December 23, 2021

Trailway News: Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC)! You’re receiving this issue of Trailway News a day early since the ATC will be closed for the holidays. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) itself is still open and ready for wintertime adventures, so before you head out, be sure to check out these helpful resources:

  • Hiker Resource Library – This collection of resources will help you plan a safe, healthy and responsible experience on the Trail.
  • Winter Hiking Tips – Hiking when the temperatures drop requires some extra planning and considerations. Make sure you are equipped with the gear and knowledge you need for a winter hike.
  • ATCamp.org – For those planning a thru-hike or section hike, use our voluntary registration system to choose campsites and starting locations with smaller crowds, helping minimize your impact and maximize your A.T. experience. You can also sign up to receive updates on Trail conditions directly via email or text message.

 

Thank You, Dennis!

Join us in wishing Dennis Shaffer an A.T.-sized happy retirement! With a 35-plus year career in land conservation and outdoor recreation, Dennis has served the last seven years as our Director of Landscape Conservation and lead staff person for the A.T. Landscape Partnership (ATLP). In our latest blog post, Dennis reflects on his career and what lies ahead in A.T. Landscape protection.

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As part of our “A.T. in Its Second Century” video series, Dennis explains how Benton MacKaye’s groundbreaking 1921 vision for the A.T. was greater than the footpath alone — it included conserving a broader landscape.

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Video Series

The A.T. in Its Second Century

Hear directly from ATC staff as they discuss what the next century of A.T. protection will mean for conservationists and recreationists alike.

A Network of Trails

Serving as an intersection for the A.T. and the Long Trail (and someday the North Country National Scenic Trail), Maine Junction is part of a connected system of trails that allows hikers to choose their own adventures. ATC Senior Regional Director Hawk Metheny shares how an extensive trail system wouldn’t exist without the dedication of volunteers and trail management partners.

Watch Now

Watch all the videos in our A.T. in Its Second Century video series on YouTube!


 

Celebrating the Impact of Benton MacKaye

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Benton MacKaye’s transformative article, “An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning, we put together a collection of articles and videos reflecting on the impact it has had over the past century, as well as how it continues to inform our work for the next century of A.T. conservation.

Discover More


 

Volunteer Spotlight

Bill Saunders

Bill Saunders has taken on a variety of roles to help care for and protect the A.T. and its resources. He currently serves as a hike leader and supervisor of shelters and privies for the Mountain Club of Maryland.

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In Other News…

2022 A.T. Data Book Now Available

Start planning next year’s adventures today with the 2022 Data Book, now available from our partners at Mountaineers Books.

Buy Now

Photo by Derick Lugo

Work for the ATC

Are you passionate about the A.T.? Join our growing team! We are currently accepting applications for multiple positions, including 2022 A.T. Ridgerunners & Caretakers.

Apply Today

Giles County, VA, Issues Outdoor Burn Ban

Due to drought conditions in this area, A.T. hikers should not build campfires between NOBO miles 610-671 and use extreme caution when using camp stoves.

Learn More


 

Community Spotlight

Happy Trails!

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

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