Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Something's fishy....and that's a good thing! ?? In collaboration with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the ATC removed one of the final remaining fish passage barriers on the West Branch of the Pleasant River near the A.T. in Maine! Restoring stream connectivity allows the federally endangered Atlantic salmon and brook trout to swim freely upstream to spawn. It also benefits all who live, work, and play in the A.T. landscape. https://lnkd.in/epGm7JfA Check out our video about this important project for #worldfisheriesday

Saw Team, assemble! ???? In partnership with the Mount Rogers A.T. Club (MRATC), the ATC led a multi-day effort to clear the Raccoon Branch Wilderness and Trimpi Shelter area of Hurricane Helene blowdowns last week. We put the call out to A.T. volunteers in Virginia who are certified to operate chainsaws and crosscut saws on public land, and they REALLY showed up. Ten volunteers representing 4 Trail Clubs travelled to Marion, VA, and worked alongside MRATC volunteers, ATC staff, and USFS personnel to clear over 80 trees covering approximately 2 miles of the Appalachian Trail. This work was made possible thanks to donations to the A.T. Resiliency Fund. We're so grateful to everyone who has supported our work to rebuild and reconnect the Appalachian Trail after Hurricane Helene. Learn more about the A.T. Resiliency Fund: https://lnkd.in/ewHpNSJ8 ?? Photos by Pete Irvine and David Buckalew

At the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, we know that fostering a love for the outdoors begins early. We're proud to support coalitions like the South Mountain Partnership, which champions environmental education programs that inspire kids to connect with nature—just like Melodie Anderson-Smith’s incredible work as an educator. Through immersive, hands-on experiences, young people learn to explore, appreciate, and protect the natural world. These lessons not only cultivate a lifelong love for the environment but also empower the next generation of stewards for natural places like the Appalachian Trail. ?? This World Children’s Day, let’s celebrate the educators and programs that open the door to a lifetime of connection to nature. ?? Spirit of the Mountain award winner, Melodie Anderson-Smith with the ATC's Director of the South Mountain Partnership, Katie Hess. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e7vvmzSe

Abigail: "Riley, are you crying?" Riley: "Look... Stairs." —National Treasure On the 20th anniversary of the release of the cult classic, National Treasure, we're highlighting a familiar piece of Appalachian Trail infrastructure. Whether you're searching for treasure or hiking on the A.T., stairs are a Trail feature you may encounter on your A.T. adventure. On the A.T., stairs can lessen erosion on the Trail and reduce strain on hiker joints.

Go take a hike! ?? Today is National Take a Hike Day, and even though the weather is getting colder, it's still a great time to bundle up and go out on a day hike! For recommendations on which parts of the A.T. are still suitable for hiking at this time of year and with other tips, check out our Day Hiking resources at: https://lnkd.in/e9g6MsZz ?? Eddie O'Leary

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower" —Albert Camus from Le Malentendu (The Misunderstanding) ??: Photo by ATC/W.M.Hinsch depicts a hiker standing in a forest of fall foliage facing a distant view of the landscape with the sun at the horizon. Captured in Connecticut near the Riga shelter.

This exciting news certainly has our stamp of approval! ???? Today, the United States Postal Service announced a sneak peek of the stamps it will issue in 2025. Among the designs includes a pane of 15 Appalachian Trail forever stamps in celebration of the ATC's Centennial in 2025 and the beauty and history of this national treasure in each of the 14 Trail states. The A.T. stamps will be available for purchase in 2025. Check out these and other 2025 stamp program releases in the U.S. Postal Service's news release: https://lnkd.in/e5XUDEMA

Yesterday our President Sandi Marra presented Congressman Don Beyer the ATC's 2,000-miler certificate in recognition for his?completion of the entire Appalachian Trail—a journey spanning from April 2002 to October 2024! He is believed to be the first Member of Congress to achieve this milestone, a testament to his dedication to both the A.T. and the values it represents. Rep. Beyer’s dedication to the A.T. goes beyond just hiking every mile of the path—he?has demonstrated commitment to the A.T. Hiker Pledge both on and off the Trail. On the Trail, he introduced 90 hiking companions to its beauty and consistently practiced Leave No Trace principles. Off the Trail, as co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Appalachian National Scenic Trail Caucus, he has used his platform to actively promote, advocate for,?and protect the Trail.

Did you know the first person to thru-hike the A.T. was a veteran? This Veterans Day, we're celebrating all veterans and honoring the legacy of Earl Shaffer. Earl Shaffer, a WWII veteran, made history in 1948 by hiking the entire Trail to "walk off the army," a journey that sparked the thru-hiking tradition and left a lasting legacy. Today, we reflect on the resilience and connection to the land that so many veterans share. #VeteransDay #AppalachianTrail Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eknpUMSC

The Appalachian Trail looks a bit different after Hurricane Helene, and 2025 hikers will need to adjust their plans. Expect temporary detours, closures, and some unexpected conditions as the ATC, volunteers, and local communities work together on repairs. Check out our latest blog for tips on staying safe, keeping your hike flexible, and ways to support the A.T. on your 2025 adventure! Read more: https://lnkd.in/ekqCb_ti ?? Sawyers clear downed trees in the Mt. Rogers area.