>>457587There are several large organizations and many smaller hiker groups that care for the trail.
The trail markers are maintained by various hiking groups along its length. Each group takes responsibility from one point to another.
The largest group is this one:
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/They actually pay individuals to travel along the trail and keep an eye on things.
..and "no" to anything other than hiking....except a tiny section in the Smokies that allows horses.
