July 2, 2021
Trailway News: It’s July (No Lie!)
Happy Independence Day Weekend! Does your holiday plan include a hike on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)? If so, help us protect and preserve the Trail and its surrounding landscape by recreating responsibly! Here are some quick tips to ensure your time outdoors is safe and enjoyable for everyone:
- Practice campfire safety (or forgo them altogether): Minimize the impact of campfires by using established fire rings at designated campsites, and by following these three steps to make sure your fire is completely out:
- Let the fire burn down naturally and spread out the embers.
- Pour water on the ashes until soaked.
- Make sure the fire ring area is cool before departing.
- Pack it in, pack it out: Take home everything you brought with you, including trash. Do not leave or burn items in fire rings.
- Camp on durable surfaces: When selecting a campsite, check to see if there are prior impacted areas and tent on those spots. By concentrating the impact, it decreases disturbances to larger areas.
And for anyone in that neck of the woods, ATC’s Harpers Ferry Visitor Center will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day. We look forward to seeing everyone when we re-open on Monday, July 5!
Lead photo Christopher D’Ambrosio
Trail Update
Two-Year Camping Ban Issued for Max Patch
On July 1, Pisgah National Forest announced a two-year camping closure at Max Patch, a popular destination for A.T. hikers along the North Carolina-Tennessee border. This closure and other restrictions will be in place until June 30, 2023.
Photo by Joe Martin
A.T. Ed-Venture Series
On the Trail with Black Bears
This week, our Ed-Venture focused on one of the Trail’s most iconic creatures: black bears! Join bear experts and ATC staff as we discuss where black bears live, the behaviors they display, and how to hike safely in bear country.
Official Blog
The Apostle of Happiness
Experience the little-known story of Eiler Larsen, who was driven by the joy found in nature to travel the entire A.T. in the 1930s — and to share that joy with others.
Don’t Forget…
Georgia A.T. License Plate Grants
Applications for the 2021-2022 Georgia A.T. license plate grants are being accepted through August 17, 2021. These grants provide funding for organizations and individuals working to help fulfill the ATC’s mission on the A.T. in Georgia.
Submit your A.T. Photos for our 2023 Calendar
Share the beauty and allure of the A.T. footpath and its surrounding landscape with Trail lovers around the world! We are accepting photo submissions for our 2023 ATC calendar through July 15, 2021.
Community Spotlight
Want to be featured in our community spotlight? Follow us on Instagram at @appalachiantrail and use #atcspotlight in your post!
Happy Trails!
Please donate today to ensure the A.T. we all love benefits us today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.