The Appalachian Trail
Conservancy Centennial Campaign

Time Remaining

3 Years | 5 Months | 22 Days

$50,000,000 $0

Keep the Trail Alive

As the only non-profit devoted exclusively to the entirety of the Appalachian Trail and its landscape, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is committed to keeping the Trail’s vast natural and scenic beauty healthy, resilient, and connected, so that everyone can experience its transformative power for generations to come.

To celebrate our 100th anniversary, the ATC embarked on a multi-year comprehensive Centennial Campaign to address the challenges facing the A.T. and ensure the Trail endures forever. Join the call.

Ensuring the Next 100 Years

The ATC Centennial Campaign will provide the necessary funding to enhance biodiversity, build resilient infrastructure, and expand access to this beloved national treasure. Read on to learn more about our high-impact initiatives.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Join the Call

Your support is crucial to protecting the Appalachian Trail. Together, we can ensure that the Appalachian Trail continues to inspire for the next 100 years and beyond.

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Relive the Journey

1925

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.

1931

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.

1937

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

1938

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.

1948

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.

1968

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.

1970s

A.T. Popularity Grows

Thru-hiker numbers increase nearly fivefold, and the ATC’s membership grows by ten times.

1978

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.

1980s-1990s

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.

2005

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.

2005

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.

2014

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.

2015

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.

2024

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

Seek the Peak

July 19

Gorham, NH

The ATC is a proud partner of the 25th Anniversary Seek the Peak, Mount Washington Observatory’s largest annual event that supports year-round weather research, education, and forecasting on the Northeast’s highest peak. Join hikers nationwide this summer as we celebrate 25 years of stories, summits, and shared purpose.
Event Details

Bennington Trailfest

July 26

Bennington, VT

Celebrate the Trail with free food, entertainment, and camping, info tables, a “trail of fortune” prize giveaway, plus a brand new gear exchange event.
Event Details

Rangeley Trail Town Festival

Aug 30

Rangeley, ME

Visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy table at Rangeley Trail Town Festival! Hear about the work the ATC is doing, learn how to get involved in taking care of the Appalachian Trail, and get some free swag.
Event Details

Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Banquet

November 22

Shepherdstown, WV

​Each year, the A.T. Museum honors outstanding legends of the A.T. at our Hall of Fame Banquet. The event will begin with a reception at 11 am, followed by luncheon at noon and then the Hall of Fame Induction.
Event Details

Celebrating the Trail

Shop Centennial

All proceeds from Centennial merchandise purchases go towards protecting the A.T.

Keep the Trail Alive

The Appalachian Trail is more than just a path; it is a symbol of our commitment to conservation and a testament to the power of collective action. As we embark on our next century, we look forward to working with you to keep the Trail alive for generations to come.

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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.