March 10, 2023
Trailway News: Here Comes the Sun
As the clocks roll forward for Daylight Saving Time, we’re celebrating the shifting seasons and warmer days on the Appalachian Trail. We’re sharing some of our favorite A.T. recipes, campfire safety tips, and more in this week’s Trailway News.
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March 3, 2023
Trailway News: Happy Birthday to Us!
Celebrate the ATC’s 98th birthday and the start of Women’s History Month, plus get ready for the next state in our State-by-State Photo Contest in this week’s Trailway News!
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February 24, 2023
Trailway News: Look Out for Invasive Species
February may be the shortest month of the year, but there’s still a lot happening on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Explore some of the latest news from the Trail.
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February 17, 2023
Trailway News: Hikes are Like a Box of Chocolates
Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but our love for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and its community of doers and dreamers is alive every day of the year! Explore some of the latest news from the Trail.
February 3, 2023
Trailway News: Find the ATC in All Your Feeds
Follow us on TikTok @appalachiantrail, learn how we’re celebrating the start of Black History Month, and more in this week’s Trailway News.
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January 27, 2023
Trailway News: Take the A.T. Hiker Pledge
This week in Trailway News, get inspired by stories of partnerships and projects that help the A.T. and the people and animals who follow the white blazes.
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January 20, 2023
Trailway News: Our Crews Need YOU!
Have you been curious about what it’s like to join a Trail Crew? Learn more about the Konnarock Trail Crew and more need-to-know info about the A.T. in 2023.
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January 13, 2023
Trailway News: Branch Out with New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s Resolutions are notoriously hard to stick to, but the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) might be just the thing we all need to inject a little motivation into our 2023 goals.
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January 6, 2023
Trailway News: Here’s to S’more Adventures in 2023
Happy New Year! We’re back with weekly editions of Trailway News to ring in 2023. To new readers, welcome! And to those who have been longtime readers and supporters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), a huge thank you.
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December 16, 2022
Trailway News: A Few More Steps for 2023
We’re wrapping up the year with an exciting announcement! You can learn more about 2023 mileage, thru-hiking tips, and more in this issue of Trailway News — the final one of 2022! From everyone at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
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December 9, 2022
Trailway News: A Shared Experience
Does harsh wintry weather have you stuck inside, daydreaming of future hikes on the Appalachian Trail? Whether you’re planning the perfect day hike, preparing for a full thru-hike attempt, or somewhere in between, don’t forget to plan and prepare with our Hiker Resource Library! With everything from gear suggestions to Leave No Trace how-to guides, you’ll have everything you need to hit the Trail ready for anything.
December 2, 2022
Trailway News: Ice to Meet You
The days may be getting shorter (and colder), but the list of ways you can support and connect with the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) only gets longer! Keep scrolling to learn more about how you can still get in on the #GivingTuesday spirit, shop great A.T. gifts, make the most of the winter hiking season, and plan future hikes.
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November 18, 2022
Trailway News: Gobble Gobble
The Thanksgiving holiday always inspires us at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to pause and express gratitude for everything our members and supporters help us achieve throughout the year. We’re so grateful for all that you do to protect and celebrate the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)!
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November 11, 2022
Trailway News: Thank You, Veterans
This Veterans Day, we sincerely thank those who have served in the armed forces. For many veterans, the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) has become a destination to help “walk off the war,” in much the same way as World War II veteran Earl V. Shaffer when he completed the first known A.T. thru-hike in 1948.
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November 4, 2022
Trailway News: Sweet Dreams of the A.T.
The 2022 Appalachian Trail (A.T.) thru-hiking season is nearing its end. Katahdin has closed for the season, and the number of southbound and flip-flop thru-hikers passing through the ATC Headquarters & Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry has slowed to a trickle.
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October 28, 2022
Trailway News: Trick or Tre-A.T.
Happy Halloween from all of us at the ATC! To help you get in the spooky season spirit, choose one of three Appalachian Trail-themed jack-o’-lantern stencils to give your guests on All Hallows’ Eve a special treat. BONUS: take a photo of your A.T.-themed jack-o’-lanterns and share it on social media with #ATCspotlight for a chance to be featured in next week’s Trailway News and on our Instagram!
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October 21, 2022
Trailway News: It’s Lonely at the Top (of Katahdin)
One of the most important annual milestones for Appalachian Trail (A.T.) hikers has arrived. Yesterday, October 20, Baxter State Park officially closed all Katahdin trails for the season. This includes the Hunt Trail, which the A.T. follows to its northern terminus on Baxter Peak. The trails on Katahdin typically reopen in mid-to-late May each year.
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October 14, 2022
Trailway News: Hangtag, You’re It!
Every year, the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) hangtag can be seen dangling from the backpacks of thousands of hikers as they attempt to tackle the entire Trail, whether in one continuous thru-hike or over a series of section hikes. The color of the hangtag changes each year, and for 2023, the color will be… up to you.
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October 7, 2022
Trailway News: Care for the Bears
This week is a favorite of ours at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC): it’s Katmai National Park’s Fat Bear Week. “Why,” you may ask, “does the ATC love an event taking place nowhere near the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)?”
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September 30, 2022
Trailway News: We Meet Again
The 2022 Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Membership Meeting is finally here! Streaming live tomorrow morning (October 1) at 10:30 a.m., we will discuss the successes and future of the ATC and the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), and announce the results of our Board of Directors election.
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September 23, 2022
Trailway News: Celebrate Our Public Lands
Did you feel a nip in the air this morning? Fall is officially here, and we start it off by celebrating National Public Lands Day tomorrow, September 24! Established in 1994, this day celebrates the connection between people and places like the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) that provide us with so many benefits.
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September 16, 2022
Trailway News: Sayonara, Summer
Today’s Trailway News is the last one of summer, and we are already looking forward to crunching the leaves that carpet the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) this fall. Along with the cooler weather and fall foliage come a few extra considerations before you head down the Trail — check out our tips for ensuring you aren’t caught off guard when the season changes for the chillier.
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September 9, 2022
Trailway News: Summit Season
The final days of summer are here, and that means the majority of this year’s northbound Appalachian Trail (A.T.) thru-hikers are approaching the end of their journeys. Congratulations to all of those who have completed this epic adventure, and good luck to those who are still working toward officially becoming an A.T. 2,000-Miler!
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August 26. 2022
Trailway News: Building Deeper Connections
After years of development and collaboration with the Town of Damascus, we are thrilled to officially open the doors of the Damascus Trail Center (DTC) tomorrow morning, August 27, at 10 a.m.
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August 12, 2022
Trailway News: Something to be Savored
We need your help! To make sure Trailway News is the best it can be, we need the input of people like you! Please take our short survey (fewer than five minutes) and tell us what you think about our e-newsletter. We greatly appreciate your input in improving Trailway News!
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July 29, 2022
Trailway News: Be Gone, EAB
On top of caring for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) itself, one of the primary roles of the ATC is ensuring the environments around the Trail are protected and healthy. Sometimes the biggest threats to the health of the A.T. landscape come in tiny forms.
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July 15, 2022
Trailway News: Can It
Backpack? Of course. Tent or hammock? No doubt. There are some pieces of our Appalachian Trail (A.T.) camping equipment that are always on our list of essentials for a successful overnight backpacking trip. In order to best protect both A.T. visitors and wildlife on the Trail, we are officially adding one more item to our list of essential gear: a bear-resistant food storage container.
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July 1, 2022
Trailway News: Happy Independence Day Weekend
The Independence Day weekend is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, and for many that means a hike on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). You can help preserve the Trail and surrounding landscape by practicing Leave No Trace.
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June 17, 2022
Trailway News: Step into Summer
The first day of summer is just around the corner! Starting this week, we will release a new issue of Trailway News every other week throughout the summer months. We hope this will encourage you to spend more time outside (and away from your inbox) while enabling us to focus on a variety of projects along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). For any breaking news and your daily dose of all things A.T., keep an eye on the ATC website and follow us on our social media channels.
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June 10, 2022
Trailway News: Just Say “No!” to Invasive Species
When you look at the photo above, what do you see? Unfortunately, those are not just pretty pink flowers lining the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) — those are Dame’s Rocket, an invasive species that impacts the health of ecosystems surrounding the Trail.
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May 13, 2022
Trailway News: Time for Trail Days!
Trail Days has officially begun! The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is excited to join this annual celebration of all things Appalachian Trail (A.T.) taking place in beautiful Damascus, Virginia (a.k.a. “Trail Town U.S.A.”). Be sure to follow us on Instagram throughout the event as we provide updates and photos. For those planning on participating, stop by our booth at the Damascus Trail Center to join our events and enter raffles for great backpacking prizes!
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May 6, 2022
Trailway News: Trail Days is almost here!
In less than a week, the ATC will join the Town of Damascus, Virginia, to celebrate the 35th annual Appalachian Trail Days Festival! This one-of-a-kind event brings together hikers, communities, volunteers, and supporters from around the country to celebrate the opportunities and benefits provided by the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).
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April 29, 2022
Trailway News: Under the Night Sky
This week marks International Dark Sky Week, where we celebrate and commit to protecting the world’s beautiful (and vulnerable) night skies. Dark night skies along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) landscape help protect the routes of migratory species impacted by light pollution and nocturnal species that rely on the cover of night for foraging — and, of course, star-filled night skies are an irreplaceable part of the A.T. experience we all love.
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April 22, 2022
Trailway News: Happy Earth Day
To us at the ATC, every day is Earth Day! Even so, this special day reminds people around the world how important it is to protect the environment, live sustainably, and give back to our planet. As a volunteer, supporter, or advocate for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), you are helping to make the world and the A.T. a more wonderful place.
Celebrate Earth Day by pledging to care for the A.T. and our planet. As a thank you for taking our Earth Day pledge, we will send you a free ATC sticker!
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April 15, 2022
Trailway News: Connected by the Trail
Around the world, billions of people will celebrate Earth Day (April 22) together by taking action to help our planet. From picking up trash to participating in volunteer events to planting native grasses and wildflowers, small actions can help make the planet and the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) better for all.
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April 8, 2022
Trailway News: Pack it Out
Spring weather is slowly making its way up the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), with blooming wildflowers welcoming visitors in the southern sections. Early spring, however, can be deceptive — hikers should still be prepared for sudden wintry weather for the next several weeks, especially at higher elevations. This weekend is a perfect example, as hikers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will experience below-freezing temperatures and up to six inches of snow. Make sure you are prepared for inclement A.T. weather by checking our Trail Updates page and packing the essentials for a safe, enjoyable hike.
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April 1, 2022
Trailway News: April Showers
April is officially here! While hundreds of hikers have already begun the journey from Springer Mountain to attempt a northbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), a growing number of adventurers will soon attempt a twist on the thru-hike formula: a “flip-flop” thru-hike.
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March 27, 2022
Trailway News: An (Almost) Summer Stroll
With a long weekend ahead, many of us will be heading to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) for some peace and relaxation! Whether you are a seasoned backpacking pro or about to embark on your first outdoor adventure, here are some tips to help you plan and prepare for your trip.
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March 25, 2022
Trailway News: Running the Ridges
Have you ever met a ridgerunner while exploring the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)? These Trail-tested individuals live and work on (and for) the Trail, especially at locations that experience high volumes of hikers.
So what all does a ridgerunner do? With the help of two experienced ATC ridgerunners, we answer some of the most common questions you’ve asked about this one-of-a-kind role in our latest blog post.
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March 23, 2022
Trailway News: It’s Almost National Trails Day!
On June 4, join us on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) for the 30th annual National Trails Day! Be part of the thousands of hikers, volunteers, and outdoor lovers that come together to help clean up public lands and trails like the A.T.
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March 18, 2022
Trailway News: Stepping into Spring
This Sunday marks the first day of spring, and many hikers will be escaping to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) to enjoy the upcoming warm weather and longer daylight hours. Before you head out on your own A.T. adventures, make sure you are equipped with the skills and gear you need by checking out our Hiker Resource Library. From gear lists and safety information to the latest Trail conditions, you’ll have everything you need to put some spring in your step.
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March 11, 2022
Trailway News: Say It Ain’t Snow…
While our clocks “spring forward” this Sunday, many parts of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) are experiencing the lingering effects of winter. This weekend, the Trail is expected to see heavy snowfall/mixed precipitation, freezing temperatures (especially in high elevations), and high winds from Georgia to Maine. So if you are on the Trail currently or are planning to hike this weekend, make sure to be prepared or adjust your plans accordingly.
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March 4, 2022
Trailway News: Celebrating Our 97th Anniversary
Yesterday we celebrated our 97th anniversary and would like to thank you for taking this journey with us! Over the years, the ATC has proudly continued the legacy of protecting, managing, and advocating for the Appalachian Trail so that millions each year can enjoy all the Trail has to offer.
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February 18, 2022
Trailway News: A Salve for the Heart and Soul
As we head into the weekend, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is proud to share this piece with you from the Winter 2022 issue of A.T. Journeys, our official membership magazine.
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February 11, 2022
Trailway News: Sending You Our Love From the ATC
While we celebrate our love for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) each day, February marks a special month and occasion. Please enjoy this preview article from our upcoming issue of A.T. Journeys magazine, the official membership magazine of the ATC. President & CEO Sandra Marra discusses how the relationship with her husband, Chris, was nurtured by a shared love for the Trail.
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February 4, 2022
Trailway News: Love Letters to the Trail
Throughout February, we are excited to feature your Love Letters to the A.T., which will highlight the many ways that people fell in love with the Trail, and what keeps that love going year after year. Thank you to everyone who submitted to this series! We begin this series with two inspiring stories.
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January 28, 2022
Trailway News: An Act of Love
Let’s work together to enjoy the outdoors responsibly! Whether it is your first visit to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) or your fiftieth, there are many ways to care for the Trail while you enjoy it. From packing out trash to being prepared for unfavorable weather, the seven principles of Leave No Trace are simple, yet effective ethics to guide A.T. hiking adventures.
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January 24, 2022
Trailway News: Plan Ahead and Prepare
Are you ready for a 2022 Appalachian Trail (A.T.) adventure?
Whether you are planning an overnight trip or an entire 2,193.4-mile trek on the A.T., we’ve put together a list of tips that will help you prepare for your next hike on the Trail.
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January 18, 2022
Trailway News: Brrr!
Brrr! A major winter storm is expected to impact the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) beginning Saturday, January 15, with snowfall, sleet/freezing rain and below-freezing temperatures in the forecast from Georgia to Maine. A.T. hikers should use extreme caution and prepare for downed trees, ice and slippery Trail conditions.
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January 7, 2022
Trailway News: Thank You
We wanted to start 2022 with two important words: thank you.
Without your support — whether that be through your donations, volunteerism, spreading the word about Appalachian Trail (A.T.) protection, being a voice on issues that affect the Trail, or simply recreating responsibly on the world’s longest hiking-only footpath — the A.T. would not be the landmark of conservation and inspiration we all know it as today. Many refer to the A.T. as “The People’s Trail” for a good reason: it only exists because of people like you.
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December 30, 2021
Trailway News: See You Next Year
We at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) are proud of the impact we made together in 2021. It was your love of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and your support of the ATC that helped make this impact possible. As we head into the new year, we wanted to take a look back at some of our accomplishments in 2021 and look forward to our work ahead.
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December 23, 2021
Trailway News: Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays from all of us at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC)! You’re receiving this issue of Trailway News a day early since the ATC will be closed for the holidays. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) itself is still open and ready for wintertime adventures.
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December 17, 2021
Trailway News: Keeping It Moving
Hikers aren’t the only ones who follow the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)! The Trail traverses ecosystems ranging from alpine summits to wetlands, creating a connected natural corridor traveled by all sorts of wildlife — from majestic moose to tiny cerulean warblers. In our latest blog post, we explore how A.T. wildlife increasingly depends on a continuous, protected A.T. Landscape as the impacts of climate change worsen.
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December 10, 2021
Trailway News: Getting to Work
2021 was a monumental year in the history of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), celebrating 100 years since Benton MacKaye first envisioned an unbroken footpath from Georgia to Maine. Throughout the year, we have reflected on how much has been accomplished in the creation, management, and protection of the Trail. As we enter into the second century of the A.T., join us as we look ahead at the work that must still be accomplished to help meet MacKaye’s vision and ensure the Trail continues to be a source of recreation, conservation, and inspiration for generations to come.
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December 3, 2021
Trailway News: 2021’s Final Stretch
The end of 2021 is just around the corner, and we all know what that means: it’s time to start planning next year’s adventures! In order to help you best prepare for any upcoming trips on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).
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November 19, 2021
Trailway News: A Few Steps Farther in 2022
There is officially more of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) to love in 2022, with its official length becoming 2,194.3 miles!
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November 12, 2021
Trailway News: It’s Almost Take A Hike Day!
One of our favorite unofficial holidays is coming up on November 17: National Take A Hike Day! This day is a great reason (or “excuse” should you need one) to pull together gear, lace up your boots and head to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).
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November 5, 2021
Trailway News: What Were You Thinking, Benton?
Did you wake up to frost on your tent this week? Many sections of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) recently got a taste of winter weather, with temperatures plunging to freezing (or below) along much of the Trail. Before you head out for any upcoming adventures, check out our tips for hiking in wintry conditions and make sure you are prepared in case the weather takes a turn for the chilly.
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October 29, 2021
Trailway News: Trek or Treat
Happy Halloween from the ATC! For those of you looking to treat yourself to an Appalachian Trail-themed holiday, we’ve got you covered — we have three jack-o’-lantern stencils ready for carving! Whether you use these stencils or craft your own A.T. designs, be sure to share a picture of your creations (and any other photos from your A.T. adventures) on social media and tag them with #atcspotlight!
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October 22, 2021
Trailway News: The Second Century
The chill of winter has arrived at the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)! On October 20, Baxter State Park announced that all Katahdin trails, including the Hunt Trail (which the A.T. follows to Baxter Peak), are closed due to winter conditions. This seasonal closure helps protect fragile alpine environments and keeps hikers safe when trail markings are obscured.
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October 15, 2021
Trailway News: 100 Years in the Making
One hundred years ago this month, Benton MacKaye published a visionary article proposing what he called “the Appalachian Trail.” A century later, his vision-turned-reality connects millions of people to the awesome beauty of the Appalachian Mountains where they find communion with nature, new adventures, or even a simple walk in the woods.
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October 8, 2021
Trailway News: Why I Hike
A few months ago, we asked you a question: “Why do you hike?”
You shared so many great and inspiring stories with us about what hiking on the Appalachian Trail means to you, how it has impacted your lives, and what draws you back to the Trail again and again.
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October 1, 2021
Trailway News: Boots Below, Wings Above
During this time of the year, there are more than leaves floating above the Appalachian Trail. Many migratory bird species, like hawks, eagles and warblers, follow the A.T. to their wintertime homes using the Trail corridor as a refuge. During your autumn A.T. adventures — perhaps to see the fall foliage — be sure to look to the skies for migratory birds passing overhead.
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September 24, 2021
Trailway News: Changing of the Seasons
Welcome, Autumn! This past Wednesday (September 22) marked the transition from hot summer days to the beginning of crisp aired mornings. And this upcoming Saturday (September 25) ushers in one of the largest single-day volunteer events in the United States – National Public Lands Day.
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