Hurricane Helene was the largest natural disaster the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) has faced in its 100-year history.

In the weeks following Hurricane Helene, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy launched the Appalachian Trail Resiliency Fund (ATRF) to quickly activate the people and expertise needed to begin clearing debris, repairing damaged treadway, supporting affected communities, restoring critical ecosystems, and protecting this national treasure for generations to come.

The ATRF supports three priorities:

  1. Rebuilding A.T. infrastructure
    Includes damage assessment, storm clearing, planning, rebuilding, supporting Clubs and volunteers, and providing training, supplies, tools, and equipment.
  2. Restoring the A.T. landscape and improve climate resilience
    Includes damage assessment, climate resilience analysis and planning, habitat restoration, stream cleanup, tree replanting, and continued invasive species removal.
  3. Reconnect A.T. Communities and trail towns
    Includes general support and long-term rebuilding of Trail communities that support A.T. hikers in affected areas of North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia through staff resources and grants.

Rebekah Morrisson

ATRF Snapshot

$850,000 raised in inaugural year
1,095 donors rallied to support recovery and resilience

ATRF donations supported:

  • Professional saw crews to clear hazardous blowdowns in heavily affected areas
  • Grants for tools, equipment, and safety training for A.T. Clubs
  • A temporary hiker ferry across the Nolichucky River following bridge loss
  • Community recovery efforts in designated A.T. towns like Hot Springs, N.C.
  • Expansion of the ATC’s flagship Konnarock Crew program, adding new work weeks dedicated to Helene recovery

“One Year Later: Recovery and Resilience After Hurricane Helene”

Download Report
Hurricane Helene Impact Report

Thank you to ATRF Corporate, Foundation, and Community Partners

  • Athletic Brewing
  • AllTrails
  • BearVault
  • Chattanooga Hiking Club
  • Harpers Ferry Parks & Recreation
  • Massengill-DeFriece Foundation
  • Osprey
  • Shin-etsu Trail Club
  • Volgenau Climate Initiative
  • Wise Pines Hostel

“The Appalachian Trail has a special place in the Osprey story and in the stories of many people who carry our packs. The A.T. provides access to natural spaces for both the thru-hiking crew and local hikers along its expansive route. We were eager to support the A.T. Resiliency Fund to get the trail and its communities back in action. There is much more work to be done, but every little bit counts, and we were happy to step up and play a small part in the recovery efforts.”

– Sascha Steinberg, Community Specialist, Osprey

“AllTrails was proud to help kick-start the funding for the A.T. Resiliency Fund. We’re inspired by the progress made over the last year to help the A.T. get back on its feet after Hurricane Helene. Our support of this fund and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is at the core of our work—it’s about protecting these incredible public lands and keeping the Trail alive for generations to come.”

– Pitt Grewe, Head of Social and Environmental Impact, AllTrails

“At BearVault, we’re all about keeping adventure going. Safe and fun adventures depend on resilient trails—able to withstand and recover from disasters like Hurricane Helene. We’re inspired by how the A.T. Resiliency Fund has powered rapid repair of the Trail and is strengthening its future as a cherished place for all.”

– Grant Breidenbach, Marketing Manager, BearVault

Thanks to the unwavering support from donors like you, we’ve laid a strong foundation with the establishment of the Appalachian Trail Resiliency Fund—and we’re ready to build on it.

Every donation to the ATC helps ensure we can respond quickly when the next storm hits, keeping the Trail open, safe, and thriving for today’s visitors and for future generations.

Together, we will finish the work, strengthen the Trail’s future, and Keep the Trail Alive!

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About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Founded in 1925, the ATC works passionately to manage and protect the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. As the only non-profit devoted exclusively to the entirety of the Trail and its landscape, we endeavor to keep its vast natural and scenic beauty healthy, resilient, and connected, so everyone can experience its transformative power for generations to come. Together with our supporters, partners, and thousands of volunteers, we keep the Trail alive.

Vision, Mission, & Strategic Plan