June 3, 2022
Trailway News: Take a Day for Our Trails
Tomorrow is National Trails Day, when we ask everyone to take the extra step (pun intended) in protecting places like the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)! Whether you participate in an A.T. volunteer opportunity, sign up for an American Hiking Society (AHS) activity, find a Trail Maintaining Club near you, or simply pick up trash while practicing Leave No Trace principles, you can make an impact and help ensure our Trails are cared for and protected forever.
Don’t live near the A.T. or a National Trails Day event? Take the AHS pledge to protect our Trails, and help advance our mission to protect, manage, and advocate for the Trail by becoming an Appalachian Trail Conservancy member today!
Creases and Contours: How Paper Maps Teach Us the Language of Place
Writer and conservationist Michael Garrigan discusses his love for paper trail maps, providing a way to better connect with the shape and sound of a landscape both on and off the Trail.
In Response to the Tragic Hiker Death on McAfee Knob, Virginia
It was announced on Tuesday that A.T. hiker Paul “Grandmaster” Classen died from his injuries after a 50-foot fall from McAfee Knob. All of us at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy express our deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends.
Trail Updates
Bear Activity Closures and Alerts
Cosby Knob Shelter (NOBO mile 231.1) has been closed due to bear activity. Hikers should also be aware of increased bear activity around Rich Mountain and Spring Mountain Shelter (NOBO miles 283.1 – 285.9), including bears getting into food hangs.
Monson A.T. Visitor Center Reopens on June 4 for the 2022 Season
Stop by Thursday to Monday from 8-11 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. to discover more about the A.T. in Maine, the 100 Mile Wilderness, the Baxter State Park permit system, and more!
The ATC membership card of Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, the first woman to thru-hike the A.T. solo, was part of the archives entrusted to George Mason University by the ATC.
ATC Donates Historic Archives for Curation at George Mason University
The ATC is pleased to announce it has provided the largest ever donation of materials to George Mason University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center. The 100-year-old ATC archives includes maps, letters, photographs, and publications and will provide scholars the opportunity to study the A.T., the ATC, and a wide variety of topics associated with 20th century U.S. history, including the conservation movement.
In Other News…
Nominations Open until June 11 for ATC’s Board of Directors – We are looking for candidates who can add diversity of thought to the current Board, and can demonstrate a passion for the A.T. and the mission of the ATC. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on the ATC Board, click here for more information.
$5 Off A.T. Vista 2022 Registrations for National Trails Day – The time is now to register for the A.T. Vista 2022 program, held August 5-8 at the State University of New York at New Paltz! Now through Sunday, June 5, take $5 off the registration fee. Register soon — the fee increases to $100 for the full-event registration after June 15.
Apply Now for the Emerging Leaders’ Summit – Taking place August 5-8 in conjunction with A.T. Vista, the Summit engages young people in strengthening connections to nature. Apply to be a part of a diverse cohort of leaders ages 18-35 looking to expand skills and stewardship for the outdoors. Selected participants will receive a scholarship covering lodging, meals, and registration costs. Learn more and apply today: appalachiantrail.org/summit . Thank you to our partner L.L.Bean for supporting the Summit.
Now Accepting 2024 ATC Calendar Photo Submissions – 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.
Community Spotlight
Happy Trails!
Thank you for your continued support and the love you express for the Trail!