Appalachian Trail Conservancy Celebrates 100 Years

HARPERS FERRY, W.V. ─ The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), the only nonprofit devoted exclusively to protecting, managing, and advocating for the entire Appalachian National Scenic Trail and its landscape, today celebrates its centennial and shares rallying call to protect the last remaining fully connected wilderness corridor in the eastern United States.

One hundred years ago today, the Federation of Parks and Planning, at the request of the Regional Planning Association of America, called together a “conference of groups and individuals interested in the Appalachian Trail project, for the purpose of considering ways and means for its further promotion.” At the summation of the two-day meeting on March 3, 1925, at the Grand Raleigh Hotel in Washington, DC the Appalachian Trail Conference (later renamed Conservancy) was established to realize a dream – a continuous footpath, from Georgia to Maine.

“The first Appalachian Trail Conference was called…for the purpose of organizing a body of workers (representative of outdoor living and of the regions adjacent to the Appalachian range) to complete the building of the Appalachian Trail. This purpose was accomplished,” say the minutes, apparently written by Benton MacKaye, the New England dreamer whose grand idea was being realized that March afternoon.

Today, the A.T. landscape draws millions of visitors, serves as a critical refuge for thousands of diverse species, and plays a vital role in driving climate resilience and economic vitality in neighboring communities. As the Trail and its landscape face escalating threats that jeopardize this haven for wildlife and humans alike, the ATC shares its call to keep the Appalachian Trail a “Let’s Go,” instead of a “Remember When…”

“Keep the Trail alive is our rallying call to all who love and care for this national treasure.” said ATC President and CEO Sandi Marra. “I’m so proud of all the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has accomplished in 100 years, from leading the building and connecting of the Trail, to expanding conservation for the broader landscape and natural habitats. Yet in the face of escalating threats that jeopardize the A.T.’s future, the Conservancy’s efforts are more crucial than ever. The ATC is the sole unifying entity able to bring together the resources, expertise, private and public partners, and thousands of volunteers necessary to ensure the Trail is always protected, resilient, and connected for all.”

The ATC’s Centennial Celebration continues throughout 2025 with events throughout the 14 states. Visit the new Centennial website, keepthetrailalive.org, to learn about the ATC’s history, shop limited-edition merchandise that supports the nonprofit’s missiondriven work, learn about upcoming events, and find more ways to get involved.

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Founded in 1925, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy works passionately to manage and protect the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. As the only non-profit devoted exclusively to the entirety of the Trail and its landscape, we endeavor to keep its vast natural and scenic beauty healthy, resilient, and connected, so that everyone can experience its transformative power for generations to come. Together with our supporters, partners, and thousands of volunteers, we keep the Trail alive.

Media Contact:
Ann Simonelli, 304.885.0482, asimonelli@appalachiantrail.org