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.
On behalf of all of us at the ATC, thank you for your incredible support in 2021. We hope your 2022 will be full of adventures, and we hope you will continue to support our work to conserve the A.T. forever and for all.
Sincerely,
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Team
Love Letters to the A.T.
News flash: we love the A.T. and we know that we aren’t the only ones. As part of our upcoming “Love Letters to the A.T.” series, we want to share your stories of what you love most about the Trail! From now until January 31, 2022, we’re accepting photos and story submissions that highlight what made you fall in love with the A.T. and what keeps that love going strong today. Selected stories will be shared in future issues of Trailway News, and those whose stories are selected will receive a Hydro Flask 12 oz Insulated Cooler Cup.
On the Rocks
Sometimes love can be found in rocky places. For section hiker Janine Wilkin, the boulder-strewn sections of Pennsylvania (a.k.a. “Rocksylvania”) teach lessons in patience and foot placement, bringing a new level of love and appreciation for the environment surrounding the Trail.
2022: A New Hiking Year
It’s a new year, and that means new opportunities to experience the Trail! For hikers planning a long-distance trek on the A.T., here are a few things that you should know:
- Register your upcoming A.T. hike at ATCamp.org. A voluntary registration system, ATCamp.org helps you pick a start date with smaller crowds, which helps prevent too many campers in the same place at the same time. This will improve your (and everyone else’s) hiking and camping experience, and minimize impacts to the A.T. and its resources.
- 2022 hangtags are here! These eye-catching hangtags were designed for aspiring thru-hikers and section hikers with the goal of hiking the entire A.T. Those who have registered their hikes on ATCamp.org and have participated in a Leave No Trace orientation, like Start Smart, are eligible to pick up a 2022 hangtag at the following locations:
– Amicalola Falls State Park, Dawsonville, Georgia (available now)
– ATC Headquarters & Visitor Center, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (available now)
– A.T. Visitor Center, Monson, Maine (available in June 2022) - Order your copy of the 2022 A.T. Data Book. This essential hike planning tool provides information on A.T. shelters, Trail features and other essentials.
Come Work With Us
Explore seasonal positions and internship opportunities with the ATC that help protect the Trail and its surrounding landscape.
Community Spotlight
Happy Trails!
Thank you for your continued support and the love you express for the Trail!