Five New A.T. Communities to Be Designated This Month

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is proud to announce the designation of five new Appalachian Trail Communities in Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Throughout the month of June, each of the newly designated communities will hold an official ceremony, attended by local officials, to celebrate and promote the values of the A.T. in the community and throughout the Trail.

This designation adds five more towns to the existing fifty-one A.T. Communities along the Appalachian corridor, which have demonstrated their readiness to partner in efforts to drive resilient rural economies, encourage recreation access, and engage in conservation planning. The designated towns provide food, supplies, information, and recreational and volunteer opportunities to visitors of the A.T.

“We are proud to welcome five new towns into the A.T. Communities family,” said Sandi Marra, President, and CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. “These towns are critical access points for the A.T. and are vital in ensuring the Trail remains a premier destination for hikers, families and outdoor enthusiasts across the country. The expansion of this program signals our commitment to supporting recreation-based economies that benefit local communities and A.T. visitors alike.”

The designation ceremonies throughout June will be held at the following locations:

• Boonsboro, Maryland – Washington Monument State Park, Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
• Brunswick, Maryland – Brunswick Family Campground, Saturday, June 3, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
• Bluemont, Virginia – Bear’s Den, Sunday, June 4, 12:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
• Hillsboro, Virginia – 37098 Charles Town Pike, Saturday, June 10, 10:45 – 11:30 a.m., followed by the A.T. Festival in the Gap
• Lee, Massachusetts – Lee Town Commons at the Pavilion, Saturday, June 17, starting at 11 a.m.

“Boonsboro is excited to become one of the first Appalachian Trail Communities in Maryland and join the network of communities from Georgia to Maine,” said Natoma Reed-Vargason, A.T. Community Committee Chair and Vice Chairperson the Boonsboro Economic Development Commission. “With this designation we hope to continue to grow ways for residents and visitors to experience and preserve the Appalachian Trail.”

To learn more about the A.T. Community™ program, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/communities.