July 23, 2021
Trailway News: July Flies
Let us ask you a question: “Why do you hike?”
Exercise, quality time with family and friends, reconnecting with nature (and ourselves) — spending time on the Appalachian Trail can provide all of these things and more. The answer lies in our individual experiences and collected memories from the Trail.
We want to know what drives you to lace up your hiking boots and hit the Trail. From now until July 30, we invite you to submit your answer as part of our “Why I Hike” series, where we will feature a range of stories about what draws you back to the A.T. (and other trails) again and again. In addition to being featured in the series, those whose stories are selected will receive a Hydro Flask 12 oz Insulated Cooler Cup. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/whyihike2021.
Photo by Tim Lewis
How Hikers Helped Route the A.T. to McAfee Knob
When A.T. planners almost bypassed some of the most iconic views in Virginia, a dedicated group of hikers at the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club helped ensure McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs were conserved for future visitor enjoyment and, ultimately, helped protect their natural beauty.
An Idea Turns 100: A Photo History of the A.T.
In collaboration with the ATC, the AMC Library and Archives, and the Rauner Special Collections Library at Dartmouth College, our partners at the Appalachian Mountain Club published a beautiful photo essay looking back at the 100 years since Benton MacKaye first proposed his idea for the A.T. in 1921.
Volunteer Spotlight
Bernie Waugh
Our Volunteer Spotlight for July is Bernie Waugh! As a student at Dartmouth College, Bernie participated in extracurricular activities with the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC). After graduating in the 1970s, he continued volunteering on the A.T. Today, Bernie is the DOC’s A.T. Boundary Program Volunteer Coordinator, helping lead and train volunteers who help protect the Club’s nearly 50-mile section. Thank you, Bernie!
Come Work With Us!
If you love the A.T. and diving into data, we have an opportunity for you: we’re hiring for a new position, Data Manager – Visitor Use Management! This role is responsible for determining optimal A.T. data, the best methods and tools for collecting and storing that data, and analyzing and presenting real-time data that best informs A.T. management decisions.
Don’t Forget…
A.T. Vista 2021 Workshops and Hikes Announced
From mapping to invasive species management, check out some on-demand A.T. workshops available from the NY-NJ Trail Conference learning library. You can also help celebrate by joining one of the in-person hikes scheduled for August 7-8, 2021, or hike on a trail near you!
Join the Emerging Leaders’ Summit
The 2021 Emerging Leaders’ Summit is only a few weeks away! This three-day virtual experience centered around young people (ages 14-35) features workshops and networking events around a variety of topics including connections to nature and artistic creation.
Community Spotlight
Want to be featured in our community spotlight? Follow us on Instagram at @appalachiantrail and use #atcspotlight in your post!
Happy Trails!
Please donate today to ensure the A.T. we all love benefits us today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.