February 6, 2021
Winter Trails (Still) Ahead
Earlier this week, everyone’s favorite groundhog Punxsutawney Phil declared that six more weeks of winter are ahead of us. Ignoring the accuracy of Phil’s predictions throughout the years, it’s a good reminder for Appalachian Trail hikers to plan and prepare for all conditions, especially during these unprecedented times.
Lead image courtesy of Mike Williams
A Year Like No Other
With COVID-19 continuing to grip the country, the ATC still recommends that aspiring A.T. thru-hikers postpone or cancel their journeys. For those who have decided to attempt a thru-hike (or, truthfully, a hike of any length), planning and preparation take on significant new meaning and can help protect the health and safety of not only yourself, but also other hikers, A.T. volunteers and Trailside communities.
Additional Hiker Resources
- Whether it’s an overnight trip or a full thru-hike, make sure to register your A.T. backpacking trip at ATCamp.org to help you start at an uncrowded location, maximizing safety and reducing your impact on the Trail.
- Visit our Hiker Resource Library, an all-in-one stop for the latest Trail updates, webinars with A.T. hiking experts, essential health and safety recommendations, and more.
- Check out our winter A.T. hiking tips to help you prepare for unpredictable weather conditions.
The Path Forward
2021 marks the beginning of the ATC’s four-year strategic plan, which will guide us on our mission to protect, manage and advocate for the A.T. This plan will advance important aspects of our work, including conserving the natural beauty and climate resiliency of the Trail landscape, bolstering our infrastructure and funding, and engaging new people and partners.
Community Spotlight
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Happy Trails!
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