ATC Mid-Atlantic Office Moves to Historic Craighead House in Pennsylvania

CARLISLE, Pa. (Oct. 21, 2022) – The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Mid-Atlantic Regional Office officially has a new home in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In September, ATC regional staff began moving into the historic Craighead House, located on the banks of the Yellow Breeches River. This new location provides expanded office space while remaining close to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), which is located just 2.5 miles away from the previous ATC regional office in Boiling Springs. 

“We are so happy to have a new location for the Mid-Atlantic ATC team to call home, and to be located in such a beautiful and historic building just a stone’s throw from the Appalachian Trail is just icing on the cake,” said ATC Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Rachel Lettre. “The Craighead House provides ample space for our staff to advance our mission of protecting and caring for the Trail throughout the region.”

The Craighead House represents a history of conservation and enthusiasm for nature that aligns with the mission of the ATC. Photo: Jason Malmont, The Sentinel

The Craighead House has profound and interesting connections to conservation that echo the mission and the spirit of the ATC. Serving as a summer retreat for its namesake family, the House was a place of growth and exploration for twin brothers John and Frank Craighead Jr. and their younger sister Jean Craighead George. 

John and Frank became naturalists who went on to draft the language of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, which was signed into law alongside the National Trails System Act by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The brothers are also credited with saving the grizzly bear population in Yellowstone National Park. 

Jean went on to become an established author of young adult literature, taking inspiration from the surrounding Pennsylvania landscape the Trail would pass through. Publishing over 100 books, some of her most famous works include My Side of the Mountain, Julie of the Wolves, and The Summer of the Falcon. 

The ATC extends its thanks to the volunteers who helped renovate the space now used for the Mid-Atlantic office. The Craighead House is also home to the Friends of Craighead, who operate programs for the public out of the lower level and on the grounds. Further renovations spearheaded by a group of local residents will continue, with the eventual goal of developing the home into a nature education center to provide additional interactive programs for both children and adults.