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.
Whether you’ve resolved to be more physically active, more engaged with your community, or more supportive of causes you care about in 2023, the A.T. is a great place to get inspired and reach your goals. This week, we’re bringing you some upcoming volunteer and seasonal job opportunities and our best trail running tips to help you start the year!
2023 Volunteer Highlights
Make Friends, Give Back. The A.T. exists because people like you dedicate their time to caring for the Trail. Volunteer work can be physical (like Trail work or boundary maintenance), but it can also be creative, administrative, and more. Volunteering is a great way to gain skills, make new friends, and forge deeper connections to the A.T.
Our Volunteer Spotlight for January is Irma Graf! Irma has served for many years as a volunteer editor of A.T. guidebooks and maps, piloting three editions of the Appalachian Trail Guide to Central Virginia. Irma’s behind-the-scenes work has been essential for ensuring these publications are up to date for A.T. adventures. Thank you, Irma!
Photo by Alyssa Godesky
Hit the Trail Running
Trail running provides an opportunity to experience the A.T. in a whole new way. Whether you’re a brand new runner or a seasoned road runner curious about giving the trails a try, our latest blog post lays out a variety of tips for creating an enjoyable trail run on the A.T. — and, of course, taking care of the Trail in the process.
Photo by Horizonline Pictures
Seasonal Work Opportunities
Spend a season working for an amazing organization (that’s us!) while helping maintain and protect the A.T. There are several seasonal positions currently accepting applications. Visit appalachiantrail.org/careers to learn more.
Trail Updates
Increased vehicle break-ins have been reported at A.T. trailheads in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Use caution when parking at trailheads and avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. Report break-ins to local law enforcement and call 911 in emergencies.
ATC offices will be closed on January 16, 2023, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Our Visitor Centers will remain open during regular hours.
In Other News…
Finding Love on the A.T. – One Memorial Day hike in 2015 brought two soulmates together on the A.T. When Sarah and Travis ended up at the same campsite during a weekend hike, they sparked a sweet and serendipitous romance. Read the full heartwarming story on CNN Travel.
Focus on the Mid-Atlantic – Maryland Public Television recently showcased the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, the rich history surrounding the Trail, the work by dedicated volunteers to maintain the A.T. hiking experience, and more! The Harpers Ferry highlight begins at minute marker 13:43.
Expect the Unexpected – Our friends at The Trek highlight “15 Sections of the Appalachian Trail No One Tells You About” — some are harder than many hikers expect, while others are even more beautiful than they could imagine.
Community Spotlight
Want to be featured in our community spotlight? Follow us on Instagram at @appalachiantrail and use #atcspotlight in your post!
Happy Trails!
Thank you for your continued support and the love you express for the Trail!
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A Commitment to Justice
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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About Volunteering
Learn more about volunteering on the Appalachian Trail and begin a volunteer journey that matches your skills, interest, and expectations.
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Membership benefits include an oversized Appalachian Trail strip map, a subscription to our membership magazine A.T. Journeys, discounts at the Ultimate A.T. Store®, special volunteer opportunities and invitations to exclusive events.