3 Appalachian Trail New Year’s Resolutions

As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many people find themselves reflecting on the past and setting goals for the future. For those passionate about outdoor adventures, the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) offers a unique and breathtaking backdrop to transform aspirations into reality.

Whether you’re resolving to make new friends and connect with others, try out new hobbies, 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!

1. Make New Friends

Volunteering on the A.T. provides an opportunity to give back while making lasting connections with others. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice, there are numerous ways to contribute.

Volunteering on the A.T. is a great way to make friends.

Spend a few days on the Trail by joining a Trail Crew and help ensure the A.T. remains accessible and well-maintained for other visitors. Or, join a single-day volunteer event and make new friends in a beautiful setting. Find volunteer events near you that fit within your schedule by signing up for monthly Volunteer Opportunities emails.

Making friends through volunteering not only enriches your own experience on the Trail but also contributes to the sense of camaraderie that defines the A.T. community.

2. Try a New Hobby

Is one of your 2024 goals to expand your horizons and try out new hobbies? Two exciting options on the A.T. are birding and trail running.

Birding: The A.T. is home to a diverse array of bird species, making it a haven for birding enthusiasts. Invest in a pair of binoculars, grab a field guide, and peek into the trees. As you start to recognize the signature melodies of different species, and you’ll add a whole new dimension to your outdoor experience. You can also document your sightings and contribute to citizen science projects, adding a sense of purpose to your birding adventures.

Running on rugged trails like the A.T. requires a different mindset and training before you can start speeding up the slopes. Take it slow and focus on building your strength and endurance.

Trail Running: If you’re looking for a physical challenge, try trail running along the A.T. Trail running not only boosts your physical fitness but also allows you to cover more ground and see more of the Trail at a time. Check out our trail running tips to get started on the A.T.

3. Spend More Time in Nature

In our plugged-in lives, it’s easy to lose touch with the natural world. If your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time in nature, consider  planning a visit to the A.T., even for just a few hours. Plan weekend getaways or longer section hikes to fully disconnect reap the mental health benefits of spending time in these stunning landscapes.

Photo by Csilla Mathe (@_chi11axin) showing the sunrise from Guyot camp just past the Franconia Ridge

Whether it’s camping under a starlit sky, enjoying a sunrise over a mountain peak, or simply taking a short walk through the green tunnel, the A.T. offers many opportunities to reconnect with the great outdoors.

As you embark on your A.T. adventures in 2024, seize opportunities to make new friends, explore new hobbies, and reconnect with nature the Appalachian Trail.