As one of the most significant greenways in the Eastern United States and a climate resilient wilderness corridor, the Appalachian Trail landscape is a critical have for both wildlife and people.
This land base, spanning the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine, connects significant state and federal lands. Running primarily along the ridge-lines, Trail lands protect a migratory flyway and headwater streams for major East Coast watersheds.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s work is focused on the protection and stewardship of the lands, waters, and natural habitats surrounding the Appalachian Trail.
We work to ensure the health and connectivity of the A.T. and its landscape through collaborative conservation efforts, natural resource management, forest restoration, improving ecological integrity, and much more:
370K
Acres Protected in A.T. Corridor
1,800
Endangered or Rare Species
1,800
Steams & Rivers Crossed by the A.T.
Protecting land along the A.T. has been a priority for Trail managers ever since the Trail was established. We have worked with state and federal agencies since 1982 to protect the lands surrounding the A.T., resulting in one of the most significant and successful land acquisition programs in the United States. Today there is a 370,000 acre protected greenway around the Trail that connects significant public lands in the eastern United States.
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The ATC works to protect and restore the natural resources found within the nearly 370,000-acre corridor of protected A.T. lands so that they may continue to provide quality habitat for imperiled species, an exceptional hiking experience, and critical ecological services like clean air, clean drinking water, and carbon sequestration.
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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the National Park Service co-convene the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Landscape Partnership, or ATLP, which includes top conservationists who are committed to a bold vision of greater Appalachian Trail conservation in the face of 21st-century threats. The mission of the ATLP is to connect the wild, scenic and cultural wonders of the Appalachian Trail and its surrounding landscape. All entities working on land conservation along and aside the Appalachian Trail are invited to participate in ATLP efforts.
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The Appalachian Trail Community™ program is a vibrant network of 56 towns and cities that embrace, celebrate, and protect the Trail. More than just stops along the path—each community plays a vital role in the Appalachian Trail experience, offering hikers and visitors essential services, local flavor, rich history, volunteer opportunities, as well as supporting sustainable conservation efforts throughout the Appalachian Trail landscape.
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In 2021 and 2022, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Center for Large Landscape Conservation, members of the Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership, and dozens of other climate and conservation experts convened to explore ways to enhance the climate resiliency of the A.T. landscape. Their recommendations are included in a comprehensive report.
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Apply For Grant
This funding program provides grants to qualified organizations working to conserve and connect the wild, scenic, and cultural wonders of the Appalachian Trail and its landscape, also known as the Wild East.
