Appalachian Trail Highlights
0
States
0
ATC Communities
0
Volunteers
0
Treadway Miles
0
Protected Acres
Ensuring the Next 100 Years
From landscape conservation projects to youth programs empowering the next generation of Trail stewards, our future initiatives aim to protect this irreplaceable wild corridor and national treasure for all.
Protect
Wild East Action Fund
The A.T. experience is preserved forever thanks to a conserved and connected landscape surrounding the footpath and its federally protected corridor.
National Resource Stewardship
A healthy, thriving, and resilient natural environment will continue to support and enrich all who live, work, and recreate in the Appalachian Trail landscape.
Experience
Ridgerunners
A healthy, thriving, and resilient natural environment will continue to support and enrich all who live, work, and recreate in the Appalachian Trail landscape.
Sustainable Overnight Sites
A network of sustainable overnight sites along the Appalachian Trail that preserve the essence of the A.T. experience while minimizing environmental impacts.
Belong
Youth Crew Development
The A.T. will forever be “the People’s Trail”—cherished, supported, and managed by successive generations of people from all sectors of American society.
Young Adult Engagement Programs
A community that is more diverse and representative of the U.S. population will care about the A.T. and contribute to its future.
Relive the Journey
ATC Established
The Appalachian Trail Conference was established on March 2-3, 1925, as a stand-alone organization to take on the work of building Benton MacKaye’s vision for the Appalachian Trail.
Trail-Blazing Builds Momentum
Myron H. Avery takes over leadership of the ATC and accelerates A.T. building efforts using four key steps; organizing a trail club for each section; determining the best route for the Trail; clearing, marking and maintaining the trail; and collecting up-to-date data and maps to publish in ATC guidebooks.
A Fully Connected Appalachian Trail
The A.T. was fully connected from Georgia to Maine with the final section completed on August 14, 1937 in Maine
Appalachian Trail Agreement
The Appalachian Trailway Agreement between the National Park Service, the National Forest Service, and the ATC established a protected corridor of land 100 feet on either side of the Trail within National Forest and Park lands, provided agency assistance to build shelters along the entire length of the Trail, and enabled the gradual expansion of land holdings and easements along the Trail.
First Thru-Hike
Earl Shaffer reported first “thru-hike” of the entire A.T., a feat that inspired other thru-hiking firsts, including Mildred Norman Ryder, Emma Gatewood, Gene Espy, Rober Taylor. Shaffer provided an account of the trail conditions he encountered and later volunteered with the ATC as corresponding secretary, answering letters and providing guidance on long-distance hiking — a service that the ATC continues to provide today.
First National Scenic Trail
The National Trails System Act was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, establishing the A.T. as one of the first national scenic trails under federal-state protection.
A.T. Popularity Grows
Thru-hiker numbers increase nearly fivefold, and the ATC’s membership grows by ten times.
Federal Protection for A.T. Corridor
A.T. amendments to the National Trail System were enacted, launching one of the most ambitious land-acquisition projects in NPS history to create a protective corridor for the Trail and weave together a linear national park. The law also required a comprehensive plan for A.T. management and recognized the role of the ATC and volunteers.
Optimizing the A.T.’s Route
The ATC, Trail Clubs and special Trail crews move hundreds of miles of the footpath to optimal, constructed locations as the land-acquisition program progresses.
Empowering the Next Generation of A.T. Stewards
The ATC launches programming with teachers and community partners to provide on-Trail experiences and opportunities for youth and young adults to learn about the A.T., outdoor recreation, and public lands stewardship and to ultimately cultivate, energize and empower a diverse next generation of A.T. stewards.
From Conference to Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conference renames itself the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to better communicate the organization’s leadership and responsibility in conserving the rich ecological and cultural heritage of the A.T. and ensuring the world-renowned Trail experience.
A Fully Protected Treadway
After decades of negotiations, the last major stretch of the Appalachian Trail — 2.5 miles along the New River to Peters Mountain in Giles County, Virginia — was permanently protected. Volunteers with A.T. Clubs and the ATC’s Konnarock Crew completed the Trail relocation onto land secured by a donated conservation easement.
A.T. Landscape Partnership
The ATC and National Park Service co-convened the Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership (ATLP), establishing an expanded network of conservation partners to better protect and connect the wild, scenic and cultural wonders of the A.T. and its surrounding landscape.
Appalachian Trail Centennial Act
Bipartisan legislation was introduced to help better coordinate resources and partners, bolster land protection, and require information gathering on visitation and economic benefits of the A.T. and all National Trails to ensure these special places are maintained and conserved for future generations.
Join the Celebration
Flip-Flop Kickoff
Apr 25 - Apr 27
Harpers Ferry, WV
Hot Springs Town & Trail Festival
May 2 - May 3
Hot Springs, NC
2025 Appalachian Trail Days Festival
May 16 - May 18
Damascus, VA
Loudoun A.T. Festival
June 7
Hillsboro, VA
Harrisonburg A.T. Celebration
Jun 14
Harrisonburg, VA
Join the Call
Your membership Keeps the Trail Alive! The future of the Trail begins with you — show your support for the A.T. Today.
Become a Member
Celebrating the Trail
Shop Centennial
All proceeds from Centennial merchandise purchases go towards protecting the A.T.
Keep the Trail Alive
Your support helps protect and sustain the Appalachian Trail and its landscapes—every dollar fuels our mission to keep this national treasure thriving for generations to come.
Make your Centennial gift today!
Corporate Partners & Foundations
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is proud to have the support of companies ranging from industry leaders in outdoor recreation and other sectors to community-based and family-owned businesses along the A.T.
