June 18, 2021
Trailway News: A Changing of the Seasons
Tomorrow is Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Multiple sites along the Appalachian Trail corridor remind us of the struggle of Black Americans to achieve their freedom, including Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, home of ATC headquarters and the site of John Brown’s Raid. As we celebrate this important day in our country’s history, it also reminds us that there is still much work to be done. In all aspects of its work, the ATC strives to incorporate justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Whether partnering with communities, helping urban populations better access the A.T. or building the next generation of Trail stewards, these values and practices are integral to the ATC’s work to ensure the A.T. is truly a resource we all can easily access and benefit from.
Lead photo by Michelle DiSarno
Learn more about our initiatives centered on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting appalachiantrail.org/jedi.
Get Outside
Celebrate Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice
This Sunday offers us two more great reasons to get out on the Trail and celebrate: Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice! Planning an A.T. hike is a great gift for the dad on your list — check out our day hike planning page to get the holiday started on the right foot.
And of course, thank you to all of the dads who have supported us on the path of life, even when the trail is rocky and the summit is nowhere in sight!
Special Promotion
Donate $5 and Receive Walk the Distance App
Take a hike on the A.T. no matter where you are! Through June 30, 2021, you can unlock the A.T. on the Walk the Distance app when you donate $5 or more to the ATC! Your donation helps us on our mission to protect, manage and advocate for the Trail.
Walk the Distance, available on iOS and Android devices, uses your daily steps tracked through your phone and converts them into northbound miles hiked on the Trail. Discover checkpoints along the virtual footpath that highlights trivia on iconic views, shelters, ATC projects and more!
Visit appalachiantrail.org/walk-june to donate and get your code today!
Volunteer Spotlight
Jerry Wright
Our Volunteer Spotlight for June is Jerry Wright! Since 2001, Jerry has been a member of the Mountain Club of Maryland (MCM) and was recognized by his peers in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the A.T. in 2020 as Volunteer of the Year. As Supervisor of Trails for MCM, Jerry has a wealth of knowledge about Trail maintenance and works closely with trail crews and maintainers on A.T. projects to improve the Trail experience. Thank you, Jerry!
Grants for Georgia Trail Projects
Apply Now for Georgia A.T. License Plate Grants
Applications for the 2021-2022 Georgia A.T. license plate grants are now being accepted! Funding from the sale and renewal of A.T. specialty license plates allows us to award grants to organizations and individuals for Trail-related projects in Georgia that are related to physical Trail improvements, facilities, environmental monitoring, education, outreach and more. Applications must be received by August 17, 2021, to be considered and any person or organization is welcome to apply. To learn more about past projects funded by this grant program, click here (opens PDF).
Now Hiring
Join Our Growing Team
Dreaming about a career in conservation? Come join our team and help protect and manage the Trail! Visit our careers page to see open positions and apply today.
Photo by Horizonline Pictures
Shop now and support the A.T. at the Ultimate Appalachian Trail Store!
Summertime is almost here — celebrate in style with one of our A.T. T-shirts! All proceeds from sales at the Ultimate A.T. Store® directly support the ATC’s mission to protect, manage and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Photo by Jeniffer Ferrell
Don’t Forget…
Submit Your Photos for the 2023 ATC Calendar
We’re looking for jaw-dropping A.T. photos that will inspire people 365 days a year! Click below for submission guidelines. The deadline is July 15, 2021, so don’t delay!
Sign Up for the Emerging Leaders Summit
The Summit will strengthen connections between young leaders and conservation networks, provide space for artistic creation and performance, and more!
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.