International Appalachian Trail

by Holly Smith, Executive Director, Keystone Trails Association with significant contributions from Inga Bock, Donegal Local Development CLG

Did you know … there is an International Appalachian Trail (IAT)?

Many folks recognize that the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in the U.S. follows the Appalachian Mountains (the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has a great interactive map of the trail here).  But did you know that the mountain ranges that reside within the Appalachian Mountains continue north into Newfoundland, Canada? And when plate tectonics separated the supercontinent of Pangaea and formed the Atlantic Ocean, remnants of the range were left behind in Greenland, Scandinavia, the British Isles, Brittany, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Anti-Atlas Mountains of Morocco?

Map showing the Great Pangean Mountains; Image courtesy of Tasa Graphic Arts

This is exciting for recreationists and travelers because for several decades, trail enthusiasts and planners have been thinking beyond borders. The concept of an International Appalachian Trail (IAT) began in Maine in 1994 with a simple idea: to create a long-distance hiking trail following the ancient Appalachian Mountains across borders. Originally planned to connect the terminus of the U.S. A.T. at Mount Katahdin, Maine with Mount Carleton, New Brunswick and Mount Jacques Cartier, Quebec, the project was intended to celebrate the landscape and strengthen relationships between communities on both sides of the Canada–U.S. border. Over time though, the vision expanded as researchers and hikers recognized that the Appalachian mountain system once formed part of a much larger geological landscape stretching across the ancient supercontinent Pangaea.

An International Network

From its North American beginnings, the IAT developed into an international network of trails. New routes were established across Atlantic Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia, the British Isles, France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Rather than being one continuous footpath though, the IAT connects existing and new trails in regions that share the Appalachian-Caledonian geology. Its mission goes beyond walking: it promotes natural and cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, health, fellowship, international cooperation and sustainable rural tourism. By 2015, the IAT had become a truly international trail network spanning three continents.

Under the stellar leadership of Julie Queen, Manager of the Appalachian Trail Museum in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Keystone Trails Association recently conducted an international fundraising hiking trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland.  While in Glenties, County Donegal, participants were fortunate to hear a presentation from Inga Bock, Rural Recreation Officer in County Donegal, Ireland. Inga is a one-woman show, championing outdoor recreation and the IAT in the region. Inga shared the geologic and IAT backstory and highlighted Ireland’s part. Work began in 2009 to identify a route linking the spectacular Sliabh Liag area of Donegal with Larne in Northern Ireland, largely by connecting existing walking routes. The Irish chapter was officially welcomed in 2010, and the route was formally launched in 2013 at the Ulster American Folk Park. The approximately 500-kilometer route combines wilderness, coastal and mountain landscapes with established trails including the Bluestack Way, Leghowney Loop, Killeter Forest routes and the Ulster Way, crossing the border and linking communities throughout Donegal and Northern Ireland.

Bluestack Way marker; Image courtesy of Julie Queen

Development of the IAT Ulster Ireland has continued through periods of funding, research, restructuring, and the challenges of COVID-19. Progress included a substantial rural development cooperation project, new infrastructure, signage, marketing, and international collaboration. In 2022–23, a promotional campaign and new website helped raise the trail’s profile, while further trailhead information and infrastructure were added in Donegal. In 2026, additional signage and five granite milestones are being installed, with the Meenadreen-to-border section scheduled to open in October.

The IAT continues to embody its founding principle of Thinking Beyond Borders — connecting people, landscapes and cultures through the shared geological heritage of the ancient Appalachian mountain chain. Its progress and trail development in other parts of the world are definitely worth exploring.

For more information and short films please visit: