From the beginning, Benton MacKaye’s vision of an Appalachian Trail proposed to develop opportunities for recreation, recuperation and employment. “The project is one for a series of recreational communities throughout the Appalachian chain… to be connected by a walking trail,” he stated in his 1921 article, The Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning. MacKaye was among the first of his time to propose land preservation for recreation and conservation purposes, understanding that the “secluded forests, pastoral lands and water courses” are “playgrounds of the people.”

Towns, counties, and communities along the Appalachian Trail’s corridor are considered an asset by A.T. hikers and many of these towns act as good friends and neighbors to the Trail. With millions of visitors coming to the Trail every year, it is no wonder that outfitters, restaurants and businesses catering to outdoor recreation call A.T. communities home.

Designation as an Appalachian Trail Community™ and participation in the program is designed to:

• thank communities for their decades of service to hikers,
• to act as a catalyst for enhancing sustainable economic development,
• engage community citizens as Trail visitors and stewards,
• aid local municipalities and regional areas with conservation planning and
• help local community members see the Trail as a resource and asset.

The program also serves to highlight and recognize those communities who are taking steps
to ensure the ongoing protection of their natural, cultural and recreational resources, including the A.T. Preserving and enhancing a charming, memorable community destination will contribute to the long-term economic health of A.T. towns and make an A.T. hike even more desirable.

Community Benefits and Application

Designated Communities:

Hot Springs, North Carolina
Franklin, North Carolina
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Unicoi County, Tennessee