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.
Photo by Eddie O’Leary
#GivingTuesday FOMO? There’s Still Time to Support the Trail
#GivingTuesday may have come and gone, but it’s not too late to make a gift to the Trail! Donating as part of #GivingTuesday is a meaningful way to ensure the Trail continues to exist and thrive for future generations. Any amount helps us continue our mission to protect, manage, and advocate for the A.T.
And, of course, a Trail-sized THANK YOU goes to everyone who made a gift to the A.T. this week!
Photo by Chris Gallaway/Horizonline Pictures
Our Newest Video: Protecting the Metalmark Butterfly and Native A.T. Species
The Appalachian Trail is home to more than 1,800 rare, threatened, and endangered plants and animals — including the northern metalmark butterfly. The loss of just one species can have a cascading effect that we can only begin to imagine. In our latest video, experience the efforts of ATC staff to protect and revitalize the population of the metalmark butterfly, and how these efforts are essential to preserving the A.T. both for humans and the native species that call the Trail home.
Shop the Ultimate A.T. Store® Cyber Week Sale
Take 20% off your entire order in the Ultimate A.T. Store® through Dec. 4 with promo code ELF22! When you shop our store, you get great A.T. gifts that show your love for the Trail AND support our conservation efforts from Georgia to Maine. Win-win!
Photo by Jordan Bowman
‘Tis the Season to Prepare for Cold Weather
Late fall and winter can be a great time to hike on the A.T., but hiking in these seasons requires extra planning to do it safely. Before setting out on your cold-weather A.T. adventure, check out these tips for a successful hike.
Register Your Hike at ATCamp.org
Planning a 2023 A.T. thru-hike, section hike, or group camping trip? Receive essential Trail updates, prevent crowding at campsites and trailheads, and minimize impacts on the Trail by registering your hike at ATCamp.org.
Photo by Chris Gallaway/Horizonline Pictures
ATC Receives $515,800 from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to Improve Forest Health
The ATC is one of 55 inaugural recipients of America the Beautiful Challenge funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The $515,800 grant will support the ATC’s efforts to manage invasive species and protect endangered ash trees in national forests in five states.
Join Our Team
Our Development Team is growing! We’re seeking experienced fundraisers with a passion for the Appalachian Trail, outdoor recreation, land conservation, environmental protection — or all of the above! If that sounds like you, check our careers page to learn more about the four positions available.
Trail Updates
Nantahala Hiking Club volunteers recently completed the demolition of the Rock Gap Shelter. The privy will remain open while the shelter is being rebuilt, and camping around the shelter will remain open but may close temporarily for materials to be staged near the shelter.
In Other News…
The Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club Celebrates 50 Years Strong – More than two dozen members of the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club met recently to celebrate their 50th anniversary with a tree planting event.
Two New Poo Resources for Going #2 – Managing *ahem* human waste on the Trail is an important part of protecting the A.T. Check out this comprehensive guide to pooping in the woods by Miranda in the Wild as well as this week’s “Crappalachian Trail” episode of The Green Tunnel Podcast. Heads up: these contain some “potty-mouth” moments, so these may not be suitable for some viewers/listeners. 💩
Representing the A.T. Half a World Away – Twenty-five organizations from 10 countries and regions are to participate in the Asia Trail Conference in Taipei this week. Among them is ATC Vice President of Conservation and Policy Laura Belleville!
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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