Press Release
Wild East Action Fund Grants Available for Appalachian Trail Landscape Conservation Projects
May 28, 2025
Applications are being accepted June 11 – July 18 for grants that provide support to organizations and collaborative projects that are advancing the protection and conservation of natural, cultural, historic, scenic, recreational, agricultural, and community assets found within the A.T. landscape.
Read More
Press Release
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Partners with Case® Knives on Commemorative 100th Anniversary Knife
May 20, 2025
In honor of the ATC’s Centennial, W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company released a celebratory limited-edition knife and gift tin set now available for purchase at the ATC Trail Store and visitor centers.
Read More
Press Release
Drastic Agency Restructuring in Proposed 2026 Federal Budget May Compromise the Appalachian Trail
May 6, 2025
The White House’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 “skinny” budget would slash funding and fundamentally alter the structure and functions of key A.T. federal agency partners.
Read More
PRESS RELEASE
HMBLE HSTLE x ATC Launch “Beyond Us” Collection to Celebrate 100 Years of the Appalachian Trail
May 2, 2025
The collaborative collection honors 100 years of the Appalachian Trail’s legacy by emphasizing the importance of nature, community, and east coast pride in the Trail. Select pieces will be on sale starting May 9.
READ MORE
Press Release
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Announces Search for Next President and CEO
April 30, 2025
A CEO Search and Transition committee will be formed to facilitate the selection process of the nonprofit’s next leader.
Read More
ATC News
Appalachian Trail Conservancy President and CEO Sandra Marra Announces Retirement
April 9, 2025
Appalachian Trail Conservancy President and CEO Sandra Marra announced that she will conclude her service as the nonprofit’s leader in January 2026.
READ MORE
Press Release
McAfee Knob Trailhead Pedestrian Bridge Now Open
March 27, 2025
The new pedestrian bridge at the McAfee Knob trailhead provides a safe crossing over Route 311 for hikers accessing the Appalachian Trail.
READ MORE
ATC News
Call for Nominations: ATC Board of Directors
March 21, 2025
Nominations for positions on ATC’s Board of Directors are being accepted until May 27, 2025. This year, we will welcome seven board members, some of whom are returning directors.
Learn More
Press Release
Free Appalachian Trail Hiker Ferry Launches in Unicoi County
March 17, 2025
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is providing a free daily ferry service to transport A.T. hikers across the Nolichucky River near the former site of the Chestoa Pike Bridge, which was destroyed during Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
Read More
Press Release
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Celebrates 100 Years
March 3, 2025
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy celebrates its centennial and shares rallying call to protect the last remaining fully connected wilderness corridor in the eastern United States.
READ MORE
Press Release
New Forever Stamps Capture the Beauty of the Appalachian Trail
February 28, 2025
Appalachian Trail Forever stamps dedication ceremony celebrates iconic national treasure during the ATC’s 100th anniversary year.
READ MORE
Media Statement
Federal Terminations to Impact the Management and Protection of the Appalachian Trail
February 19, 2025
Statement from Sandra Marra, President & CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
READ MORE
ATC News
ATC Unveils New Vision and Brand at Start of Centennial Celebration
February 13, 2025
100-year-old nonprofit’s call to “Keep the Trail Alive” represents its steadfast commitment to protecting the wild, transformative nature of the Appalachian Trail and its landscape for all.
READ MORE
Press Release
The ATC Celebrates Life of President Jimmy Carter
December 31, 2024
The ATC joins the world in mourning the passing — and celebrating the life — of President Jimmy Carter. Beyond the countless humanitarian and philanthropic endeavors President Carter undertook in his lifetime, his presidency resulted in one of the most significant expansions in Appalachian Trail protection in the past 50 years.
READ MORE
Hurricane Helene
Appalachian Trail Resiliency Fund Launched to Accelerate Helene Recovery
October 10, 2024
In the wake of the the largest natural disaster to impact the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in its 100-year history, the ATC has established the Appalachian Trail Resiliency Fund to rebuild the A.T. in the South, restore the surrounding landscape, support A.T. Communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, and to increase the resilience of the Trail against future disasters.
READ MORE
Trail Update
Hurricane Helene’s Impacts on the Appalachian Trail and Nearby Communities
September 30, 2024
Hurricane Helene has caused unprecedented destruction to the southern Appalachian Trail and surrounding communities. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is prioritizing the safety of staff, volunteers, and local partners while coordinating support for affected areas. Efforts to assess and repair the Trail will begin once critical infrastructure is restored.
READ MORE
ATC News
Visitor Use Management Plan Released for the Virginia Triple Crown Segment of the Appalachian Trail
September 9, 2024
The National Park Service and partners have published a Visitor Use Management Plan for the Virginia Triple Crown Segment of the A.T. focusing on safeguarding natural, cultural, and scenic resources; improving the visitor experience; and addressing safety concerns.
READ MORE
ATC News
FarOut Becomes the Official Hiking App of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
August 21, 2024
Partnership will enhance the Appalachian Trail mapping resources available on the FarOut app and ATC member benefits.
READ MORE
ATC News
Nearly 200 Acres of Appalachian Trail Views in Massachusetts Protected
August 15, 2024
This effort protects the viewshed and soundscape of 3 miles of the A.T. and provides an important buffer to the trail.
READ MORE
ATC News
Kaine, Tillis, Lawler, and Beyer Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Protect National Trails
July 25, 2024
The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act will strengthen the public-private partnerships that preserve, maintain, and manage the A.T. and national trails across the country.
READ MORE
ATC News
Wild East Action Fund Advances A.T. Landscape Conservation in Eastern Tennessee
March 20, 2024
Protection of 54.5-acre property within the Cherokee National Forest benefits the Appalachian Trail landscape in eastern Tennessee.
READ MORE
ATC News
ATC Praises Investments in Appalachian Trail Priorities in President’s FY25 Budget
March 11, 2024
The ATC applauds President Biden’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which includes $15 million for deferred maintenance needs across the New England region of the Appalachian Trail.
READ MORE
Trail Update
Appalachian Trail Becomes One Mile Shorter in 2024
December 15, 2023
The length of the Appalachian Trail in 2024 is 2,197.4 miles, making the A.T. one mile shorter than in 2023. The length of the Appalachian Trail changes slightly each year — read more to learn about the route changes for 2024.
READ MORE
ATC News
Major Barrier to Atlantic Salmon Passage in the West Branch Removed
November 20, 2023
Restored Henderson Brook streambed near the A.T. allows species like the federally endangered Atlantic salmon and brook trout to swim freely upstream once again.
READ MORE
ATC News
Protection Secured For Popular McAfee Knob Viewshed
November 9, 2023
The ATC creates the McAfee Vista Preserve to provide critical protection and connectivity for the greater Appalachian Trail landscape in central Virginia.
READ MORE
ATC News
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Welcomes New Superintendent Ed Clark
September 29, 2023
The ATC welcomes National Park Service veteran Ed Clark as the new superintendent of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
READ MORE
ATC News
Five New A.T. Communities to Be Designated This Month
June 2, 2023
The communities include the first in Maryland to be designated A.T. Communities, along with the 18th and 19th communities in Virginia and the 5th in Massachusetts.
READ MORE
ATC News
Board Announcement
May 24, 2023
The ATC announces new appointments to the Board of Directors.
READ MORE
Press Release
ATC Community Grant Advances Outdoor Recreation Economy in Giles County, Virginia
April 28, 2023
The ATC awarded a $300,000 community grant to Giles County, Virginia, for the development of a new trail center, which will serve as an information hub for local trails and amenities and provide a new gateway to the Appalachian Trail.
Read More
Press Release
Pisgah Restoration Initiative Funded Under Federal Collaborative Forest Program
March 24, 2023
The U.S. Forest Service announced a boost in funding for the Pisgah Restoration Initiative, a collaborative effort that will promote more resilient forests across 520,000 acres in the Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina, and 30,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest in east Tennessee.
Read More
ATC News
ATC Promotes Volunteer Support, Landscape Conservation During Annual Hike the Hill Event
February 17, 2023
This week, the ATC participated in both the 26th Hike the Hill™ and the 2nd National Park Foundation Hill Day, working with Members of Congress from both parties to better protect the Appalachian Trail.
READ MORE
ATC News
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is Now on TikTok
February 3, 2023
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has launched its TikTok channel to help inspire the next generation of Trail supporters. Follow us at @appalachiantrail!
READ MORE
ATC NEWS
2023 Federal Spending Bill Scores Multiple Wins for the Appalachian Trail
January 6, 2023
The federal spending bill will benefit the protection and conservation of A.T. lands, and provide much-needed financial support for the National Park Service.
READ MORE
Trail Update
Appalachian Trail Grows to 2,198.4 Miles in Length for 2023
December 14, 2022
There will be 4.1 more miles of the Appalachian Trail to love in 2023.
READ MORE
ATC News
In Memory of Former ATC Board Member Clark Dixon
December 9, 2022
Appalachian Trail Conservancy staff celebrate the life of Clark Dixon, who served with the ATC from 2009 to 2011 and provided a wealth of insight developed over decades of experience.
READ MORE
Press Release
ATC Receives $515,800 from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to Improve Forest Health
November 22, 2022
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) announced today that it is one of 55 inaugural recipients of America the Beautiful Challenge funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The $515,800 grant will support the ATC’s efforts to manage invasive species and protect endangered ash trees in national forests in five states.
Read More
Press Release
Conservation Experts Underline the Importance of the Appalachian Trail Landscape
November 17, 2022
A large convening of conservation experts recently released a first-of-its-kind report highlighting the importance of the Appalachian Trail landscape in the efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Read More
Press Release
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Helps Create First-Ever Community Forest in West Virginia to Protect 370 Acres of Land
November 10, 2022
The Little Bluestone Community Forest will add to the constellation of public lands between the Appalachian Trail, the Bluestone National Scenic River and New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.
Read More
ATC News
ATC Mid-Atlantic Office Moves to Historic Craighead House in Pennsylvania
October 21, 2022
The Craighead House has profound and interesting connections to conservation that echo the mission and the spirit of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
READ MORE
Press Release
Warner & Kaine Reintroduce Bill to Make FERC Pipeline Permitting Process More Transparent and Fair
September 15, 2022
U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine reintroduced the Pipeline Fairness, Transparency, and Responsible Development Act, legislation to strengthen the public’s ability to evaluate the impacts of and provide input on natural gas pipelines being considered by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
READ MORE
Trail Update
McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Service Now Available
August 31, 2022
This service will help alleviate unsafe parking conditions and take the stress out of finding a parking spot for your McAfee Knob A.T. hike.
READ MORE
Press Release
ATC Recommends A.T. Visitors Carry Bear-Resistant Food Storage Containers
July 14, 2022
The ATC has adopted a new policy recommending all overnight Appalachian Trail visitors carry a bear-resistant food storage container as a vital part of their backpacking gear.
Read More
Trail Update
A.T. Reroute Opens in Pennsylvania, Preserving Vistas and Improving Trail Sustainability
June 16, 2022
This 3.25-mile-long relocation moves the route of the A.T. along views that are likely to remain as important environmental remediation work in the area continues.
READ MORE
Press Release
Clayton and Rabun County, Georgia, Celebrate A.T. Community™ Designation
May 26, 2022
Featuring live music and family-friendly attractions, this June 11 event will acknowledge Clayton and Rabun County’s role in promoting and protecting the A.T.
Read More
Press Release
New $400,000 Grant Will Help Protect the A.T.
May 11, 2022
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is proud to announce it is the recipient of a $400,000 grant from the Olo for Good Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of Tides Foundation.
Read More
Press Release
21,300 Acres of A.T. Landscape Permanently Protected
March 17, 2022
This landscape conservation success led by the Forest Society of Maine and Northeast Wilderness Trust will protect the A.T.’s scenic beauty and recreational access.
Read More
Press Release
A.T. Visitor Experience to Be Enhanced in Boiling Springs
February 9, 2022
The ATC has completed the ownership transfer of its Mid-Atlantic regional office building to the South Middleton Township, a critical step in creating a more fully-fledged visitor experience for visitors.
Read More
Trail Update
Appalachian Trail Grows to 2,194.3 Miles in 2022
November 19, 2021
There is officially more of the Appalachian Trail to love in 2022, with its official length becoming 2,194.3 miles!
READ MORE
ATC News
Q&A with Our New Regional Directors
September 10, 2021
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is very excited to have not one, but two new Regional Directors join the team this month: Rachel Lettre, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, and Drew Ball, Southern Regional Director!
READ MORE
Trail Update
Pisgah National Forest Issues Two-Year Camping Ban at Max Patch
July 1, 2021
The Pisgah National Forest has issued a two-year camping closure on Max Patch, a popular destination for Appalachian Trail hikers on the North Carolina-Tennessee border.
READ MORE
Press Release
What’s Cooking in Boiling Springs?
June 25, 2021
An update on the statud of the ATC Mid-Atlantic headquarters and visitor center located in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania.
Read More
Press Release
Book Delves into the History of the Appalachian Trail
May 27, 2021
Explore the history of the A.T. in From Dream to Reality: History of the Appalachian Trail, by Thomas R. Johnson.
Read More
Press Release
Hydro Flask Grant to Fund ATC Youth Internship Program
January 29, 2021
Hydro Flask’s $30,000 investment will advance the ATC’s education initiatives, helping to develop the next generation of passionate conservationists.
Read More
Press Release
New Protections for McAfee Knob, Appalachian Trail Access
December 22, 2020
One of the most famous vistas on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), McAfee Knob, has been given additional protection with the acquisition of three tracts of land near Roanoke.
Read More
ATC News
Remembering Tom Johnson, an A.T. Legend
December 7, 2020
Tom Johnson, former president of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and longtime volunteer and advocate for the A.T., passed away on December 5, 2020.
Read More
Press Release
Gorham Designated an Official A.T. Community™
October 6, 2020
Join us on October 15, 2020, at 6 p.m. to celebrate the official designation of Gorham as the 48th Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Community™.
Read More
Press Release
Voluntary Stewardship Agreement to Advance A.T. Conservation
August 17, 2020
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, and Mountain Valley Pipeline Announce Shared Commitment to Conservation Stewardship.
Read More
Press Release
Pipeline Fairness Act Introduced in Congress
August 6, 2020
Among other guidelines, this bill makes it easier for the public to offer input and clarify the circumstances under which eminent domain should and should not be used.
Read More
Press Release
Great American Outdoors Act Signed Into Law
August 4, 2020
This Act is the most significant conservation legislation passed by Congress in decades, providing billions for landscape protection and deferred maintenance projects on public lands.
Read More
Press Release
“Scenic Trail Viewshed Protection Act” Introduced in Congress
July 30, 2020
This legislation will help protect our national scenic trails by requiring stricter evaluation of natural gas pipeline projects that seek to cross these trails or their surrounding viewsheds.
Read More
Press Release
ATC Requests Temporary Closure of the A.T.
April 2, 2020
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Trail Maintaining Clubs formally requested the official closure of the 2,193-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) due to the growing risk of spreading COVID-19.
Read More
Press Release
Funding Needed for McAfee Knob Trailhead Project
February 6, 2020
The construction of a pedestrian bridge and expanded parking area will greatly improve visitor safety at the trailhead to McAfee Knob, one of the most popular locations on the Appalachian Trail.
Read More
ATC News
“Go Dark” Showcases A.T. Night Skies
December 9, 2019
See how the night sky shines brighter thanks to the wildness of A.T. lands.
Watch Now
Learn More
The ATC and 30 Trail-Maintaining Clubs register strong comments with the F.E.R.C.
June 26, 2018
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and 30 trail-maintaining clubs representing nearly 6,000 volunteers are calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to substantially improve the review process for siting natural gas pipelines.
Learn More