June 11, 2021
Trailway News: Hiking Prep & Trail Updates
Yesterday evening, the ATC hosted a special live event, “Rescuing the Planet: The Appalachian Trail’s Role in Worldwide Conservation,” a virtual discussion about the importance of land conservation for the future of our planet. Thank you to everyone that was able to join us live and submitted questions for the event!
The discussion featured author Tony Hiss and conservationist John Griffin, who highlighted how conserving lands like the A.T. will, among many other benefits, help preserve wildlife populations and combat the impacts of climate change.
Weren’t able to join us? Click below to watch a recording of the program now!
Our special thanks go out to Tony and John for sharing their time, experience, and expertise. Their knowledge of and enthusiasm for conserving irreplaceable lands like the A.T. landscape inspire us as we continue our mission to protect, manage, and advocate for the A.T.
Lead photo by David Warners
Trail Update
A.T. Camping Closed Near Max Patch Due to Bear Encounters
On June 10, the U.S. Forest Service issued a camping closure on the A.T. between Grassy Fork Road (Snowbird Mt., NOBO mile 245) and Max Patch Road (NOBO mile 253) due to multiple reports of black bear encounters in Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.
This closure follows another A.T. camping closure issued on June 2, 2021, in Cherokee National Forest between Double Springs Shelter (NOBO mile 452) and the Blackbone Rock Trail (NOBO mile 465).
Visitors are able to hike through these closures but should be cautious. Help keep bears wild by properly storing your food – a bear canister continues to be the most secure portable way to keep your food, the bears, and YOU safe.
Breaking News
ATC Statement on Apparent Murder-Suicide on the A.T. in Maryland
This morning, the ATC was notified of a tragic incident on the A.T. Maryland State Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after the bodies of a father and his young son were found along the Trail in Washington County. The A.T. north of Route 40 has reopened after being briefly closed while investigators and crime scene technicians processed the scene. Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of the deceased. For more information, visit https://news.maryland.gov/msp/2021/06/11/two-dead-in-apparent-murder-suicide-in-washington-co/.
Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the Frederick Barrack at 301.600.4151. The investigation is continuing.
Should you or someone you know be considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.TALK (8255).
Submit Your Photos
Now Accepting Submissions for the 2023 ATC Calendar
Do you have a stunning A.T. photo that thousands of Trail lovers would want to look at every day? We are now accepting photo submissions for our 2023 ATC calendar! The deadline for submissions is July 15, 2021, so don’t delay!
First published in 1987 (for 1988), the ATC calendar brings the A.T. into homes around the world, sharing the beauty of the Trail and its surrounding landscape. For information on photo guidelines and submission instructions, visit appalachiantrail.org/atc-calendar or click below.
Background Photo by Brent McGuirt Photography
Hiking Prep
Tick Season is Here
Found in every state the A.T. passes through, ticks are tiny bloodsuckers that can carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Taking a few preventative measures, such as checking frequently for ticks and treating clothing with permethrin, can decrease the chances of being bitten by these tiny arachnids. Learn about other prevention measures and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses by clicking below.
Leave No Trace
Graffiti Impacts Natural Resources and the A.T. Experience
There have been multiple recent reports of graffiti on natural resources along the A.T., which in some cases might cause long-term (or permanent) impacts to the Trail experience. Removing graffiti — like the one being scrubbed away in this picture — takes time and effort, and is costly for Trail maintainers and volunteers. Help reduce your impact on the A.T. by not leaving a mark or tag, and #RecreateResponsibly so the beauty of the A.T. can be enjoyed by those who will visit after you.
If you’ve witnessed any graffiti/vandalism or other illegal activity along the A.T., please call the National Park Service tip line (888.653.0009) or report it online using our A.T. Incident Report form.
Discover the Trail
The A.T. Ed-Venture Series Continues
On the Trail with Black Bears
Want to learn more about black bears and how to hike safely in bear country? Join Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s black bear biologist Forrest Hammond and naturalist-educator Susie Spikol for in-depth bear facts on June 30, 2021, at 4 p.m. EDT.
Nature Journaling
Join Jenny “Dolly” Siegfried and Delia “Heartrock” Clark for an Ed-Venture on July 21, 2021, at 4 p.m. EDT about the world of natural journaling. From learning about famous nature journalists to creating your own nature journals, this virtual webinar will help sharpen your observation skills through sketching and writing!
To register for upcoming episodes and view recordings of our previous Ed-Ventures, visit appalachiantrail.org/edventure.
Community Spotlight
Want to be featured in our community spotlight? Follow us on Instagram at @appalachiantrail and use #atcspotlight in your post!
Happy Trails!
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