July 15, 2022

Trailway News: Can It

Backpack? Of course. Tent or hammock? No doubt. There are some pieces of our Appalachian Trail (A.T.) camping equipment that are always on our list of essentials for a successful overnight backpacking trip. In order to best protect both A.T. visitors and wildlife on the Trail, we are officially adding one more item to our list of essential gear: a bear-resistant food storage container.

Yesterday we announced the adoption of a new policy recommending all overnight A.T. visitors carry a food storage container certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. This comes after a multi-year increase in human-bear encounters at A.T. campsites. By using a bear-resistant container, hikers will help minimize their chances of a negative bear encounter on the Trail and help prevent more bears from becoming habituated to humans as a source of food.

READ MORE

To learn more about black bear safety and proper food storage on the A.T., or to report a bear encounter on the Trail, visit appalachiantrail.org/bears.


 

Photo by Horizonline Pictures

From White to Yellow Blazes: Monitoring the A.T. Corridor Boundary

Maintaining a protected boundary around the A.T. corridor is essential for preserving the Trail’s hiking experience. ATC Information Services Manager Caitlin Miller discusses her recent trip with field staff and A.T. volunteers to monitor and maintain a section of A.T. corridor boundary near Ore Hill, New Hampshire.

READ MORE


 

Photo by Bryan “Binjali” McCullough

Finishing Well at Baxter State Park

Summit season for northbound thru-hikers is here, and many other A.T. hikers are also heading up Katahdin! Be sure to show respect for this special place and help preserve the A.T. experience:

  • Stop by the ATC Visitor Center in Monson, Maine, to get detailed information about Trail conditions, the 100 Mile Wilderness, and entering Baxter State Park.
  • All A.T. hikers must obtain an A.T. permit before they attempt to summit Katahdin. The permit is free and can be picked up at Katahdin Stream Campground either the night before or the morning of your summit.
  • Hikers will need a day-use parking reservation for Katahdin Stream Campground if you plan to enter the park and hike Katahdin as a day hike. Visit the park’s website for more information.
  • Hike in small groups (under 12 people), share the summit, and celebrate quietly — save alcohol and large celebrations for town.

LEARN MORE


 

In Other News…

Boost Your A.T. Knowledge at the Damascus Trail Center Tomorrow – Join the Mount Rogers A.T. Club outside the Damascus Trail Center (DTC) on Saturday, July 16, to learn more about the top 10 hiking essentials and how to blaze a Trail! Click here for more information on this event and other summer activities at the DTC.

Final Day for ATC Calendar Submissions – Have a jaw-dropping photo of the Appalachian Trail? Would someone enjoy looking at it for up to 31 days straight? If so, we are accepting submissions of digital images for the official 2024 ATC calendar until Friday, July 15.

Last Day for ATC Board of Director Nominations – Today is the deadline to submit a nomination for the ATC’s Board of Directors! We are looking for candidates who can add diversity of thought to the current Board, and who can demonstrate a passion for the A.T. and the mission of the ATC. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on the ATC Board, here’s how to apply.


 

Community Spotlight

Want to be featured in our community spotlight? Follow us on Instagram at @appalachiantrail and use #atcspotlight in your post!

Happy Trails!

Thank you for your continued support and the love you express for the Trail!

DONATE TODAY