April 16, 2021
Trailway News: Celebrate Earth Day
We are less than a week away from Earth Day, when we are all reminded that the natural environment, from which we derive so many benefits, deserves protection. For the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, that means managing, protecting, and advocating for the Appalachian Trail and its surrounding landscape — not just for those of us who seek it out today but also for the generations who follow in our footsteps.
In addition to our role in managing the A.T. and ensuring it is prepared for another year of adventures, the ATC is responsible for conserving the landscapes surrounding the Trail. From the encroachment of development to the impacts of climate change, our mission to protect, manage, and advocate for the A.T. is more essential than ever.
But we cannot do it alone.
Whether it is volunteering to help manage and protect the Trail, or making a donation to directly support our work, your commitment this Earth Day — and every day — helps ensure the A.T. continues to benefit us for generations to come.
Donate Today
Header image courtesy of Lisa Schindler Murray
Trail Closure
Update on the Trail Closure on Peters Mountain, Virginia
Crews from the ATC and the Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech recently visited the transmission tower reconstruction site on Peters Mountain on the Virginia/West Virginia border, which was severely damaged by an ice storm in February. American Electric Power (AEP) crews have been repairing the damage and coordinating with the ATC to re-establish the route of the A.T. in anticipation of reopening the 15.3 miles of the Trail from VA641/Clendennin Road (NOBO mile 641.4) to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter (NOBO mile 656.7), which have been closed since the incident. AEP expects a few more days of helicopter operations will be necessary before this section can be reopened. Until then, we ask hikers to continue to bypass the area as the situation still presents a serious safety risk.
For more information and updates, visit appalachiantrail.org/updates.
MRATC and Konnarock Trail Crew work to construct steps up the bank of Comers Creek.
Trail News
A.T. Crossing Reopens at Comers Creek
Be prepared to get your feet wet at a new creek crossing on the A.T. in Virginia! Comers Creek, located in southwest Virginia (NOBO mile 519.0), previously featured a bridge that was decommissioned in 2019 by the U.S. Forest Service due to structural damage. A.T. volunteers, the Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club (MRATC), U.S. Forest Service, and the ATC Konnarock Trail Crew have successfully removed the bridge and installed steps on the banks of Comers Creek to reduce erosion and provide a safe route for hikers up and down the banks. Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work!
Join Our Team
We’re Hiring!
Love the A.T.? Come join our hard-working team at the ATC! We’re currently hiring for multiple full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions:
- Southern Regional Director
- Mid-Atlantic Regional Director
- Program Manager of the South Mountain Partnership
- I.D.E.A.S. Council Coordinator (part-time)
- Office Administrator & Program Support Specialist (part-time)
- Visual Resource Inventory – Seasonal Field Technician (seasonal)
- Trail Crew Member – Southern A.T. (seasonal)
To learn more about these roles and apply today, click below or visit appalachiantrail.org/careers.
Photo Contest
Capturing the Trail’s Natural Beauty
Celebrate the natural beauty of the A.T. and its surrounding landscape with us!
Through Friday, April 30, 2021, we are accepting submissions for our next photo series, “Natural Beauty: 14 States, Unlimited Inspiration.” Whether taken in the 1990s or today, we’re looking for photos that capture the natural elements that inspire awe in millions of A.T. visitors each year.
If your photo is selected for the series, you will receive a Hydro Flask® Journey 10L Hydration Pack for your next A.T. adventure! Only those with a United States mailing address are eligible for this prize.
For photo categories, terms and conditions, and to submit your photos today, click below or visit appalachiantrail.org/natural-beauty-contest.
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.