalachian Trail? One of the first things to consider is how you’ll get there. While the AT stretches over 2,000 miles, spanning across 14 states, knowing the closest airports to various access points can significantly simplify your travel arrangements. Here’s a look at three of the closest airports that offer convenient access to different sections of the trail.

1. Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)**

Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) offers relatively convenient access to certain sections of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. While not the absolute closest in terms of raw mileage to all points on the AT, it is often considered the closest major airport with a wider range of flight options and destinations.

  • Distance to Appalachian Trail: Approximately 30-40 miles (depending on the specific trailhead).

  • Address: 1 Terminal Dr, Middletown, PA 17057

  • Pros: Relatively easy to navigate, fewer crowds compared to larger city airports, decent selection of airlines.

  • Cons: Limited international flights, potential for higher fares compared to larger hubs, requires a drive to reach the trail.

  • Airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines.

  • Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, National, Alamo.

  • Official Website: flyhbg.com

  • Phone: (717) 948-3900

  • Rating: 3.5/5

  • Airlines, Car Rental, Pros and Cons in a line : American Airlines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines; Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, National, Alamo; Relatively easy to navigate, fewer crowds compared to larger city airports, decent selection of airlines / Limited international flights, potential for higher fares compared to larger hubs, requires a drive to reach the trail.

2. Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR)**

Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) is a smaller regional airport providing relatively easy access to sections of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland and southern Pennsylvania.

  • Distance to Appalachian Trail: Approximately 10-20 miles (depending on the specific trailhead).

  • Address: 18434 Aviation Ln, Hagerstown, MD 21742

  • Pros: Very close proximity to the trail, ease of access.

  • Cons: Very limited flight options, often more expensive due to low volume, requires connecting flights from larger hubs.

  • Airlines: Allegiant Air.

  • Car Rental: Enterprise.

  • Official Website: flyhgr.com

  • Phone: (301) 733-5200

  • Rating: 2.5/5

  • Airlines, Car Rental, Pros and Cons in a line : Allegiant Air; Enterprise; Very close proximity to the trail, ease of access / Very limited flight options, often more expensive due to low volume, requires connecting flights from larger hubs.

3. Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD)**

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) serves the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia and offers reasonable access to the southern sections of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia.

  • Distance to Appalachian Trail: Approximately 30-40 miles (depending on the specific trailhead).

  • Address: 77 Aviation Cir, Weyers Cave, VA 24486

  • Pros: Convenient access to trail sections in Shenandoah National Park, smaller and easier to navigate.

  • Cons: Limited flight options, often requires connecting flights, may be pricier compared to larger airports.

  • Airlines: United Airlines (via SkyWest Airlines).

  • Car Rental: Avis, Hertz.

  • Official Website: flyshd.com

  • Phone: (540) 234-8304

  • Rating: 3/5

  • Airlines, Car Rental, Pros and Cons in a line : United Airlines (via SkyWest Airlines); Avis, Hertz; Convenient access to trail sections in Shenandoah National Park, smaller and easier to navigate / Limited flight options, often requires connecting flights, may be pricier compared to larger airports.

Conclusion:

For the absolute closest proximity, Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) wins. However, due to its limited flight options, Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is often the more practical choice as the closest major airport for accessing sections of the Appalachian Trail.

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