March 23, 2022
Trailway News: It’s Almost National Trails Day!
On June 4, join us on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) for the 30th annual National Trails Day! Be part of the thousands of hikers, volunteers, and outdoor lovers that come together to help clean up public lands and trails like the A.T. Here are a couple of ways that you can get involved:
Find a volunteer opportunity to give back to the Trail on or around National Trails Day, such as:
- Workshop on Essential Maintenance with the ATC in Bangor, Pennsylvania.
- Trail Care on National Trails Day with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club in Erwin, Tennessee.
Don’t live near the A.T. but still want to participate in a National Trails Day? Find a local event on the American Hiking Society’s website and take their pledge to leave trails and the outdoor community better than you found it.
Photo by the Town of Damascus
A Look Back at Trail Days 2022
Thank you for helping us celebrate the 2022 Appalachian Trail Days Festival in Damascus, Virginia! Whether we were able to meet with you in person or you followed the festivities from afar, we hope Trail Days provided you with a look at the love so many people have for the A.T. and the one-of-a-kind experience it provides. In our latest blog post, take a look back at some of the highlights from the Trail Days ATC booth at the Damascus Trail Center.
Nominations Open for ATC Board of Directors
We are looking for candidates who can add diversity of thought to the current ATC Board of Directors and can demonstrate a passion for the A.T. and the mission of the ATC. Fiduciary oversight experience is essential, and this year it is a plus if you have experience in conservation, land management, and climate advocacy. Nominations will be accepted until June 11, 2022.
For more information and to submit your nomination, visit appalachiantrail.org/board2022.
Background photo by Andrew Veal
Now Accepting 2024 ATC Calendar Photo Submissions
Do you have a jaw-dropping photo of the A.T.? We are accepting photo submissions of digital images for the official 2024 ATC Calendar until July 15, 2022. The ATC Calendar was first published in 1987 (for 1988) and features a mix of photographers and subjects to highlight the allure of the A.T. and showcase the incredible volunteers that maintain it.
Trail Updates
Section of the A.T. Remains Closed Due to Centennial Fire
Though the fire is 100% contained, the A.T. remains closed from Leadmine State Forest (NOBO mile 1,897) to the junction of the Mahoosuc Trail (NOBO mile 1,899.6) to allow firefighters to continue monitoring the fire and conduct rehab work along the Trail corridor.
Bear Activity in New Jersey
Due to increased bear activity, Brink Road Shelter (NOBO mile 1,321.8) is closed for camping and access to water. All visitors should use caution and avoid the shelter, including for breaks. Hikers should plan to find water elsewhere.
In Other News…
Participate in A.T. Vista this August – A.T. Vista, a four-day program (August 5-8, 2022) in New Paltz, New York, offers more than 60 hikes along trails in New York and New Jersey, more than 45 educational and fun workshops, and other various excursions to explore the area. Register to attend here.
Hudson Valley Round Hill A.T. Festival – Join the Town of Round Hill, Virginia, a designated A.T. Community™, for a celebration of the A.T. and its beauty on June 11, 2022.
Meet Volunteers Maintaining the A.T. – In a recent article by Christian Science Monitor, ATC Technical Trail Specialist Kris English and Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) volunteers share why they work on the A.T. and how they provide essential maintenance for the Trail.
Kennebec River Ferry Season Begins Soon – Beginning May 27, the Kennebec River Ferry will provide a no-cost service to hikers looking to cross the Trail’s most formidable unbridged crossing — the Kennebec River in Maine. For the 2022 ferry schedule, visit appalachiantrail.org/water-crossings. Thank you to ALDHA for supporting the ferry this season!
Community Spotlight
Happy Trails!
Thank you for your continued support and the love you express for the Trail!