By Leon M. Rubin
How a Brick Named “Bricky” Thru-Hiked the Appalachian Trail
November 15, 2024
The saga of Bricky—the Yellow Emergency Hiking Brick that traversed the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in 2024—started as a joke.
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Plan Ahead and Prepare
Hiking & Helene: Storm Damage Info for 2025 Hikers
November 7, 2024
Learn what to expect along sections of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) that were damaged by Hurricane Helene and how to have a safe, fun hike in 2025.
Plan and Prepare
Plan and Prepare
Prepare for Your 2025 Appalachian Trail Hikes
November 2, 2024
Planning an A.T. adventure in 2025? Check out our tips and tricks to help start your journey on the right foot.
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By ATC Staff
Decoding the Appalachian Trail: Volume 2
October 31, 2024
This is the second volume of our “Decoding the Appalachian Trail” series, which defines the words, phrases, and symbols associated with the A.T.
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Hurricane Helene
Dispatches from the Appalachian Trail: Helene’s Aftermath
October 24, 2024
As Hurricane Helene made its way through the Appalachian region, its impact on the Appalachian Trail and surrounding areas was profound.
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Hurricane Helene
3 Ways to Support Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
October 3, 2024
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the southern Appalachian Trail and its surrounding communities are facing an unprecedented recovery effort. While the damage is extensive, there are meaningful ways the A.T. community can make a difference with three simple yet impactful ways to support those affected by the storm.
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Celebrating 2024 Thru-Hikers
2024 2,000-Miler Takeaways
September 26, 2024
To celebrate the achievements of the thru-hiking class of 2024, we’ve gathered some of the stories submitted by those who have sent in their applications to be officially recognized as 2,000-Milers.
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By Kim O’Connell
A Catalyst for Conservation
September 11, 2024
Through a diverse mosaic of projects, the Wild East Action Fund fuels essential conservation work throughout the A.T. landscape.
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Seasonal Update
Important End-of-Year Closure Dates for 2024 A.T. Hikers
September 10, 2024
The end of the warm weather hiking season will be here soon along many parts of the A.T., and that means roads and services will soon close until next year.
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Hike the Appalachian Trail on a Budget
Hike the Appalachian Trail on a Budget: 6 Ways to Save Money on Your A.T. Adventure
August 13, 2024
Hiking the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is a dream for many people, but the cost of gear, permits, and other expenses can sometimes be a barrier.
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Safeguarding the Appalachian Trail's Ash Trees
Safeguarding the Appalachian Trail’s Ash Trees
August 8, 2024
Earlier this summer, Matt Drury, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Associate Director of Science and Stewardship, led a team to the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Equipped with specialized tools, the team set out to administer a preventative treatment that protects the Appalachian Trail’s ash trees from the deadly emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that has devastated millions of ash trees across North America since its discovery in the U.S. in 2002. The trees treated on this trip are a part of the 1,300+ ash trees along the Appalachian Trail that the ATC has been working to protect for nearly a decade.
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Be a Leave No Trace Olympian
The Seven Leave No Trace Principles as Olympic Events
August 1, 2024
In the spirit of the summer Olympic games, we’ve answered the question on everyone’s minds: if there really were Leave No Trace Olympics, what events would each principle be? All that’s left to do is go for gold and become a Leave No Trace Olympian!
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Katie Hess, Director of Pennsylvania Landscape Conservation
The First Sentinel Landscape along the Appalachian Trail
August 1, 2024
Pennsylvania has a reputation of not having a lot going on between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. I’m here to tell you that it simply isn’t true.
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By CJ Thompson
A.T. Community Spotlight: Clayton-Rabun County, Georgia
July 17, 2024
This June marked the two-year anniversary of Clayton – Rabun County’s designation as the 51st Appalachian Trail Community™. Now, as we reflect on these past two years, we can see the significant impact this designation has had on our community and understand more deeply what it means to be a “Trail Town.”
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By Morgan Sommerville, ATC Director of Visitor Use Management
Essential Tips for Senior Hikers: Hiking the Appalachian Trail in Retirement
June 27, 2024
As the Director of Visitor Use Management at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and someone who is approaching retirement, I am pleased to see an increasing number of retirees taking on the challenge of thru-hiking the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.).
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FATHER'S DAY 2024
Trailblazing Dads: Hiking the Appalachian Trail and Bonding Through Adventure
June 12, 2024
The Appalachian Trail has been a source of inspiration, challenge, and deep familial connections for countless hikers over the years. For many, it is not just a path through the wilderness but a journey that shapes their lives and relationships.
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By Darn Tough Vermont
What the Appalachian Trail Means to Darn Tough
May 28, 2024
Darn Tough Vermont’s mission is to make the world’s best socks. With several Appalachian Trail thru-hikers on staff, Darn Tough employees share their thoughts on what the Appalachian Trail means to them.
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By Bob Scott
The First A.T. Community
May 23, 2024
Bob Scott served as the mayor of Franklin, North Carolina when it was designated as the first A.T. Community. Now, he tells the story of how the town embraced hikers to become the welcoming first town stop of many northbound thru-hikers.
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Seasonal Update
Important Start-of-Season Opening Dates for 2024 A.T. Hikers
May 16, 2024
Spring has ushered in the hiking season along all but the northern reaches of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Many roads and other services that provide important Trail access close seasonally, with specific re-opening dates dependent on region and weather.
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ATC Events in Damascus
What You Need to Know About Appalachian Trail Days
May 9, 2024
Appalachian Trail Days, an annual festival celebrating all things A.T., is coming up May 17-19, 2024, in Damascus, Virginia. Curious about Trail Days or planning your trip? We’ve gathered the information about our programming and other can’t miss Trail Days happenings to help you make the most of your time at Appalachian Trail Days.
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Amicalola Falls Basecamp Data
2024 Northbound A.T. Hiker Stats & Facts
May 2, 2024
Basecamp is open every year at Amicalola Falls State Park to help northbound hikers Start Smart on their journeys, and this year, we’ve compiled some data from thru-hikers beginning their hikes for those dreaming about or planning their own journeys.
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By Sophia Pasquariello, ATC Social Media Intern
Early Successional Habitats on the A.T.
April 23, 2024
Learn more about early successional habitat and the ATC’s work to manage the A.T. landscape for the health of the species that call it home and so that the Trail experience remains as powerful in the future as it is today.
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Care for the Trail
5 Ways to Take Action for the Appalachian Trail This Earth Day
April 18, 2024
Five impactful actions you can take from wherever you live for the Appalachian Trail on Earth Day and beyond.
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Protect the A.T.
Decoding the Appalachian Trail: Leave No Trace Edition
April 11, 2024
Having a solid understanding of Leave No Trace is essential for any visitor to the A.T., from day hikers to thru-hikers! This edition of the Decoding the Appalachian Trail series provides a breakdown of some common terms associated with Leave No Trace.
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COOPERATIVE TRAIL MANAGEMENT IN ACTION
Q&A with Appalachian National Scenic Trail Superintendent Ed Clark
April 2, 2024
As the fifth superintendent/park manager of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Ed shares his enthusiasm, vision, and personal connections to the A.T.
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Plan Your Thru-Hike
Ask A.T. Thru-Hikers: Pros and Cons of a Flip-Flop Hike
March 21, 2024
Are you getting ready for a thru-hike dreaming about a future adventure? Flip-flop hikes offer multiple advantages over “traditional” northbound or southbound thru-hikes. We asked flip-floppers to share their experiences with some of the benefits and drawbacks of flip-flop hikes to pass on their wisdom with those who may be thinking about planning their own flip-flop hikes.
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Plan Ahead and Prepare
The 2024 Solar Eclipse: Know Before You Go
March 7, 2024
On April 8, 2024, parts of the southern, central, and eastern U.S. will see a total solar eclipse. This special event offers us a chance to experience our outdoor world in an out-of-this-world way.
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By Caitlin Miller, ATC Information Services Manager
Finding Your Way on the Appalachian Trail
February 29, 2024
The Appalachian Trail is generally well-marked and well-traveled. However, most of the Trail is still in remote backcountry and hikers should maintain awareness of their surroundings to avoid getting lost.
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By Matthew Podolsky
Birding on the Appalachian Trail
February 22, 2024
Documentary filmmaker, podcast producer, and bird enthusiast Matthew Podolsky shares his experience birding on the Appalachian Trail during his thru-hike in 2022.
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Prepare for Your Hike Like a Pro
Six Things Ridgerunners wish A.T. Hikers Knew
February 15, 2024
Each year, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy hires Ridgerunners to walk sections of the Appalachian Trail in an effort to help hikers have a positive experience and reduce harmful impacts on the Trail. As many people are preparing to start their northbound thru-hike attempts, we asked the Ridgerunners in Georgia and the Great Smoky Mountains what they wish hikers knew before starting out. Not just for aspiring thru-hikers, the wisdom shared by Ridgerunners here can help everyone have a great visit to the A.T.
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By Issy Wilson
Finding Inspiration on the Appalachian Trail
February 1, 2024
Visual artist, Issy “Poncho” Wilson shares how the Appalachian Trail and her experience as an A.T. thru-hiker continues to inspire her art.
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A.T. History
Where the A.T. Began
January 24, 2024
Discover how an estate in northwestern New Jersey with ties to the settlement house movement became the birthplace for the Appalachian Trail.
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Reach Your Goals on the A.T.
3 Appalachian Trail New Year’s Resolutions
January 11, 2024
Whether you’re resolving to make new friends and connect with others, try out a new hobby, or spend more time in nature, the A.T. is a free outdoor recreation resource that is accessible from most major east coast cities. The A.T. can be a great place to reach your goals!
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From Our CEO
Reflections at the Start of 2024
January 5, 2024
As the ATC embarks on its 99th year of service to the Appalachian Trail in 2024, our CEO Sandi Marra shares her observations, gratitude, and enthusiasm.
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Highlights from the State-by-State Photo Contest
2023 State-By-State Photo Contest Favorites
January 4, 2024
In 2023, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy put out the call for photos from each of the 14 states through which the Appalachian Trail passes. The A.T. is over 2,100 miles long, connecting the rolling green mountains of Georgia to the rocky ranges of Maine. This post highlights some of our favorites from each state, and includes additional categories like action photos, night photos, and more!
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Learn More
Why I Support the ATC
December 26, 2023
In this season of giving, explore reasons why people like you choose to support the work of the ATC, this year and every year.
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ATC News
2023 Highlights
December 20, 2023
Throughout 2023, the ATC’s work took many forms along the A.T. Here are a few highlights of what we accomplished thanks to your support and partnership.
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Emerging Leaders' Summit 2023
Custodians of a More Inclusive Outdoor Legacy
December 11, 2023
The ATC’s annual Emerging Leaders’ Summit brings together young adults to cultivate a shared commitment to making the A.T., public lands, and the outdoors a welcoming place for all and inspire a diverse new generation of public lands stewards.
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Cooperative Trail Management in Action
The Making of an A.T. Shelter
November 30, 2023
The project to replace two popular shelters in Connecticut offers a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating an iconic A.T. structure.
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Share Your Radical Generosity for the A.T. this Giving TRAILsday!
November 21, 2023
Starting Tuesday, November 21, through midnight on Giving TRAILsday—Tuesday, November 28—all online donations to the ATC will be matched.
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ATC Staff Picks: Favorite Nonfiction Books on Hiking and Trails
November 6, 2023
In recognition of Nonfiction November, ATC staff members recommend their favorite nonfiction books about hiking, trails, and experiencing the outdoors.
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And Why They're Not So Spooky
Bats of the Appalachian Trail
October 31, 2023
Bats are often associated with spooky imagery and Halloween, but did you know that bats are not blind, bloodthirsty, or scary? The truth is that bats play a vital role in Appalachian Trail ecosystems. Learn more about common bat species and some of the challenges they face.
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BY MICHELLE PRESLEY
“Leaf” No Trace This Fall
October 5, 2023
Fall leaves on the Appalachian Trail are a great reason to plan a visit. Be sure to know before you go and practice Leave No Trace principles on your fall trips.
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Appalachian Trail Hikers Share What They've Learned
Your Lessons from the Trail
September 28, 2023
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) can be a great teacher. Anyone who has visited the Trail, whether for a day, a weekend, or a monthslong thru-hike, has likely come away with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. This back-to-school season, we’re sharing the lessons learned by A.T. hikers.
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Natural Beauties
Late Summer Blooms on the A.T.
September 13, 2023
The last weeks of summer—as the days shorten and temperatures fall—are a great time to look for wildflowers along the A.T. There are a variety of late bloomers to appreciate.
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Share What You've Learned from Time on the Trail
Share Your Lessons from the Appalachian Trail
September 12, 2023
If you visited the Appalachian Trail for a day, a weekend, or on a monthslong hike, we want to hear what lessons you learned from your time on the Trail. Whether those lessons are harrowing near misses that can help others avoid danger or more lighthearted lessons about slowing down and appreciating the beauty around you, we hope you’ll consider sharing what you’ve learned from the Trail with us.
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Plan and Prepare
Fall Wildfire Season is Here. You Can Help Make it Uneventful.
September 7, 2023
Help protect the A.T. landscape, the wildlife that calls the Trail home, and other hikers by taking extra precautions with campfires and camp stoves.
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By Jeffrey Donahoe
In the Eye of the Beholder
August 30, 2023
Although beauty may be inherently subjective, an ATC program — the Visual Resource Inventory project — seeks to make it as quantifiable as possible. Evaluating scenic views along the Appalachian Trail today will help ensure the Trail retains its beauty for generations to come.
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By Maria "Wheezy Pee" Wishart
Hiking with a Dog on the Appalachian Trail
August 24, 2023
Are you thinking about hiking with your dog on the Appalachian Trail? Whether you’re planning a day hike, overnight, section hike or thru-hike, there are some things to do and consider before you and your dog step foot (or paw) on the Trail.
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By Michelle Presley, ATC Digital Communications Manager
Capturing the Beauty: Responsible Photography on the Appalachian Trail
August 18, 2023
Responsible photography on the Appalachian Trail is not just about snapping beautiful shots – it’s about preserving the Trail’s fragile ecosystems and respecting the experience of others. This post includes some tips for capturing beautiful and responsible photos on the A.T.
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Leave No Trace
Unintended Consequences: Five Activities to Avoid on the Appalachian Trail
August 10, 2023
Most Appalachian Trail visitors are well aware of the harm caused by blatant littering, graffiti, and vandalism, there are subtle activities that may seem harmless but collectively impact the visitor experience and the delicate ecosystems found along many parts of the A.T. Vandalism doesn’t just refer to writing on or painting the walls of structures like shelters. Explore some of these lesser-known activities that can leave a lasting mark.
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On the Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Why the Great American Outdoors Act Matters to the A.T.
August 4, 2023
Learn more about why the Great American Outdoors Act matters for the Appalachian Trail and what you can do to ensure this critical funding endures.
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A Q&A with young adults pursuing careers in conservation
New Perspectives on the Appalachian Trail
June 29, 2023
The Appalachian Trail is a multigenerational project. Over its 102-year history, the Trail has been maintained and cared for by at least six different generations. Here, two young professionals share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns about the A.T. and its future.
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Shedding Light on the Secret Heroes of the Appalachian Trail
Pollinators After Dark
June 23, 2023
When we think of pollinators, our minds often conjure images of bees, butterflies, and birds flitting about during the daytime. However, there is a hidden world of lesser-known pollinators that emerges as twilight descends upon the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).
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A.T. Communities News
Uniting Rural Communities along the Appalachian Trail
June 16, 2023
The A.T. Community network grew to 56 in June 2023, with five new towns designated in Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Learn more about how both the communities and the Appalachian Trail benefit from this program.
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ATC Staff and Partners Visit with Shinetsu Trail Club
Transnational Trail Collaboration: Shinetsu Trail Club Visit
June 9, 2023
In May, 2023, two representatives of the Shinetsu Trail Club set out from Japan to pay a visit to the southern portion of the A.T. Members of ATC’s staff, Konnarock Traul Crew, the Georgia A.T. Club, Carolina Mountain Club, and Roanoke A.T. Club came together with the Shinetsu Trail Club to share the mutual love of trails.
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By ATC Staff
3 Ways the Appalachian Trail Improves Mental Health
June 2, 2023
Spending time on the Appalachian Trail comes with science-backed benefits to mental health! Learn more about some of the benefits A.T. visitors can expect to gain from time on the Trail.
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Celebrate Trails on June 3, 2023
Celebrate National Trails Day
May 31, 2023
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy joins the American Hiking Society in celebrating National Trails Day on June 3, 2023! National Trails Day is a celebration and a day of service for trails and the people who love them. Explore ways to show some love for the A.T. on National Trails Day.
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By Mills Kelly
Why the Length of the Appalachian Trail Is Always Changing
May 11, 2023
Ever since it was first declared “completed” in 1937, the Appalachian Trail has never stopped changing. Discover some of the reasons why.
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The ATC works with partners to preserve the red spruce forests in the Southern Appalachians
Saving Islands in the Sky
April 28, 2023
An iconic tree of the Southern Appalachians, the red spruce, is the focus of a longterm effort to preserve one of the most endangered habitats in North America — and a distinct A.T. experience.
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By ATC Staff
Luxury Items Worth the Weight on the Appalachian Trail
March 31, 2023
6 backpacking luxury items that are worth the weight on the Appalachian Trail according to long distance hikers.
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By ATC Staff
Decoding the Appalachian Trail: Volume 1
March 24, 2023
Talk the talk so you can walk the walk. We’re decoding some of the common words, phrases, and symbols associated with the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) so you can feel more comfortable and confident on your adventures.
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By ATC Staff
March Snackness: ATC Staff Shares Their Favorite Trail Foods
March 10, 2023
Fuel for your adventures on the Appalachian Trail with some of our staff’s favorite trail foods. Which Trail recipes would be in your perfect March Snackness bracket?
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By Jennifer Pharr Davis
Natural Born Hikers
March 3, 2023
Women of different ages, backgrounds, and hiking experience take to the Appalachian Trail and find strength, solace, and harmony.
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BY LEANNA JOYNER, ATC SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS AND TRAIL OPERATIONS
Post-Civil War Harpers Ferry and African American History
February 24, 2023
As you follow the Appalachian Trail through Harpers Ferry, you will pass by multiple pivotal landmarks in African American history.
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By Leanna Joyner, ATC Senior Director of Partnerships and Trail Operations
The Community of Formerly Enslaved People at Brown Mountain Creek
February 17, 2023
Located on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, Brown Mountain Creek shows us a history of both slavery and freedom for African Americans after the Civil War.
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By Alivia Acosta, ATC Volunteer Development Coordinator
Rails to the Trail: Expanding Access to Outdoor Recreation
February 16, 2023
Creating better access to outdoor spaces like the Appalachian Trail is essential for building the next generation of A.T. visitors, stewards, and advocates.
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By Audrey Peterman
Naturally Inspired: The Great Outdoors Experience is for Everyone
February 10, 2023
Naturally Inspired tells the story of Audrey Peterman, who is helping America’s public lands like the Appalachian Trail become more inclusive of everyone.
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By Simon Heinberg, ATC Philanthropy Manager
Inspiring a New Generation of Trail Maintainers
January 27, 2023
How a crew of young Trail Maintainers from around the country helped relocate the Appalachian Trail near Palmerton, Pennsylvania, and preserve the hiking experience.
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By ATC Staff
Things to Know About the Appalachian Trail in 2023
January 20, 2023
We’re highlighting some of the most important things to know about the A.T. in 2023, as well as ways you can best prepare for your adventures, attend fun events, and give back to the Trail.
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By Dakota Jackson, ATC Director of Visitor Engagement
Tips for Trail Running on the Appalachian Trail
January 13, 2023
Whether you’re completely new to trail running or a seasoned road runner interested in trying out the trails, these tips will help you experience the A.T. in a whole new way.
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ATC News
2022 Year in Review
December 29, 2022
In our 2022 year in review, we celebrate this year’s progress and look ahead to the future. Thank you for supporting the Appalachian Trail!
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By Jennifer Koons
A Shared Experience
December 9, 2022
The Appalachian Trail unites and inspires a diverse group of women through the sights and sounds of nature.
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BY MARINA RICHIE
Hidden in the Details: Protecting the Metalmark Butterfly
December 2, 2022
An effort to revive the rare northern metalmark butterfly will benefit a wide range of other native species along the Appalachian Trail.
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By Kim O’Connell
Warriors in the Woods
November 11, 2022
U.S. veterans recount how their experiences on the Appalachian Trail have helped them decompress, reconnect with nature, and reacclimate to civilian life.
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By Caitlin Miller, ATC Information Services Manager
Sweet Dreams: Choosing a Sleeping Bag for the Appalachian Trail
November 4, 2022
Choosing the best sleeping bag for you is essential to having a safe and comfortable overnight trip on the Appalachian Trail, especially when temperatures drop.
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ATC Events
Emerging Leaders’ Summit: Cultivating Connections and Community
October 1, 2022
The 2022 Summit strengthened connections between young leaders and sparked momentum for conservation youth movements.
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By Amanda Wheelock
Celebrating the National Trails System Act
September 30, 2022
Passage of the National Trails System Act, wrote Benton MacKaye, was “unrivaled by any other single feat in the development of American outdoor recreation.”
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By Kim O’Connell
The Invisible Beauty of Trail Design
September 23, 2022
Teams of Appalachian Trail volunteers and ATC staff work behind the scenes on effective trail design — not just to preserve beauty, but also to create it.
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By Caitlin Miller, ATC Information Services Manager
Be Prepared for Changing A.T. Seasons
September 16, 2022
Temperatures have already started cooling down along the northern end of the Appalachian Trail, so here are a few tips to stay safe (and warm) as we head into fall hiking season.
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By Kim O’Connell
A Deeper Connection
August 25, 2022
Embracing and encouraging a sense of belonging about the A.T., and turning that feeling into action, is the work of the A.T. Landscape Partnership.
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BY MICHELE COLEMAN
Something to be Savored
August 12, 2022
After completing a decade-long section hike of the entire Appalachian Trail (A.T.), Michele and Dan Coleman discuss the joy (and challenges) of hiking with children, the community of hikers and Trail-lovers they met along the way, and how spreading their adventure over time taught them to savor every moment.
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BY MARINA RICHIE
Suite of Life
July 29, 2022
Ash tree protection is integral to a healthy Appalachian Trail ecosystem.
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By Caitlin Miller, ATC Information Services Manager
From White to Yellow Blazes: Monitoring the A.T. Corridor Boundary
July 15, 2022
Maintaining a protected boundary around the A.T. corridor is essential for preserving the Trail’s hiking experience.
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Plan and Prepare
Four Quick Tips for Summer A.T. Hikes
June 17, 2022
Warm summer days are a great time to plan a hike on the A.T., but it’s important to prepare for unique challenges before you hit the Trail.
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By Michael Garrigan
The Rewilding of Max Patch
June 17, 2022
Striking a balance between sustaining biodiversity and ensuring an exceptional Trail experience.
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By ATC Staff
Five Common Invasive Species Along the A.T. (and How You Can Help)
June 10, 2022
A wide variety of invasive species have taken root on the Appalachian Trail, but that doesn’t mean we have to sit back and let them do their dirty work.
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by Michael Garrigan
Creases and Contours
June 3, 2022
How paper maps teach us the language of place.
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Plan and Prepare
Getting Ready for A.T. Group Hikes
May 26, 2022
Tips to help you and your group have a safe and low-impact outing on the Appalachian Trail.
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Trail Days 2022
A Look Back at Trail Days 2022
May 19, 2022
Whether we were able to meet you in person or you followed the festivities from afar, thank you for helping us celebrate the 2022 Appalachian Trail Days Festival in Damascus, Virginia!
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Plan and Prepare
Southbound A.T. Thru-Hikes: A Primer
April 28, 2022
While the vast majority of Appalachian Trail (A.T.) thru-hikers choose to hike from Georgia to Maine, a small-but-hardy group of hikers chooses to start at the northern terminus of the Trail.
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A Vital Migration Range
What Soars Above Kittatinny Ridge
January 23, 2019
The 125 miles of the Appalachian Trail that follow Pennsylvania’s Kittatinny Ridge see an incredible amount of hawk and eagle migrations.
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By Marina Richie
Appalachian Balds Are For The Birds
January 14, 2019
The iconic bald mountains along the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina and Tennessee are significant to the future of migratory and resident birds.
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Give Back to the Trail
7 Reasons to Volunteer for the A.T.
April 22, 2022
Here are the top reasons A.T. volunteers keep coming back to work on the Trail year after year, and why they think you’ll love it just as much as they do.
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By Caitlin Miller, ATC Information Services Manager
11 Easy Ways to Improve Your Leave No Trace Footprint
April 8, 2022
A collection of simple and seemingly small ways you can practice Leave No Trace and help protect the A.T. experience.
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by Sarah Jones Decker
Coming into Focus: George Masa’s Legacy
April 8, 2022
Known by many as the “Ansel Adams of the Smokies,” George Masa’s photography of sweeping Appalachian landscapes was instrumental in the formation of the Appalachian Trail and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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PLAN & PREPARE
Flip-Flops: An Alternative A.T. Thru-Hike
April 1, 2022
A.T. flip-flop thu-hikes offer multiple advantages over “traditional” northbound or southbound thru-hikes, including milder weather, more flexible time frames for completion, and starting journeys on more moderate terrain.
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By Caitlin Miller, ATC Information Services Manager
A.T. Ridgerunners: A Voice for the Trail
April 14, 2023
If you’ve hiked on the Appalachian Trail, you might have crossed paths with a ridgerunner — a Trail-tested individual who lives and works on (and for) the Trail.
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By Caitlin Miller, ATC Information Services Manager
It’s a Dirty Job: Partnering for Privy Construction
March 11, 2022
The replacement of Moose Mountain Privy in 2021 provides a study in cooperative Appalachian Trail management.
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Love Stories from the Trail
A.T. the Heart
March 11, 2022
Dive into four Appalachian Trail stories that show that everyone’s connection to the Trail has its own powerful back story.
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By David Field
Loving the Trail
March 11, 2022
David Field shares how experiencing the A.T., especially as a volunteer Trail worker, can lead to loving the Trail.
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BY DAVID BRILL
Trail Family
March 3, 2022
David Brill shares how his Trail family merged and melded together throughout the experience of an Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 1979.
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Trail Preparation
Your A.T. Adventure Awaits
November 2, 2024
Through this hiker preparation series, we hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the many ways you can help protect the A.T. experience and how you can have a safe, enjoyable visit to the Trail.
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The Great Outdoors
The Right Foundation
February 24, 2022
Derrick Z. Jackson and Michelle Holmes share how the outdoors are at the center of family, friendship, volunteering, and life well lived.
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PLAN AND PREPARE
Priority #1: Safety on the A.T.
November 2, 2024
Before heading out on your next A.T. hike, make sure you have the equipment and knowledge you need to stay healthy and safe.
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BY ELIZABETH MCGOWAN
A Salve for the Heart and Soul
February 18, 2022
Spending time in nature provides a path to health, restoration and flourishing love.
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By Sandi Marra, President & CEO of the ATC
A Love Letter to the Trail
February 11, 2022
ATC President & CEO Sandra Marra discusses how the relationship with her husband, Chris, was nurtured on and by the Appalachian Trail.
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Plan and Prepare
Campsite Selection: The Secret to Happy Campers
November 2, 2024
Preparing your camping and sleeping setup is super important for maximizing your enjoyment and safety, and for reducing your impacts to the Appalachian Trail.
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Plan Ahead and Prepare
Don’t Feed the Bears
November 2, 2024
Storing your food properly on the Appalachian Trail will help keep you, your supplies, and wildlife along the Trail safe.
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By Matt Drury, Associate Director of Science and Stewardship
An Act of Love
January 28, 2022
Love for a place, such as Max Patch on the Appalachian Trail, can have many origins. It can also manifest in the care we return to those cherished places.
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Back to the Basics
Tips for Applying Leave No Trace to Hiking Adventures
November 2, 2024
In the first hiker prep series post, we focused on the first principle of Leave No Trace: Plan Ahead and Prepare. In this post, we’ll look at how the other six Leave No Trace principles help protect the Trail and preserve the A.T. hiking experience for everyone.
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Know Before You Go
Preparing for your A.T. adventures
November 2, 2024
Whether you are planning for an overnight trip or all 2,000+ miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), we’ve put together a series of tips and guides to help you plan and prepare for your next visit to the Trail.
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By Charissa Hipp, ATC Harpers Ferry Visitor Center Supervisor
Hiking with Pigtails
January 14, 2022
After discovering the A.T. later in life, ATC’s Charissa Hipp helped her daughter “Pigtails” develop a love for nature and stewardship from an early age.
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by Janine Wilkin
On the Rocks
January 7, 2022
An ode to the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania.
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ATC Staff
Looking Back, Looking Forward
December 30, 2021
We review some of our accomplishments in 2021 and what lies ahead for A.T. conservation in 2022 and beyond.
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By Dennis Shaffer, Director of Landscape Conservation
An Eye on the Horizon: A Reflection
December 22, 2021
After a 35-year career in outdoor conservation, retiring ATC Director of Landscape Conservation Dennis Shaffer looks back at what has been accomplished so far, and the work ahead for protecting the A.T. landscape.
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By Dan Hale, ATC Natural Resource and Land Stewardship Manager – Northeast
Species Movement on the A.T. Landscape
December 16, 2021
The Appalachian Trail is more than a hiking path for humans — it is a superhighway for an amazing variety of species moving both locally and globally across the continent.
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By Laura Belleville
Getting to Work
December 10, 2021
The second century of the Appalachian Trail requires all of us – a collective community working together to ensure that the Trail’s many benefits are available for generations.
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Kacie L. Simmons, AmeriCorps NCCC–North Central Region
The Mountain and the “Monties”
November 24, 2021
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps member Kacie L. Simmons recounts her experiences while helping maintain the Appalachian Trail boundary in Maine.
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By Dakota Jackson, Associate Director of Visitor Services
Moving the A.T. Visitor Experience Forward
November 19, 2021
The goal of the ATC Visitor Services team is to foster the understanding that the A.T. is for everyone, no matter how far you walk along it or the path that led you to it.
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By Ky Ober
Uncle Benton
November 12, 2021
Growing up in New Hampshire, Ky Ober’s family often had a guest during the summer, her great-uncle Benton MacKaye.
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By Brian B. King, ATC Publisher
What Were You Thinking, Benton?
November 5, 2021
Benton MacKaye has been labeled as many things — wilderness advocate, political radical, philosopher, dreamer — but each of these descriptions tells only part of his story on the way to envisioning the Appalachian Trail in 1921.
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by David B. Field
From Benton to Myron
October 29, 2021
The history of the fraught relationship between Benton MacKaye, the “Dreamer” who envisioned the Appalachian Trail, and Myron Avery, the “Driver” who oversaw its construction.
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By Daniel Anthony Howe
The A.T. in Its Second Century
October 22, 2021
As we celebrate 100 years since the Appalachian Trail was proposed, what will it take to conserve the Trail for another century (and beyond)?
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By Larry Anderson
From Trauma to Dream
October 22, 2021
Author Larry Anderson explores Benton MacKaye’s troubled path to the Appalachian Trail.
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Sandra Marra, ATC President & CEO
The Work Ahead
October 15, 2021
This October marks 100 years since Benton MacKaye published his vision for the Appalachian Trail. ATC President & CEO Sandra Marra looks back at what has been accomplished since then, and the path ahead for fully realizing that vision.
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By Michael Garrigan
Ritual of the Trail
September 24, 2021
Writer Michael Garrigan provides a glimpse into his most important ritual: stewarding the Trail so that future generations can “sink into its soil.”
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By Morgan Sommerville, ATC Director of Visitor Use Management
Protecting the A.T. Hiking Experience
September 17, 2021
Ever since the first foot of the Appalachian Trail was cleared, visitor use management has been essential for protecting A.T. resources and guiding hikers toward safe and Trail-friendly practices.
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By Mark Ellison
The Pathway from Recreation to Conservation
September 10, 2021
Through our actions on the Appalachian Trail and beyond, we can help conserve a precious natural resource and inspire others to do the same.
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By Kim O’Connell
Broadening the Base
September 2, 2021
Inclusive efforts are essential to building engagement with and support for the Appalachian Trail.
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By Ethan Goldman, ATC Federal Policy Intern
From the Mountains to The Hill
August 26, 2021
ATC intern Ethan Goldman reflects on how, without the hard work of so many previous Trail maintainers, his work (and the work of many others) would not be possible.
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By Shalin Desai, ATC Vice President of Advancement
From Anxiety to Hope: How the A.T. Changed My Perspective on Climate Change
August 20, 2021
In 1921, when the Trail was first envisioned, it was seen as the solution to the problem of living. Today, the A.T. continues to be a solution, but against a very different issue – climate change.
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by Kate Foral, ATC Federal Policy Intern
Approaches to Public Health on the Appalachian Trail
August 13, 2021
Whether protecting the A.T. through on-the-ground stewardship or with a pen in hand, every person who advocates for, experiences, or maintains the Trail has an important role.
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A Wing and a Prayer
Birdsong That Was There All Along
August 6, 2021
The Appalachian Trail engages our senses completely, from the iconic vistas we see to the taste of blueberries straight off the shrub. But what about sound? Beth Ann Fennelly, the Poet Laureate of Mississippi, shares her poem – A Wing and a Prayer.
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By Mark Ellison
What Draws Us to the Trail
August 6, 2021
What drives us to take a walk in the woods? What can that simple walk open up to us?
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By Kim O’Connell
From Advocacy to Action
July 30, 2021
Writer Kim O’Connell explores the pathway from advocacy to action — why a community of people speaking out on behalf of the Trail is essential for the long-term conservation of the A.T.
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By Marina Richie
Step Away – Step In
July 30, 2021
Writer Marina Richie explores the nature of beauty on the Appalachian Trail.
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By Diana Christopulos
How Hikers Helped Route the A.T. to McAfee Knob
July 23, 2021
When planners almost bypassed some of the Appalachian Trail’s most iconic views in 1932, 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.
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By Kim O'Connell
Trailing Beauty
July 16, 2021
The Appalachian Trail allows us to bypass the intellect and go straight to the heart.
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By Mills Kelly and Donnelle Bonarchuk
The Apostle of Happiness
July 2, 2021
Experience the little-known story of Eiler Larsen, who was driven by the joy found in nature to travel the entire A.T. in the 1930s — and to share that joy with others.
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By Alyssa Reck, ATC Social Media Manager
For the View: Assessing the Trail’s Scenic Value
June 25, 2021
The ATC is working with its partners and volunteers to evaluate more than 1,400 views contributing to the Appalachian Trail experience.
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By Laurie Potteiger
See You Down the Trail
June 4, 2021
After 33 years at the ATC, Laurie Potteiger reflects on the changes, challenges and beauty she found while working to conserve the Appalachian Trail experience.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
Where the Appalachian Trail Began
May 26, 2021
At the beginning of a new century, the experiences of Benton MacKaye sparked an idea that would lead to the creation of the Appalachian Trail.
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By Janine Wilkin
The Whiskey Hollow Six
May 19, 2021
A two-day backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail helped a group of six women find comfort in nature’s embrace and reexamine the artificial boundaries we often create for ourselves.
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COVID-19 Safety
An Update to Our COVID-19 Guidance
May 11, 2021
Following the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines and new CDC guidelines, the ATC has updated its guidance for long-distance hiking on the A.T.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
Building a Climate-Resilient A.T. Landscape
April 23, 2021
By protecting the lands surrounding the Appalachian Trail, we can reinforce its important role as a climate-resilient corridor.
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By Alyssa Reck, ATC Social Media Manager
A.T. Reopens Across Comers Creek
April 16, 2021
The A.T. crossing at Comers Creek Bridge (NOBO mile 519.0) has officially reopened after a damaged footbridge was removed.
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By Alyson Browett
A Climate-Resilient A.T. Depends on Effective Federal Policy
April 9, 2021
Engaging in the creation of federal policy to protect the lands we love is one of the most effective tools to help mitigate the impacts of climate change on the Appalachian Trail.
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By Laurie Potteiger, ATC Information Services Manager
Masks: 2021’s Essential Hiking Gear
March 26, 2021
An essential piece of equipment should be included with your hiking gear until the COVID-19 pandemic is under control: a mask.
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Climate Action: Learn More
Climate Action and the A.T. Landscape: A Primer
March 19, 2021
As the largest contiguous green space on the East Coast, the connected forests of the A.T. landscape play an important role in mitigating the impacts of climate change through carbon sequestration and storage.
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By Anne Sentz, ATC Philanthropy Manager
We Were There, Too
March 12, 2021
I do not believe it is by accident that I finished my copy of We Were There, Too by Gwenyth L. Loose right around the time our nation inaugurated its very first female Vice President. As I read about three women whose efforts were vital to the success of the Appalachian Trail project, Loose’s writing elicited strong emotion. These stories needed to be told and heard. Feelings of pride, intermingled with sentiments like, “finally,” coursed through me.
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By Dan Hale
The American Chestnut Tree
February 15, 2021
As the Appalachian Trail was first being built, the forests along the Trail were dramatically changing: American chestnut trees, the largest and most abundant trees in the forest, were dying en masse.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
Climate Resiliency and the A.T.
March 5, 2021
Protecting and expanding climate-resilient forests along the Appalachian Trail is vital to ensuring their long-term survival.
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By Shilletha Curtis
Preparing for the Trail
March 4, 2021
Shilletha “Dragonsky” Curtis shares her story to show how the A.T. experience can differ greatly depending on your race and background, to spur conversation on how we can address these problems, and to explain how nature can heal us when challenges cross our paths.
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By Jordan Bowman and Marian Orlousky
The A.T. and Climate Change: Reviewing the Basics
February 26, 2021
As we continue our series on climate change and its effects on the Appalachian Trail, it is important to lay the groundwork for several key topics.
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By Trey Adcock
Native Lands
February 23, 2021
Trey Adcock, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Director of American Indian and Indigenous Studies at the University of North Carolina, explains how land acknowledgment starts by recognizing and respecting that you are on the lands of an Indigenous people.
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By Mills Kelly
The A.T. and Race
February 18, 2021
George Mason University Professor Mills Kelly explains how reckoning with the past opens the door to an equitable future.
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By Shalin Desai, ATC Vice President of Advancement
Acknowledgement
February 11, 2021
By acknowledging our entire history, we can create more robust and resilient solutions to today’s problems.
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By Maggie Slepian
A Year Like No Other
February 5, 2021
With COVID-19 continuing to grip the country, planning and preparing for the challenges of an A.T. thru-hike in 2021 are essential.
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By Jordan Bowman and Shalin Desai
Preserving the “Oxygen” of the Trail
January 29, 2021
How Benton MacKaye’s call for protecting the “oxygen in the mountain air along the Appalachian skyline” guides our work in combating climate change on the A.T.
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By Sandra Marra, President & CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
I Still Have Hope
January 12, 2021
ATC President & CEO Sandra Marra discusses the work ahead in order to better protect the Appalachian Trail and to build a better world.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
Continuing the A.T. Vision
December 29, 2020
Even after 100 years, Benton MacKaye’s 1921 vision for the Appalachian Trail continues to guide the ATC in its mission.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
An A.T. Realm Beyond Recreation
December 11, 2020
Recreation is only one part of a broader Appalachian Trail conservation effort, which extends well beyond the footpath itself.
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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Team
Prepping for 2021
November 30, 2020
If you hike the Trail in 2021, proper planning and preparation will help ensure everyone’s A.T. experiences are safe, healthy, responsible, and successful.
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#GivingTuesday
Next Tuesday, Give a Gift to the Trail
November 24, 2020
On #GivingTuesday, your donation will help us ensure the Appalachian Trail and its surrounding landscape are protected forever for all to enjoy.
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ATC Staff
#OptOutside 2020: Give Yourself Some Space
November 20, 2020
We invite you to join us as we once again #OptOutside this year, and to #RecreateResponsibly during this challenging holiday season.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
Not Merely a Trail
November 19, 2020
As Benton MacKaye discussed in his vision for the Appalachian Trail, we must prioritize conserving a realm of landscapes and experiences in addition to the footpath itself.
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Preparing for 2021
A Message to All A.T. Hikers in 2021
November 12, 2020
To ensure hiker safety and health while on the A.T. in 2021, we ask hikers to plan, prepare, and stay informed.
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The Trail’s Voice on Capitol Hill
October 20, 2020
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy must be a strong voice for the A.T. on Capitol Hill to ensure the Trail’s legal protections are secure.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
An Enduring Mission
October 14, 2020
In a year of challenges and opportunities, our commitment to protecting, managing and advocating for the A.T. has not changed.
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Be a Voice for the A.T.
This Election Day, Vote with the Trail in Mind
October 6, 2020
We ask everyone to consider the great outdoors and environmental conservation when casting your vote this November 3.
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By Anne Sentz, ATC Philanthropy Manager
A Prime Example of A.T. Landscape Protection
October 2, 2020
The conservation of Bald Mountain Pond in Maine highlights the collaboration between the ATC and its partners to protect the Appalachian Trail landscape.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
What Makes an A.T. View Great?
September 18, 2020
To better address threats to Appalachian Trail locations, the ATC and the National Park Service are taking inventory of the Trail’s irreplaceable views.
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How to Help
Supporting Those Affected by West Coast Wildfires
September 17, 2020
We can make a difference by supporting each other during this difficult time.
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By Anne Sentz, ATC Landscape Partnership Manager
Partnering for A.T. Landscape Protection
August 13, 2020
A massive amount of collaboration and shared dedication is required to ensure A.T. landscapes are conserved.
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By Dan Hale, ATC New England Natural Resource and Land Stewardship Manager
Montane Spruce-Fir Forests
August 11, 2020
Found in the upper elevations of the Appalachians, Montane Spruce-Fir Forests provide a critical habitat for many rare and federally endangered species.
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By Jake Campbell, ATC Next Generation Advisory Council Member
My Decision to Leave the Trail
July 31, 2020
While Next Generation Advisory Council Member Jake Campbell’s first steps on the Appalachian Trail were a dream come true, he was faced with a difficult decision early on in his 2020 thru-hike.
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Responding to COVID-19
A Reminder to Stay Safe on the A.T.
July 31, 2020
Safety guidelines for A.T. hikers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
The Dedication of A.T. Volunteers
July 28, 2020
Month after month and year after year, thousands of volunteers return to the Appalachian Trail to protect and preserve its legacy.
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ATC Staff
Congress Passes the Great American Outdoors Act
July 23, 2020
Receiving overwhelming bipartisan support, this transformative conservation bill will greatly enhance our ability to conserve the Appalachian Trail.
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By Sandra Marra, President & CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Shifting Perspectives and Realities
July 17, 2020
A commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion is critical for the future protection of the Trail.
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Responding to COVID-19
The A.T. on Katahdin Reopens
July 1, 2020
The northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail has reopened, though there are still several precautions to consider before planning your visit.
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By Amanda Wheelock
The Next Generation of Volunteers
July 1, 2020
The ATC is committed to welcoming, training, and supporting the next generation of Trail volunteers through a variety of programs and opportunities.
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By Dan Hale, ATC New England Natural Resource and Land Stewardship Manager
Protecting Pollinators
June 27, 2020
Managing pollinators and their habitats along the Appalachian Trail benefits the ecosystem and us.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
A System of Protection
June 26, 2020
2020 events have underlined the importance of the Cooperative Management System in achieving the vision of a protected Appalachian Trail for everyone.
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Responding to COVID-19
June 16, 2020 Update on A.T. Closures and Conditions
June 16, 2020
An update for Appalachian Trail hikers as more states relax stay-at-home restrictions and more sections of the Trail reopen.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
A.T. Volunteers: Experts in Conservation
June 13, 2020
From trail maintenance to carpentry and natural resource conservation, volunteers employ a range of skills to protect the Appalachian Trail.
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By Shilletha Curtis
Not Just Another Hiker
June 12, 2020
Shilletha Curtis describes how her experiences outdoors and interactions with A.T. groups online highlight the need for change.
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By Shalin Desai, ATC Vice President of Advancement
What is the Cost of a “Priceless” View?
June 9, 2020
The view from McAfee Knob is priceless, but what does it cost to build, maintain and protect an irreplaceable part of the Appalachian Trail Experience for future generations?
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By Sandra Marra, President & CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
A Commitment to Justice
June 1, 2020
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has taken inventory of the social landscape within the Appalachian Trail community and across the United States, and we believe that by making meaningful changes, the A.T. can be a space that is inclusive, open and safe for all.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
The Scope of A.T. Volunteerism
May 29, 2020
For almost 100 years, volunteerism has been the bedrock of the Appalachian Trail and the ATC.
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By Dan Hale, ATC New England Natural Resource and Land Stewardship Manager
Vernal Pools: Temporary Habitats for A.T. Wildlife
May 18, 2020
A temporary world exists for chirping frogs and slippery salamanders in the form of a vernal pool.
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Responding to COVID-19
An Update for 2020 A.T. Hikers
May 11, 2020
The ATC is working quickly to determine the safest way and time for hikers to return to the Trail.
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By David McDowell Schafer
I Was Hired to Be a Ridgerunner
May 8, 2020
Ridgerunner David McDowell Schafer explains how his role has shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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By Sandra Marra, President & CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Our Next Steps for Re-Engaging with the Trail
May 1, 2020
The ATC has convened a task force to develop guidance on how A.T. visitors can re-engage safely with the Trail and help minimize the spread of COVID-19.
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By David McDowell Schafer
Appalachian Trail Wildflowers
April 29, 2020
Spring is here and warmer days are finally upon us, meaning ephemeral spring wildflowers will be sprouting out of the ground to show their gorgeous array of colors.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
Advocating for a Protected Trail
April 16, 2020
The Appalachian Trail itself only exists and remains protected because of thousands of dedicated advocates.
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Responding to COVID-19
2020 Thru-Hikers: Picking Up Where You Left Off
March 31, 2020
Due to the safety concerns and closures caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the ATC has revised its policy for recognizing the 2020 class of A.T. thru-hikers.
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By Sandra Marra, President & CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Please stay off the Appalachian Trail
March 23, 2020
The Appalachian Trail, given its ever-increasing popularity over the past weeks, is no longer a viable space to practice social distancing.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
Protecting the Trail’s Continuous Journey
March 5, 2020
Creating a continuous footpath from Maine to Georgia was not a one-time event. In order to preserve the Trail’s full 2,000-mile journey, continual maintenance and guardianship are essential to ensure the A.T. always remains open.
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By Sandra Marra, President & CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Preserving the Trail’s Network of Protectors
February 24, 2020
An upcoming Supreme Court decision could change how the Trail has been managed for over 50 years.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
Bear Mountain: A Legacy of Footpath Protection
February 12, 2020
Almost 100 years ago, something extraordinary was happening in the mountains of eastern New York that continues to inspire and inform the ATC’s work today.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
Restoring the Atlantic Salmon’s Path to Henderson Brook
December 18, 2019
Deep in Maine’s 100 Mile Wilderness, ATC and its partners are working to restore access to an important water source for native salmon and trout.
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By Julie Judkins, ATC Director of Education and Outreach, & Sasha DeCaro
Massachusetts Youth Receive Training at Trail Stewardship Summit
December 12, 2019
In mid-October 2019, students, educators and service leaders gathered for the MY Trail Summit, learning valuable skills for protecting the Appalachian Trail and America’s public lands.
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By Anne Sentz, ATC Landscape Partnership Manager
Preserving Maine’s Iconic A.T. Views
December 4, 2019
A decades-old conservation project will protect beautiful and environmentally important Maine lands adjacent to five miles of the A.T.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
A New Path for the A.T. in Palmerton
November 27, 2019
As life returns to the hills above Palmerton, Pennsylvania, the ATC is working to enhance the A.T. experience for future Trail users.
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By Jordan Bowman, ATC Director of Communications
Uniting to Preserve the South Mountain Range
November 20, 2019
The South Mountain Partnership is determined to preserve this unique landscape home to 60 miles of the A.T.
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By Tyler Nordgren
The Sky Begins at Your Feet
November 15, 2019
Our ideas of conservation have expanded to include more than the rock at our feet, with the night sky above also needing our protection.
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by Anne Sentz, ATC Landscape Partnership Manager
Cherry Valley Land Protection Safeguards Five Miles of the Trail
November 13, 2019
The protection of Cherry Valley is a success story not only because of its conservation values, but because it is a real-life example of public-private partnerships that benefit those who live and play in the region.
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by Kathryn Herndon-Powell, ATC Education and Outreach Coordinator
The Preservation of Spy Rock
November 6, 2019
When an increase in visitation threatened one of the Appalachian Trail’s hidden treasures in Virginia, ATC and its partners took action to preserve rare plant species and the fragile surrounding environment.
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by Julie Judkins, ATC Director of Education and Outreach
Women Workdays Provide Opportunities for New Volunteers
October 31, 2019
Wild East Women aims to lift a broader stewardship focus for women connected to the Appalachian Trail.
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by Tom Derr
Fair Energy Development and Recreation Economies
October 29, 2019
Why fair and transparent energy development is essential for the success of communities and businesses reliant on outdoor recreation.
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by Jordan Bowman, ATC Communications Manager
Hogan Hollow Purchase Helps Preserve McAfee Knob Views
October 23, 2019
The purchase of this 243-acre stretch of land will help preserve the irreplaceable views from the Appalachian Trail on McAfee Knob.
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by Jordan Bowman, ATC Communications Manager
Trail Reroute Provides Hands-On Training
October 16, 2019
A half-mile A.T. relocation project gave the next generation of Trail stewards the chance to learn firsthand what it takes to maintain and preserve the A.T.
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by Jordan Bowman, ATC Communications Manager
E3 Summit Provides Experience to the Next Generation
October 9, 2019
Designed to provide the next generation of conservationists with hands-on experience and skills, the E3 summit focused on everything from trail-building workshops to night sky preservation.
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by Jordan Bowman, ATC Communication Manager
Saving the Roan Highland Red Spruce Forests
October 2, 2019
The red spruce forests in the Roan Highlands have become an inseparable part of the Appalachian Trail experience, but action must be taken to ensure they are a healthy, lasting part of the Roan ecosystem.
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by Tom Derr
Cooperative Management is Key on the A.T.
October 1, 2019
The A.T. survives today due to the dedicated work of three separate, but interlocking, categories of cooperating Trail champions.
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by Laurie Potteiger, Information Services Manager
Lightning Safety
September 3, 2019
Lightning is one of the most spectacular and powerful phenomena in nature, with power to kill or maim people, explode trees, and start wildfires. However, many of us tend to be too cavalier, not thinking about the force and destruction it can unleash. Perhaps we view it like a rainbow or comet—something far away, majestic and beautiful, that will never touch us.
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By Brendan Mysliwiec, ATC Director of Federal Policy and Legislation
The Cowpasture Decision
August 30, 2019
This important decision could determine how energy infrastructure is sited over the Appalachian Trail and how the Trail Corridor is managed.
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by Charlie Robbins, NextGen Forest Ambassador
Becoming a NextGen Forest Ambassador
August 26, 2019
Charlie Robbins, an adventurous NextGen Forest Ambassador, writes about his experience at the Next Generation Forest Ambassador Youth Summit earlier this year.
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Learn More
14 Reasons to Start Your Northbound Thru-Hike at Amicalola Falls State Park
February 15, 2019
Discover some key reasons why you might want to start your Appalachian Trail thru-hike under the iconic stone arch that marks the beginning of the 8.8-mile Approach Trail, which travels to the southern terminus of the A.T. on Springer Mountain.
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by ATC Staff
A Year Stronger: Appalachian Trail Successes in 2018
December 31, 2018
2018 was a big year for the Appalachian Trail, filled with multiple milestones and the long-awaited completion of several ongoing projects.
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The Search for Bicknell's Thrush
A Song at Dawn
January 21, 2019
Nick Lund of Maine Audubon shares his face-to-face encounter with one of the rarest (and most elusive!) birds in the country.
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By Alyson Browett
This Tiny Beetle is Killing the Appalachian Trail’s Ash Trees
November 15, 2018
The emerald ash borer is decimating the ash tree population along the Appalachian Trail. If it isn’t stopped, it will change our forests forever.
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by Michela Williams
Appalachian Trail Pioneers: Marcia Fairweather
October 30, 2018
Marcia Fairweather broke new ground in 2008 when she completed the first known section-hike of the Appalachian Trail by an African American.
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by Lynsey “Stubbs” Abrams
Post Trail Depression: What it’s Like, How it Happens & How to Get Over It
October 18, 2018
After a long hike on the Appalachian Trail, returning to the “real world” can leave some hikers feeling blue. Thru-hiker Lynsey “Stubbs” Abrams discusses “post trail depression” and ways to help avoid it.
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by Alyson Browett
Planning a Family Hike: Reconnecting Your Loved Ones with the Outdoors
September 21, 2018
Helpful tips for helping family members of all ages experience and appreciate their next outdoor adventure.
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by Brian King, ATC Publisher
The Last 2 Miles
August 14, 2018
81 years ago on August 14, 1937, the final link of the Appalachian Trail was completed, creating an interconnected path stretching from Georgia to Maine.
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By Brian King
“The Long Cruise” of Earl Shaffer
August 4, 2023
August 5 marks the anniversary of the first recorded Appalachian Trail thru-hike by Earl V. Shaffer, affectionately known as “The Crazy One.”
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by Alyson Browett
A.T. Communities: Gateways to Economic and Stewardship Success
August 3, 2018
How the A.T. Community™ program helps protect the Appalachian Trail and builds the outdoor recreation economy in Trail towns.
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by Jim Fetig, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
A.T. Hiker Hacks: Simple & Cheap Ways to Enhance Your Next Backcountry Adventure
July 20, 2018
There are many common hacks worth knowing that can make life on the trail lighter, easier, safer and less costly.
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by Alyson Browett
A Voice For The Land: Building the A.T. Landscape Partnership
June 12, 2018
Learn how the ATC and its partners are working to protect not only the A.T. footpath, but also the irreplaceable landscapes and ecosystems surrounding the Trail.
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by Katie Oliver, ATC Trail Crew Leader
Always Worth It: How I Fell in Love with Life on a Trail Crew
May 9, 2018
ATC Trail Crew Leader Katie Oliver recalls why she returns every year to work on an ATC Trail Crew — no matter how bad the weather is.
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by Alyson Browett
Flip Flop Hiking: Helping Conserve the Trail and Sustain Communities
April 21, 2018
More and more, hikers are choosing to begin their hikes at various locations along the A.T.’s corridor, hiking north or south, and then “flip-flopping” back to their starting location and hiking the opposite direction to finish the Trail.
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by Anne Baker, ATC Landscape Partnership Manager
Moving Forward: LWCF and a Thriving Appalachian Landscape
April 11, 2018
As we move forward in our efforts to protect the Appalachian Trail, the importance of tools like the Land & Water Conservation Fund only become more apparent.
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By Brian King, ATC Publisher
The Appalachian Trail Bill of 1978
March 18, 2018
The Appalachian Trail Bill of 1978 marks a pivotal moment in the history of the A.T. and the ATC.
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by Brian Threlkeld
100 Mile Wild: A Winter Trek Through Maine’s 100 Mile Wilderness
February 22, 2018
Brian Threlkeld and his team are taking on an extreme A.T. challenge: traversing the 100 Mile Wilderness in the middle of a Maine winter.
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by ATC Staff
The Path to Love: Three Love Stories from the Appalachian Trail
February 14, 2018
Three true stories from Appalachian Trail Conservancy staff about the love they found on the A.T.
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by Alyson Browett
On the Right Foot: ATC to Offer “Start Well” Hiking Classes for Northbound Thru-Hikers
February 13, 2018
The ATC will be holding daily hour-long classes to ensure northbound thru-hikers are prepared for successful and sustainable A.T. journeys.
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By Roland “Tony” Richardson
A Hike Through History
February 13, 2017
In October 2016, a group of seven African-American outdoor enthusiasts embarked on a four-day backpacking trip on the A.T. to retrace the journeys of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad through the Appalachian Mountains.
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by Ashley Kelton
This Land is Our Land: A Reflection
December 15, 2017
High school senior Ashley “Asha” Kelton describes her experience at the Massachusetts Youth Trail Summit and how it solidified her appreciation for America’s public lands.
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by Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Hit the Trail for #OptOutside 2017
November 24, 2017
This Black Friday, Nov. 24, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy ATC is proud to #OptOutside alongside REI and many other companies and organizations.
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by Bryan Alper
Trail Work: My Pilgrimage
July 11, 2017
Reflecting on three summers spent on the S.W.E.A.T. crew, Bryan explains why volunteering for a Trail maintaining crew is his ideal way to give back to the A.T.
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by Samantha Rokos, Public Relations Intern
Catch You on the Flip Side: The Thru-Hike Experience As Told by 2016 Flip Floppers
April 20, 2017
This is a time of the year where we at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) celebrate what makes flip flop thru-hiking a great alternative to traditional northbound/southbound (NOBO/SOBO) thru-hikes. The ATC began heavily promoting flip flop thru-hikes three years ago in response to the increase of NOBO thru-hikers beginning on Springer Mountain in Georgia to help reduce the impacts that large crowds of thru-hikers have on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Since then, the number of flip flop thru-hikers have grown, leading to the popularity of different flip flop routes.
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by Jim Fetig
More Than Fire: The effects of the Southeast wildfires on the Appalachian Trail community
March 3, 2017
To get a full picture of how the 2016 wildfires fires affected the Appalachian Trail, author Jim Fetig made a whirlwind trip in December throughout the Southeast to assess the damage, both physically and economically, to the Trail and its surrounding communities.
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by Roland “Tony” Richardson, Member of ATC’s Next Generation Advisory Council
A Hike Through History: Following the Path of the Underground Railroad
February 13, 2017
In October 2016, a group of seven African-American outdoor enthusiasts embarked on a four-day backpacking trip on the A.T. to retrace the journeys of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad through the Appalachian Mountains.
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by Kim Rosenbaum
The Monson Visitor Center Life: A Reflection from ATC’s Northernmost Outpost
January 5, 2017
Kim Rosenbaum reflects on her role as a representative for the Monson, Maine Appalachian Trail Visitor Center.
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by Jordan Bowman
2016 Sees Rise in Ethical Hiking Practices Among Appalachian Trail Hikers
August 11, 2016
After analyzing visitor numbers collected at Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters from January to July 2016, we have observed several positive trends within the A.T. community.
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by Ron Tipton, ATC Executive Director/CEO
December 2 Update on the A.T. and the Southern Fires
December 2, 2016
Dec. 2, 2016 – Over the last few weeks, fires have raged across the southern Appalachian Mountains and the Appalachian Trail from Georgia up to central Virginia, and many major fires are still burning. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the many people dealing with the loss of life, homes, businesses and other property. We also want to thank the brave firefighters from all over the country who have joined the fight to protect the region and the Trail from further damage.
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by Jordan Bowman
Why the ATC is Opting Outside on Black Friday
October 24, 2016
Tell your family to “Take a hike” — #OptOutside this Black Friday instead of getting caught up in the holiday shopping chaos.
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by Amanda Wheelock
Our Future Leaders in Conservation: Ten Weeks with the Conservation Leadership Corps
September 20, 2016
The inaugural Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) helped prepare a group of young, driven individuals for future careers as environmental stewards. To help us understand the program’s impact, the CLC crew has shared the most memorable moments from their summer on the Appalachian Trail.
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by Jordan Bowman
Senate Bill Aims to Combat Lyme Disease
June 24, 2016
The U.S. Senate will soon consider legislation that takes a vital step toward reducing occurrences of tick-borne illnesses and providing better treatment for those afflicted.
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by Alivia Acosta, Next Generation Advisory Council Member
The Next Gen Finally Meets Face-to-Face
June 1, 2016
The Trail is the heart of the community and the volunteers are the soul. This past weekend I had the honor of meeting people who embody what being the soul of the A.T. entails.
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by James “Sisu” Fetig
Physical Preparation for the Older Hiker
April 27, 2016
We boomers are aging whether or not we like to admit it, and older hikers face special challenges from which youth, or our lack thereof, no longer protects us.
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by Leanna Joyner
And they’re off
March 30, 2016
Trees have put on their buds at lower elevations in the Southern Appalachians, and, just as hopeful, many hikers are setting out on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) with their compasses set northward.
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by Andrew Downs, ATC regional director
Self-reliance and the Appalachian Trail experience
February 24, 2016
I turned 22 during my thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). After charging past an army of day-hikers struggling up Mount Lafayette in New Hampshire, I reunited with “Lazy Mike,” “Renegade,” and “Papa Squat” on the summit and celebrated by polishing off a fifth of Jack Daniels.
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by Aaron Weitzner, ATC summer public relations intern
The life of an intern
November 18, 2015
The ATC’s summer public relations intern, Aaron Weitzner, chatted with other current and former interns about their experience with the organization. Here’s a snapshot of their conversation!
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by Kathryn Herndon and Leanna Joyner, ATC conservation staff
Seven sturdy takeaways from time on the Appalachian Trail
October 28, 2015
A walking classroom is the setting of a Leave No Trace Trainer course, designed to immerse participants in the teachable moments found along the world’s most famous long-distance Trail.
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by Laura Belleville, ATC's director of Conservation
Taking a look at the big picture
September 3, 2015
Let’s face it, we could all benefit from taking a hard look at how we behave on the Appalachian Trail.
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by Olivia Pridemore, ATC's summer intern
Our annual Gala: More than appearances
September 3, 2015
What is it that makes an awards Gala truly valuable for a nonprofit organization like the ATC?
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by Olivia Pridemore, ATC's summer intern
Celebrating 90 together
September 2, 2015
As many of you know, we are currently celebrating 90 years of protecting and managing the Appalachian Trail. But 2015 has ushered in an additional 90th occasion. June 19 marked the 90th birthday of one of our dedicated members, Randall Brooks. In his 90 years, Randall has led an eventful and adventurous life, in which his experiences have fostered a deep passion for protecting the place that has become a sanctuary to him, the Appalachian Trail.
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by Peter Farrell, guest blogger
Hey mister
December 18, 2020
What follows is the winning submission from our May essay contest. Although we asked for a written description of a memorable time ON the Trail, we enjoyed the unique perspective of this inspirational essay written by Peter Farrell. Check it out.
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by Maxwell Roeske, ATC spring intern
Intern aspirations
September 2, 2015
Kelly set the bar high for ATC interns by becoming a monthly donor, writes Max, our spring intern.
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by Anne Baker
Meals so good you won’t want to share with your hiking partner
September 2, 2015
Food. We’d like to bet that besides gear, it’s what hikers think the most about while they’re out on the trail. But if you’re tired of getting your calories from those chicken teriyaki Mountain House meals or a Snickers bar dipped in peanut butter, we don’t blame you. Here’s a few tried-and-true backcountry recipes from our staff.
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by Ellen Gass, guest blogger
A (not-so) ‘Wild’ gal
September 2, 2015
Let me start by saying that I loved “Wild.” I loved the book. I loved the movie. I loved the way they captured many of the struggles and fears that hikers, especially solo female hikers, have while backpacking. And, it gave me a sincere appreciation for the fact that my toenails fell off on their own without having to rip them off.
by Anne Baker, ATC's marketing assistant
Why we’re looking good at 90
September 2, 2015
We’ve come a long way since that day in 1925 when Benton MacKaye and his team sat down to determine how to get the A.T. on the ground from Georgia to Maine.
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by Anne Baker, ATC's marketing assistant
A new (voluntary) step for thru-hikers
September 2, 2015
Thru-hiker fever has officially set in. And with the general preparations like gear shakedowns, meal planning, mail drop logistics and (in some cases) quitting your job to hike thousands of miles, there’s another way the class of 2015 is getting ready for a thru-hike: voluntary registration.
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by Laura Belleville, ATC's director of Conservation
‘Hiking the Hill’ to protect the A.T.
September 2, 2015
This past week, our senior conservation staff have had their hiking boots on, but not for a jaunt along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Instead, we were in DC for the annual advocacy event “Hike the Hill,” along with many other national scenic and historic trail representatives from across the country, for nearly a week of organized meetings with agency and Congressional representatives.
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by Robert J. Collins, Georgia Appalachian Trail Club
Erasing a trend
September 2, 2015
Modern day petroglyphs? Self-expression art? An expected rite of passage? Vandalism? The definition of graffiti depends on who you ask. Prehistoric men and women felt a need to mark caves with drawings of animals or to scrape signs and shapes on rocks. Were these messages for others traveling through the area, or were they sitting out a thunderstorm in a cave, bored? Today we can still see the overwhelming urge that humans have to leave their mark—even along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).
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by Kathryn Herndon, ATC's education and outreach coordinator
Raising the next generation of Trail stewards
September 2, 2015
It’s estimated that children today spend about half as much time outdoors as they did 20 years ago, instead devoting an average of 5 to 7 hours a day staring at a TV, computer, or other screens. These statistics raise an interesting (and scary!) question: Will the next generation care enough about the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) to protect their national treasure?
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by Amy McCormick, ATC's corporate relations and events officer
Reflections from the show floor
September 2, 2015
I’ve just returned from another exciting <a href=”http://www.outdoorretailer.com/”>Winter Market Outdoor Retailer Show</a> (OR) in Salt Lake City—an awesome outdoor gear trade show that features leading industry professionals and all the new products and apparel. Twice a year, I head out to OR to meet up with all of our partners (and chat with prospective partners) in order to share with everyone how the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is using their support, as well as figure out how we can all do more to protect the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).
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by Anne Baker, ATC's marketing assistant
Have a week to spare? You won’t regret using it for this
September 2, 2015
We get it. Whether it’s school, a full-time job, a family, or those little everyday life occurrences—you’re busy. But if you can spare a week and want to spend some time on the Appalachian Trail, we have a gig for you.
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by Ron Tipton, ATC's executive director/CEO
Redford & Nolte ‘Walk in the Woods’
September 2, 2015
It is not possible to watch the Sundance premiere of Robert Redford’s production of “A Walk in the Woods” without comparing it to its Pacific Crest Trail movie counterpart “Wild.” While Redford and his sidekick Nick Nolte (playing book author Bill Bryson and his long-lost high school buddy Stephen Katz) are far removed from Reese Witherspoon, there are important thematic connections that make “A Walk” very special in its own way.
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by Anne Baker
A mile here, a mile there
September 2, 2015
Hikers, if you can’t get enough of the Appalachian Trail—well, there are now 3.9 more miles of it.
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by Anne Baker, ATC's marketing assistant
Have you seen my solar charger?
September 2, 2015
There’s a debate out there that might generate more heat than the age-old question of “App-uh-ley-chun” versus “App-uh-lach-uhn,” and that’s the issue of technology and the Appalachian Trail. As hikers, how do we use things like mobile devices without diminishing the A.T. experience for ourselves and others?
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by Anne Baker, ATC's marketing assistant
Stop for a drink—on the rocks
September 2, 2015
Sometimes the best discoveries are made while you’re sitting down. Like that time when you were out on the Trail, enjoying your ramen or peanut butter while perched on a rock. You may have watched an ant crawl by, carrying a crumb to its colony; you might have noticed a particular kind of bird for the very first time. The point is observation.
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by Susan Daniels, ATC's Conservation coordinator
Hey Bivouac Bob, we’ll miss you
September 2, 2015
Bob Proudman has been my supervisor, my colleague, and my friend since I came to work for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) nearly 26 years ago.
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by Lyn Widmyer, ATC volunteer
A [brief] escape
September 2, 2015
In 1996, writer Bill Bryson attempted to hike all 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) He failed. But he succeeded big time with his humorous account of the trip. His book, “A Walk in the Woods,” quickly became a best seller and inspired a lot more people to hike the Trail. The upsurge in hikers was called the Bryson Bump.
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by Leanna Joyner, ATC's Trail resources manager
The ultimate post-thru-hike re-entry program
May 31, 2015
Need something to do after your thru-hike? Rocky Top Trail Crew enables hikers to experience the Great Smoky Mountains from a different perspective by working and camping on the Trail during 8-day sessions.
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by Maxwell Roeske, ATC spring intern
A new tradition on the A.T.
May 31, 2015
Who wouldn’t want to soak up as much of the Trail’s beauty as they could? Flip flopping lets you slow down and enjoy more of the little things.
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by Anne Baker, ATC's marketing assistant
Reunions—Trail Days style
May 12, 2015
An ATC employee recounts what it’s like to go to Trail Days in Damascus, VA.
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