Appalachian Trail Known Knowledge

Page 9 of the The Onion Book of Known Knowledge, which came to me as a Christmas present from an old friend, presents the following entry for the Appalachian Trail:

2,180 mile-long path along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States that is the worst, least efficient way to travel from Georgia to Maine.  Traversed each year by those who deny the existence of America's vast transportation system for some inexplicable reason, the Appalachian trail takes roughly four months to hike but can be covered in two days by car, 26 hours by rail, or five  hours by plane--three fully air-conditioned means of conveyance that offer zero chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes, spraining an ankle, or going weeks without bathing.  If one absolutely must walk from Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin, a for more sensible choice would be to use Interstate 95:  It's a straight shot, and there are plenty of stores and hotels along the way so that one doesn't have to travel across 14 states while carrying 50 pounds of gear.  Overall, hiking the Appalachian trail offers nothing but the chance to grow a mangy beard and waste time.  It literally defies logic.

Pretty accurate as to the facts stated.  The writer presents all  key facts about the AT:  length, termini, number of states, and some typical risks.  Hiking time is not entirely accurate.  Some can thru-hike in four months; six months is more typical.  The writer is correct in stating that planes, trains and motor vehicles are a faster way to Maine from Georgia than walking.  I definitely agree that thru-hiking the AT defies logic but have my own conclusion about its worth.