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:
- Know Before You Go: The volume of visitors may be high this weekend! Have a backup plan should you discover crowded trailheads and limited parking at your intended hiking location. Know the conditions of the area you’ll be hiking by checking out our Trail Updates page.
- Plan and Prepare: Bring the essentials you need to ensure a safe and successful hike. Get started by viewing our Hiker Resource Library.
- Leave No Trace: We all love the Trail, so let’s work together to leave it better than we found it by following these important backcountry principles.
- Stay Safe: While the A.T. is a relatively safe place to visit, that does not mean that there are no potential dangers while you are hiking or camping. Learn more about ways you can maximize your safety in the backcountry.
Thank you for doing your part to protect the outdoors, and enjoy your outdoor adventures this weekend and beyond!
P.S. Be sure to take a moment this Memorial Day weekend to remember the reason behind the holiday. Thank you to all of those who have served and sacrificed for our country!
Trail Updates
A.T. to Baxter Peak on Katahdin Now Open
Baxter State Park announced on Thursday that the Hunt Trail on Katahdin (which the A.T. follows to its terminus on Baxter Peak) is officially open. Visitors should be prepared for early season conditions such as patchy snow/ice, blowdowns, and variable weather conditions.
2.6-Mile A.T. Section in New Hampshire Reopens after Wildfire
While the U.S. Forest Service has completed rehab and mitigation work along the Trail, hikers should continue to use caution.
Photo: USFS/White Mountain National Forest
Multiple A.T. Areas Affected by Bear Activity
There have been multiple reports of bears on or near the A.T. showing either aggression or a lack of fear toward humans, including a bear biting a 12-year-old Boy Scout near the Trail in Harriman State Park. To help minimize the risk of a bear encounter, visitors are reminded to cook away from camp, never feed/approach bears, never leave their pack unattended, pack out all uneaten food and scraps, and secure food and other “smellable” items using provided food storage options or a bear canister. Bear canisters are the recommended food storage option to help keep you, your food, and bears safe. Also, please do not sleep with or near your food! For more information on avoiding bear encounters — and what to do if one happens along the A.T. — visit appalachiantrail.org/bears.
Should you have a negative interaction with a bear on the A.T., please report it using our Bear Encounter Report Form.
To view the A.T. locations that have been affected by bear activity, visit appalachiantrail.org/trail-updates
Clayton and Rabun County, Georgia, Celebrate A.T. Community™ Designation
Join us in celebrating Clayton and Rabun County becoming the 51st A.T. Community! They join the growing list of Trailside communities committed to promoting and protecting the A.T., providing respite for long-distance hikers, and serving as gateways to the outdoors for recreation enthusiasts. For those in the area on June 11, join us in Clayton for live music, family-friendly activities, and a variety of booths hosted by local businesses and outdoor recreation/conservation organizations.
Photo by Scott Poss
Getting Ready for A.T. Group Hikes
An A.T. group hike is a special adventure that can help forge strong bonds and create memories that last a lifetime. However, group outings also take some advance planning and special considerations when compared to solo camping. In our latest blog post, check out our tips to help you and your group have a safe and low-impact outing on the A.T.
Photo by Horizonline Pictures
In Other News…
National Trails Day Is Just a Week Away – Be part of the thousands of hikers, volunteers, and outdoor lovers who will come together on June 4 to help clean up public lands and trails. Find an A.T. volunteer event near you and check out the American Hiking Society’s website for more opportunities and to take their Trail stewardship pledge.
Nominations Open until June 11 for ATC’s Board of Directors – We are looking for candidates who can add diversity of thought to the current Board, and can demonstrate a passion for the A.T. and the mission of the ATC. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on the ATC Board, click here for more information.
Apply Now for the Emerging Leaders’ Summit – Taking place August 5-8 in conjunction with A.T. Vista, the Summit engages young people in strengthening connections to nature. Apply to be a part of a diverse cohort of leaders ages 18-35 looking to expand skills and stewardship for the outdoors. Selected participants will receive a scholarship covering lodging, meals, and registration costs. Learn more and apply today: appalachiantrail.org/summit . Thank you to our partner L.L.Bean for supporting the Summit.
Shout-Out to Hudson Valley Credit Union – Thank you to Hudson Valley Credit Union (HVCU) and its members who are helping conserve the New York section of the A.T. by donating more than $14,000 from HVCU’s Loan that Gives Back program!
Now Accepting 2024 ATC Calendar Photo Submissions – Have a jaw-dropping photo of the A.T.? We are accepting photo submissions of digital images for the official 2024 ATC Calendar until July 15, 2022.
Community Spotlight
Happy Trails!
Thank you for your continued support and the love you express for the Trail!