July 29, 2022
Trailway News: Be Gone, EAB
On top of caring for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) itself, one of the primary roles of the ATC is ensuring the environments around the Trail are protected and healthy. Sometimes the biggest threats to the health of the A.T. landscape come in tiny forms.
Slightly larger than a cooked grain of rice, the emerald ash borer (EAB) has been decimating the ash tree populations along the Trail. The ATC and its partners have been treating the ash trees to help preserve this important part of the A.T. ecosystem. Learn more in our in-depth article about the fight to save these giants of the Appalachian forests.
Photo courtesy of the Town of Damascus
Damascus Trail Center to Open on August 27
Mark your calendars: we are excited to announce that the Damascus Trail Center will officially open on August 27, 2022! Located just steps away from the A.T. in downtown Damascus, Virginia — aka “Trail Town, USA” — the DTC will feature high-quality exhibits and programming that highlight the surrounding landscape and inspire visitors to enjoy and help protect the great outdoors.
Photo by Renee “Kleenex” Neufeld
Stay Hydrated on the A.T. During the Summer Heat
Temperatures are soaring all along the A.T., making it vital to prioritize hydration while you’re exploring the Trail. Here are some tips to make sure you’re prepared to beat the heat and quench your thirst:
- Water sources can be unreliable on the A.T. during the summer even if it has rained recently, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic. Most hiking guides and apps mark where a water source might run dry.
- Carry at least two liters of water with you — this is typically enough to get you to the next reliable water source or through a 3-4 hour hike.
- Treat or filter your water, as catching a stomach bug on the A.T. is zero fun and will only make you more dehydrated.
In Other News…
Celebrate the 2022 A.T. Hall of Fame Inductees on October 1 – The Appalachian Trail Museum will hold an outdoor ceremony in honor of this year’s inductees — including longtime ATC Information Services Manager Laurie Potteiger — at 1:30 p.m. at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The ceremony is free but registration is required due to limited space — send an email to atmbanquet@gmail.com to register.
Join Our Team – The ATC is currently hiring for a variety of positions and internships, including Northeast Regional Director and Fall Archival Intern.
CNN Travel Lists the A.T. as One of the World’s Best Hiking Trails – Who are we to disagree? Thanks go to our partners and the thousands of volunteers who have made the A.T. a world-class hiking experience!
Outside Magazine Discusses Winter A.T. Thru-Hikes – ATC Vice President of Regional and Trail Operations Hawk Metheny speaks with Outside about recent high-profile winter thru-hikers and the importance of safety and situational awareness.
The A.T. Takes Center Stage – A production of Stephen Schwartz’s classic musical “Godspell” in Roanoke, Virginia, has been set on the A.T. — complete with the characters having their own Trail names.
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Happy Trails!
Thank you for your continued support and the love you express for the Trail!