November 19, 2021
Trailway News: A Few Steps Farther in 2022
There is officially more of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) to love in 2022, with its official length becoming 2,194.3 miles!
The total length of the A.T. changes slightly each year due to footpath relocations and more precise measurement techniques. The 1.2-mile increase for 2022 was due to three significant relocations in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and on the Connecticut/New York border. Learn more about these projects by clicking the button below!
Photo by Collin “Ash” Maher
Moving the A.T. Visitor
Experience Forward
The ATC is carrying out a vision to provide a world-class experience to all visitors. Through this work, our aim is to help visitors find a sense of love for the Trail — the same that leads thousands each year to help ensure this long, meandering footpath through the Appalachians will continue to inspire us all forever. Learn more about our Visitor Services Team and their incredible work in our latest blog post.
Build Back Better Act Passes in the House of Representatives
This morning, November 19, the House of Representatives passed the largest climate investment in U.S. history, the Build Back Better Act. The Act supports crucial funding for conservation programs across public lands, including the A.T., and addresses growing climate change impacts. The ATC’s Federal Policy staff continues to be your voice in Washington, D.C., making clear the role of the Trail in fighting climate change and advocating for improved land conservation.
November Volunteer Spotlight
Tony Barrett
Fifty-one years ago, Tony Barrett participated in a weekend spring clean-up on the A.T. in New Hampshire as a Boy Scout. Since then, Tony has taken on multiple roles in Trail protection, from becoming an original member of the ATC Stewardship Council to being a founding member of the Maine A.T. Land Trust. Thank you, Tony!
Give Back to the Trail on Giving Tuesday!
Kick off the giving season by giving back to the A.T. on Giving Tuesday, November 30! You can help support the Trail by making a donation, sharing ways to give back to the Trail with friends and family, or finding an opportunity to volunteer on the Trail!
Jean Stephenson, editor of “Appalachian Trailway News” and a key figure in establishing the Trail’s organizational foundation. Photo from the ATC Photo Archives, early 1960s.
Green Tunnel Podcast Highlights the Trail’s “Changemakers”
ATC President & CEO Sandra Marra is featured in the latest episode of The Green Tunnel Podcast! For nearly 100 years, thousands of extraordinary women have contributed to the A.T.’s connection and longevity as leaders, volunteers, hikers and more. In this episode of The Green Tunnel podcast, we learn about many of the women — including Marra, Jean Stephenson, and Ruth Blackburn — who have helped lead the direction of the ATC and the Trail itself.
Interested in learning more about the A.T.? Check out The Green Tunnel’s mini-series “Iconic Locations,” which features iconic A.T. locations like McAfee Knob and The Lemon Squeezer between the main episodes.
The Green Tunnel is a production of R2 Studios™ at the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University.
In Other News…
Shop for the A.T. Fan in Your Life!
Find the perfect gift for the A.T. fan on your list in our Ultimate A.T. Store® 2021 Holiday Gift Guide! All proceeds help support the ATC’s mission to protect, manage, and advocate for the Trail.
Harpers Ferry Visitor Center Hours
For those planning to visit our neck of the woods this holiday season, please be aware that our A.T. Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, will be closed on November 25 and 26. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you when we reopen at 9 a.m. on November 27!
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.