Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (e.g., gambling, sex, shopping) that can be pleasurable but the continuation of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary responsibilities and concerns, such as work, relationships, or health.
The Appalachian Trail was completed in 1937 after more than a decade of work, although improvements and changes continue. It is maintained by 31 trail clubs and multiple partnerships, and managed by the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, and the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
The trail passes through national parks and forests, state parks and is open to the public year-round. Although hikers enjoy many freedoms along the trail, the Appalachian Trail has some rules and regulations to help keep it maintained and to conserve the wilderness surrounding the trail. Some rules apply to the all national parks or the entire trail, but some rules apply only to specific sections of the trail.