In the south, the #AppalachianTrail has lots of switchbacks and long, long gradual climbs out of gaps. In New England, you get stuff like this Vermont scene - straight up mountains on bare granite. On the steeper climbs, all the tree bark is worn off whereever hikers can grab for support. #hiking

A person is hiking up a rocky trail with a backpack and trekking poles. The trail features smooth, striated rock with a white blaze marking. Lush green foliage surrounds the path in a forested area. The view is from a low angle, emphasizing the incline of the trail.