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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September 17, 2021
Trailway News: Protecting the A.T. Hiking Experience
What would the Appalachian Trail be without its visitors? Millions step onto the A.T. each year to find adventures, spend time with family and friends, and gain a closer connection with nature. One of the key roles of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is protecting the A.T. hiking experience, which we accomplish through effective visitor use management. Through this work, we help ensure these experiences continue to be available for future generations of A.T. visitors — and that the Trail itself continues to be conserved and maintained.
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September 10, 2021
Trailway News: From Recreation to Conservation
We start the weekend with a note of caution: the ATC has received multiple reports of COVID-19 infections along the Appalachian Trail in Maine, including a significant increase in the area around Monson and the 100-Mile Wilderness. We continue to encourage all A.T. visitors to practice extreme caution — even if already fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — in order to minimize the risk of contracting this highly infectious virus or potentially spreading it to others.
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September 3, 2021
Trailway News: Season of Preparedness
As we spend more time on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), we learn more about ourselves along the way. And our growth can be seen by the people in our lives. The experiences we have on the A.T. can encourage and inspire others to seek their own moments of peace, solitude, and adventure on the Trail, too.
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August 27, 2021
Trailway News: Stewardship Shines Bright
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is supported through the dedicated work of volunteers that help maintain and monitor not only the footpath but also the surrounding landscape.
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August 20, 2021
Trailway News: In the Trail, There is Hope
The anxiety produced by recent news on climate change, and its impacts on the human and natural worlds, can be paralyzing. It’s easy to spiral into a loop of despair given the scale and complexity of the problem. Fortunately, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) has always worked to create large-scale impacts, almost always by convening people and partners for a common purpose. Today, we find ourselves working with an ever-growing list of partners, connecting to a vast community of Trail lovers and supporters, and protecting resources (including the Appalachian Trail and its surrounding landscape) that can help reduce and adapt to climate change. In our work and the A.T. itself, we find both solutions and hope.
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August 13, 2021
Trailway News: So Many Ways to Engage
Appalachian Trail (A.T.) stewardship comes in many forms. It’s the on-the-ground work of incredible volunteers, support from donors and members, and the behind-the-scenes work of staff and partners. This summer, Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Federal Policy Intern Kate Foral combined her environmental education and public health knowledge with her love of the Appalachian region to help protect the cultural and natural resources along the Trail as well as the people who go to experience a walk in the woods.
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August 6, 2021
Trailway News: The Call of the Trail
Why are we drawn by the wilderness along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)?
The Trail, located within a day’s drive of over two-thirds of the United States population, provides an opportunity to reconnect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.
In this week’s featured article, Mark Ellison measures the depth of the connection we each have to nature and its transformative power.
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July 30, 2021
Trailway News: From Advocacy to Action
When you hear the words “the Appalachian Trail,” chances are you think about more than the world-famous footpath itself. The awe-inspiring vistas; the green tunnels of rhododendron; the native plants and animals that call the Trail home; the campsites and shelters where hikers share stories of their adventures; all of these continue to exist because of those who have advocated in some way for the A.T. and its surrounding landscapes to be protected.
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July 23, 2021
Trailway News: July Flies
Let us ask you a question: “Why do you hike?”
Exercise, quality time with family and friends, reconnecting with nature (and ourselves) — spending time on the Appalachian Trail can provide all of these things and more. The answer lies in our individual experiences and collected memories from the Trail.
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July 16, 2021
Trailway News: The Beauty of the Trail
“What makes the Appalachian Trail beautiful?” It’s a question that might receive a different answer from every person you ask. For today’s Trailway News, we are featuring an article by writer Kim O’Connell that explores the beauty found everywhere on the Trail.
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July 9, 2021
Trailway News: Hiking Between the Raindrops
The summer storm season is here, and being prepared for inclement weather is an essential part of any Appalachian Trail hike. Weather conditions on the A.T. can change quickly, particularly at higher elevations — make sure to check the weather forecast and Trail Updates before heading out the door.
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July 2, 2021
Trailway News: It’s July (No Lie!)
Happy Independence Day Weekend! Does your holiday plan include a hike on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)? If so, help us protect and preserve the Trail and its surrounding landscape by recreating responsibly!
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June 25, 2021
Trailway News: Summertime Adventures
It’s summertime! On the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), summer means warmer temperatures, blooming wildflowers and the lush green tunnel of the A.T. footpath. It also means severe weather, bugs and heat-related illnesses. As we count down the days and hours to our next hike, here are a few tips to make your next A.T. adventure safe and successful:
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June 18, 2021
Trailway News: A Changing of the Seasons
Tomorrow is Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Multiple sites along the Appalachian Trail corridor remind us of the struggle of Black Americans to achieve their freedom, including Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, home of ATC headquarters and the site of John Brown’s Raid.
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June 11, 2021
Trailway News: Hiking Prep & Trail Updates
Yesterday evening, the ATC hosted a special live event, “Rescuing the Planet: The Appalachian Trail’s Role in Worldwide Conservation,” a virtual discussion about the importance of land conservation for the future of our planet. Thank you to everyone that was able to join us live and submitted questions for the event!
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June 4, 2021
Trailway News: Thank You, Laurie
Today, please join us in saying “Happy Trails!” (but not goodbye) to Laurie Potteiger, who is retiring from her role as Information Services Manager after 33 years with the ATC.
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May 28, 2021
Trailway News: Get Outside, Give Back
Many of us will soon be adventuring to places like the Appalachian Trail to take advantage of the longer days and beautiful weather — and maybe to be serenaded by a few billion cicadas.
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May 21, 2021
Trailway News: Rescuing the Planet
As we continue our work to maintain, protect, and advocate for the Appalachian Trail, one of our key priorities is keeping you informed on the issues affecting the footpath and its surrounding landscape. On June 10 at 7 p.m. EDT, we are proud to present our next live discussion: “Rescuing the Planet: The Appalachian Trail’s Role in Worldwide Conservation.” Featuring author Tony Hiss and conservationist John Griffin, we will explore how conserving lands like the A.T. will play an important role in the future of our planet.
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May 14, 2021
Trailway News: The Next Step
After more than a year, we are excited to resume some of our programs that were put on pause due to COVID-19 safety precautions. With the widespread availability of multiple vaccines and relaxed guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we have resumed our 2,000-miler recognition program, will begin issuing 2021 A.T. hangtags later this month, and will reopen our A.T. visitor centers in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (May 27, 2021) and Monson, Maine (June 2, 2021).
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May 7, 2021
Trailway News: Thank You, Moms!
This upcoming Sunday, we celebrate our moms. The amount of love, support, patience, kindness, and inspiration our moms provide is immeasurable. But how many of us can count our moms as our personal Trail angels? Most of us know Trail angels as the people whose generosity and kindness make our hikes better. My mom, who introduced me to hiking when I was very young, made my hike possible.
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April 30, 2021
Trailway News: It’s Gonna Be May
Happy last day of April! The days are getting longer, and there is positive news about the COVID-19 pandemic and outdoor recreation. Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated mask guidance for outdoor activities: folks (vaccinated or not) no longer need to wear masks when they “walk, run, or bike outdoors with members of your household,” and small groups of both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people can meet outdoors safely.
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April 23, 2021
Trailway News: Every Day is Earth Day
Earth Day has come and gone, but doing our part to conserve our planet is something that should be on our minds every day! For the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, that means not only caring for the iconic 2,193.1-mile footpath from Maine to Georgia, but also the surrounding landscapes that provide jaw-dropping views, vital wildlife habitats, and, importantly, will help play an important role in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
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April 16, 2021
Trailway News: Celebrate Earth Day
We are less than a week away from Earth Day, when we are all reminded that the natural environment, from which we derive so many benefits, deserves protection. For the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, that means managing, protecting, and advocating for the Appalachian Trail and its surrounding landscape — not just for those of us who seek it out today but also for the generations who follow in our footsteps.
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April 9, 2021
Trailway News: Think of the Bears
Happy National Wildlife Week! As many of us celebrate the warmer weather by heading to the great outdoors, remember that we are sharing places like the Appalachian Trail with the plants and animals that call them home. Always follow Leave No Trace Principles to ensure they stay healthy — and, in the case of black bears on the A.T., that hikers and bears alike stay safe.
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April 2, 2021
Trailway News: April Showers
Spring has finally arrived! Along with it comes the spring rains, of course, and some recent rainstorms provide a good reminder to be prepared for rapidly changing Appalachian Trail conditions.
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March 26, 2021
Trailway News: The A.T. is a solution
In continuation of our ongoing series on climate change, we hosted a virtual conversation with climate experts Harvey Locke and Charles C. Chester about one of the most pressing issues facing the Appalachian Trail and the rest of the world: climate change.
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March 19, 2021
Trailway News: Spring is Almost Here
Spring is almost here! With warmer temperatures arriving and wildflowers soon beginning to bloom, more visitors will be coming to the Appalachian Trail.
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March 12, 2021
Trailway News: The (Clock) Times Are a-Changin’
Is that spring weather we feel? With warmer temperatures becoming more common and daylight saving time beginning this weekend (so long, an hour of sleep), the Appalachian Trail will be a destination for many of you in the near future.
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March 5, 2021
Trailway News: March-ing On
Happy March! It seems like each week we receive news giving a bit more hope that life could soon to return to “normal” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we also remind hikers not to drop their guard, particularly as traffic increases on the Appalachian Trail.
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February 26, 2021
Trailway News: Winter Prep is the Right Step
We at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (and thousands of hikers) are looking forward to the beauty and adventure of a springtime walk on the Appalachian Trail. However, with three more weeks of winter ahead of us, make sure to take extra precautions and be prepared for any upcoming hikes. Multiple incidents on the A.T. last weekend required the assistance of search and rescue (SAR) teams. We sincerely thank all of the SAR teams and hope for the quick recovery of the injured hikers.
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February 19, 2021
Trailway News: How Many Weeks Until Spring?
With a massive winter storm, an emergency closure of a section of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia (more on that below), and the ongoing pandemic, 2021 has made at least one thing very clear: it’s important to be prepared for anything. As you plan your upcoming hikes on the A.T., be sure to check our Trail Updates page and our COVID-19 info page for the latest updates on Trail conditions, closures, health and safety guidance, and other essential information for a prepared and enjoyable hike.
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February 12, 2021
Trailway News: Looking Forward By Looking Back
In the Winter 2021 issue of A.T. Journeys, our membership magazine, we focus on the theme of acknowledgements — the importance of examining our entire history, including the time preceding the Appalachian Trail. Over the next several weeks, we will share select articles from this issue due to their important discussions on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, both in relation to our work and the greater Appalachian Trail community. We hope you will join us on this journey.
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February 6, 2021
Winter Trails (Still) Ahead
Earlier this week, everyone’s favorite groundhog Punxsutawney Phil declared that six more weeks of winter are ahead of us. Ignoring the accuracy of Phil’s predictions throughout the years, it’s a good reminder for Appalachian Trail hikers to plan and prepare for all conditions, especially during these unprecedented times.
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January 29, 2021
Trailway News: The Dynamic Forces of Nature
One of our key themes for 2021 is “looking forward by looking back.” This means looking back to the beginnings of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) to examine not only the goals we have accomplished so far, but the directions we must take to truly succeed in our mission to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). We look forward to sharing this journey with you!
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January 22, 2021
Trailway News: Strong Steps Into 2021
It’s a new year, and while wintry days are still ahead of us, things are already picking up on the Appalachian Trail. With lots of news to share this year, we’ve updated our newsletter format to highlight many stories at once and minimize the number of emails you receive!
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