How Crowded Is Appalachian National Scenic Trail in December?

December runs about 0.7× Appalachian National Scenic Trail's average month, which makes it a quiet month here — roughly 6% of the park's yearly visitors come in December.

In a typical December the park sees about 377,000 recreation visits, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 2025 to 2025.

That makes December the 10th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.4×) and the February low (0.6×).

On our Best Time to Visit score December rates 34/100 ("Poor"), versus the top-rated September at 62/100 — pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).

Typical December weather, from 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals at the nearest station, averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 27°F, with about 3.6" of precipitation and roughly 4" of snow.

That average of about 34°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground.

Because June, July and August together draw about 33% of annual visitors, choosing December instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.

You'll have about 9.1 hours of daylight in December to explore — near the year-round minimum.