For a man to have vaginal sex with a woman who is not his wife. Can be used as a reference to a married man having an illicit sexual affair, and deceiving everyone about it by telling them he's doing something else.

"The Appalachian Trail" refers to the woman's vagina.

Mark Sanford, the Governor of South Carolina, flew to South America to see his mistress and told everyone, including his staff, that he 'would be gone for a few days hiking the Appalachian Trail.'
"Does Bob's wife know he's taking that hot secretary with him on his business trip? Looks to me like he's planning on hiking the Appalachian Trail."
by impulsiveone July 16, 2009
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To say you are doing something/anything other than what you are actually doing at the time. A lie to avoid embarrassment or repercussion.
Gov. Sanford of South Carolina was reportedly "hiking the appalachian trail", but in reality was shackin' up in Argentina. On Father's Day to boot!
by Beach Rhino June 25, 2009
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A pharse used to describe an extra martial afffair that you are hiding but are really out of the country.
The governor of SC was hiking the Appalachian Trail this weekend.
by philipc76 June 25, 2009
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Any cover story a politician or other person of power uses when cheating on that person's spouse.

From the disappearance of Gov. Mark Sanford in 2009.
What happened to the senator this weekend?

He's off hiking the Appalachian Trail *wink*
by Colby B. June 24, 2009
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Euphemism for leaving the governor's mansion, without telling anyone where you're going, and then disappearing for a week while breaking up with your mistress in Argentina.
A: Where's Mark, his security detail and wife are wondering? B: Oh he's out Hiking the Appalachian Trail.
A: I hope he's wearing a condom.
by Schnyper June 24, 2009
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A back up method used by (R) Governors to see ones girlfriend/mistress when you are told "no" with your first choice.
A "plan B" when honesty just screws things up, interferes with the plans.

A getaway that is meant to be "without contact"
"Honey, would you mind if I go to Argentina and screw my girlfriend?"
Her response: "No way are you going to see your little slut!"

"Honey what I meant to say is I need some alone time to fix this marriage I think I'll go {"Hiking the Appalachian trail!"}

"I won't bring my phone so I won't be distracted from my marriage saving thoughts."
by Bison80 June 30, 2009
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Leaving your wife and kids and job to go sex up a hot Argentinean lady
Did you hear about Mark Sanford? He was totally hiking the Appalachian trail for 5 days last week!
by blarney230 June 24, 2009
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