Originally Posted by
Starchild
The AT is as pointed out, significantly different and shows the types of hikers. Those seeking what the AT 'was' would be, and are, seeking out what the GET is now. Also hiking it in the numbers of the original AT, in other words there are really a very small number of hikers seeking the original AT experience, and they have plenty of options, further diluting these hikers among many trails.
The AT has evolved way past that, to something IMHO much more wonderful and attracts many people, both hikers and angels, which has a much higher draw to it and connects many more people to a deep experience with nature, but in their case it also connects community, and that is the difference.
It is the connection of nature/self/community that is so attractive, it is a basic need of many people, it is a basic need of everyone to have connections, many need more then just a 'nature/self' only connection and why the current AT is so important to society as it is today and as it is evolving.