September 23, 2022
Trailway News: Celebrate Our Public Lands
Did you feel a nip in the air this morning? Fall is officially here, and we start it off by celebrating National Public Lands Day tomorrow, September 24! Established in 1994, this day celebrates the connection between people and places like the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) that provide us with so many benefits. This year, take the pledge to help protect and maintain the Trail by:
- Signing up for a volunteer opportunity near you.
- Getting involved with an A.T. Maintaining Club.
- Always following Leave No Trace principles.
- Supporting our work to conserve and manage this irreplaceable national treasure.
Photo by Ilana Copel
The Invisible Beauty of Trail Design
Teams of A.T. volunteers and ATC staff work behind the scenes on effective trail design — not just to preserve beauty, but also to create it. In our latest blog post, learn how effective trail design both creates a more sustainable footpath and attempts to minimize impacts on visitors’ ability to experience the natural beauty around them.
Join Our Annual Membership Meeting on October 1
Don’t forget: Our 2022 Membership Meeting live stream will air on Saturday, October 1 at 10:30 a.m. EDT! We’ll discuss the successes and future of the ATC and the A.T., and announce the results of our Board of Directors election.
Have a question you would like for us to answer during the meeting? Submit your questions prior to the meeting at election@appalachiantrail.org.
Safety Tips for Fall Hunting Seasons
Multiple big game hunting seasons begin this fall, and since hunting is allowed on many of the public lands that the A.T. passes through, extra safety precautions are essential for both hunters and hikers.
Trail Updates
The A.T. in Maine has received significant rainfall over the past week, resulting in abnormally high river and stream levels. River and stream crossings along the A.T. south of Monson and in the 100 Mile Wilderness may be impassable. Photo by Matt “Mouse” Koch
The final day for free Kennebec River Ferry crossings will be September 30. Hikers can arrange for private crossings through October 31 depending on availability.
In Other News…
The Revitalization of Max Patch – While there is still much work to be done, ATC’s Matt Drury and Morgan Sommerville speak with Backpacker Magazine about the progress that has been made toward rehabilitating one of the most iconic A.T. locations in the Southeast.
Reserve Your 2023 Appalachian Trail Calendar Today – Enjoy a daily reminder of the A.T. — make a donation of $75 or more by November 1 to receive this calendar in addition to ATC membership benefits.
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!