The southern end of the 2,194-mile Appalachian Trail is marked by two small bronze plaques on a rock outcrop just below the actual summit. One depicts a hiker; the other notes the elevation and the trail's length. A weatherproof register box lets hikers sign in, both those starting north and those returning to celebrate completing a thru-hike the year before.
The site is unceremonious by design — no visitor centre, no kiosks, just the plaques, the register, and the rock. Most visitors take fifteen minutes to look around, sign the register, and start back down. Spring (especially March 1 to mid-April) brings a steady stream of departing thru-hikers loaded with gear; summer brings day-hikers and overnight backpackers; autumn brings the colour and the smallest crowds.