Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Today marks the 6th anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA)! Since 2020, GAOA has...  ✅ Permanently funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund, helping protect Appalachian Trail landscapes through permanent land protection  ⚒️ Created the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), which supports critical repairs across the Appalachian Trail, national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands, improving access, safety, and the visitor experience. According to the Department of the Interior, the LRF supports 17,000 jobs and contributes an average of $1.9 billion to the Nation’s economy with each year of funding.  Despite the Legacy Restoration Fund’s proven value, its authorization has expired, and the need for repairs remains.   Help build on the GAOA's impact by urging Congress to pass bipartisan legislation like the Great American Outdoors Act 250 in the House and the America the Beautiful Act in the Senate to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund.  ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e6EXrgpV 

Imagine every seat in Fenway Park filled. Now imagine every person there united by one belief: time outdoors can heal and transform. That's where we are. We've hit a major milestone with our petition to redefine the phrase "take a hike" from a rude way of telling someone to leave into an invitation to experience the benefits of time in nature. Enough people have joined the movement to fill one of America's most iconic ballparks—and to give "take a hike" a whole new meaning. We think it's time for an official review, Merriam-Webster Inc. Oxford University Press Dictionary.com. 📖😉 Every signature helps support the Appalachian Trail and shows that people across the world believe in the power of hiking to strengthen our minds, bodies, and spirits. Step up to the plate and join the movement today at takeahikepetition.org.

This week the USDA Forest Service ended the closure order on 5.5 miles of the Trail in the Iron Mountain Gap area (NOBO miles 360.6 to 366.1) after extensive salvage logging to remove downed trees left by Hurricane Helene. Donations to the ATC’s A.T. Resiliency Fund supported repair efforts in this section and other parts of the Trail impacted by Helene. Volunteers with Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club, ATC’s Konnarock and SWEAT Trail Crews, and staff from Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards tackled extensive treadway damage, including root ball holes and erosion caused by major blowdowns. A huge thank you to those who supported the A.T. Resiliency Fund and to our partners who made this work possible. 💚🌱 Learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eAy2V_cg 📸 Joe Morris with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club

We were honored to be invited to present a briefing with the U.S. Department of State Foreign Press Center in celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary. ATC Board Chair, Jim LaTorre, shared how a grassroots effort to create a multi-state trail became an international model. Over the last century, millions of people from around the world have hiked on the Appalachian Trail, and we continue to grow awareness and support for the collaborative efforts to ensure this iconic trail and its landscape are always protected, resilient, and connected for all. Check out Jim's briefing here: https://lnkd.in/e5MhePch

36K+ people agree that "Take a Hike" deserves a better reputation.    We're thrilled that our campaign, designed by RP3 Agency, is bringing people together around the positive benefits of hiking and time spent outdoors as well as raising awareness for the efforts to protect the iconic Appalachian Trail.    We're honored by the recognition from Ad Age and continue to call on all of the dictionaries (Merriam-Webster Inc., Dictionary.com, Oxford Languages | OUP, Cambridge University Press & Assessment) to take action and make this change!

Spend a few days on the Appalachian Trail with the Mid-Atlantic Trail Crew this autumn making new friends and giving back to the Trail. Based near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the Mid-Atlantic Crew helps with critical Appalachian Trail maintenance projects from Rockfish Gap in Virginia to the New York–Connecticut state line.  Mid-Atlantic Crew sessions are filling quickly, so apply today! https://lnkd.in/ex3tvK_M

Are you ready for Maine? 🌲 Here's what Ridgerunners in Maine wish hikers knew about the Appalachian Trail's northernmost state. From Baxter State Park and Katahdin to the rugged 100-Mile Wilderness, the A.T. in Maine demands preparation, good judgment, and a commitment to stewardship. Maine Ridgerunners Hailey and Kevin share their perspectives as returning Ridgerunners and 2,000-milers, the common challenges they see each season, and practical lessons that can help hikers make the most of their Maine miles in our latest story. Read expert advice from Ridgerunners in Maine: https://lnkd.in/dsJZdcRS 📸 Hailey Lynch

Planning to enter Baxter State Park? Read this first!   Northbound Appalachian Trail hikers have already started reaching Katahdin and many more will reach the iconic summit sign in the coming months.     Our updated guide to Baxter State Park is a must-read for anyone planning a visit to the park or summiting Katahdin. This resource includes guidance for long-distance hikers, their friends and families, and more.   Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ewP_6ATY 📸 Hikers crossing Abol Bridge by John Bilbrey

The 2027 A.T. Calendar is here! 📅 Celebrate another year of protecting and enjoying the Appalachian Trail with our brand-new calendar, featuring stunning photos from Georgia to Maine in every season. When you make a one-time gift of $75 or more, or set up a monthly gift, you'll receive this limited-edition calendar as a thank-you—a beautiful daily reminder of your connection to the Trail. Make your gift today while supplies last! Get your calendar: https://ow.ly/N2Wk50ZnvI2

The priority window for 2026 Emerging Leaders' Summit applications is closing soon! The ATC's Emerging Leaders' Summit (ELS) brings together a diverse group of young adults, ages 18-30 for trainings, workshops, and experiences with a focus on building skills and community through the lens of the Appalachian Trail. This year's summit will be held October 9-11 at the New Jersey School of Conservation. The Summit is free for all participants and travel scholarships are available on an as-needed basis. Applications received by July 30 will be prioritized. For more information and to apply, please visit https://lnkd.in/eHmpbjKN 📸 Rachel Lettre