News Room

BRETTON WOODS, N.H. (July 23, 2010) — How can today’s youth be enticed into an adult avocation as volunteer maintainers of such national treasures as the Appalachian Trail? The week before Independence Day, about two dozen leaders and staff members from Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) clubs and the National Park Service spent five days at a lodge in the White Mountain National Forest with 30 teen-agers from Lawrence, Mass., and Yonkers, N.Y., working on the questions that stem from that basic one.  The youth groups are part of the Groundwork USA trusts network.

SHOWHEGAN, MAINE (July 2, 2010) — Appalachian Trail Conservancy Executive Director Dave Startzell joined the Maine Appalachian Trail Club June 19 in Skowhegan, Maine, for a toast to the club’s 75th anniversary. The club was founded June 18, 1935, by Maine native Myron Avery, Appalachian Trail builder and third chair of ATC. ATC congratulates and thanks MATC for its 75 years of service, managing and maintaining 267 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. For more information on MATC visit www.matc.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 23)—Aided by members of Congress, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) recently honored leaders in five states of programs to engage youth in recreational and service activities related to the fabled footpath it manages.

Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania (April 5, 2010) -- Eight teams of leaders and stakeholders from communities surrounding South Mountain will participate in the Balancing Nature and Commerce Workshop on April 13 and 14, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources acting Secretary John Quigley said today.

Harpers Ferry, WV (April 1, 2010)—Midway along the 2,179-mile long Appalachian Trail between Maine and Georgia is a beautiful stone grist mill that is being restored. Once restoration is completed, it will be opened as the only museum devoted to the Trail—a tribute to the more than 11,000 hikers who have hiked the A.T. from end to end and millions of others who have enjoyed hiking portions of it. The museum opening will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2010, in Gardners, Pennsylvania, roughly 15 miles west of historic Gettysburg and eight miles from Interstate 81. Pine Grove Furnace State Park is the museum's neighbor. Both are on Pennsylvania Route 233, off U.S. 30 (Lincoln Highway). Other weekend events include work trips and hikes.

Adjacent land development, air pollution, and funding shortfalls put experience of visitors and trail resources at risk

Washington, D.C. (April 1, 2010) — According to a new assessment released Wednesday, March 30, 2010 by the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), one of the most beloved recreational footpaths in the United States, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, faces many challenges that puts the experience of visitors and trail resources at risk.  Adjacent land development on privately owned land, sources of air pollution, and funding shortfalls impacts the ability of trail managers to protect historic structures and preserve trail resources.

Harpers Ferry, WV (February 3, 2010) Make the ATC a part of your Valentine’s Day celebration by bringing your “special someone” to hear, or perhaps share, tales of love, friendship and romance on the Appalachian Trail.  The festivities, including hot cider and snacks, begin at 11 a.m. and last until 3 p.m. (maybe even longer).

PINE GROVE FURNACE STATE PARK, PA (January 28, 2010) - Can’t wait for hiker season to start? Join past and future A.T. hikers Friday, January 29, for this year’s Pennsylvania Ruck at the Ironmaster’s Hostel in Pine Grove Furnace State Park.  Activities start at 2 p.m. with a “meet & greet” hosted by hostel caretakers Ray and Lori Burt and will last until Sunday morning. This is a great chance for past hikers to reminisce about their A.T. adventures and an opportunity for future hikers to hear “words of wisdom” from those who’ve “been there, done that.”

KINGSPORT, TN (January 19, 2010)—The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is offering Appalachian Trail specialty license plates to Tennessee residents. The specialty plates will benefit the state’s natural treasure in several ways. Funds from sales of the specialty plates will broaden awareness for this resource by widely promoting the Trail on vehicles from Memphis to Bristol. In addition, each plate will generate $15.56 annually for ATC, supporting management of such programs as land conservation, volunteer-based trail and facilities maintenance, natural-resources management, and programs that introduce children and teachers to the A. T. in Tennessee.

Harpers Ferry, W.Va. (December 17, 2009) - The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is the only West Virginia nonprofit and the only trail organization nationwide to win a $25,000 grant in the first round of a Facebook-based charity campaign sponsored by the JPMorganChase Foundation, automatically becoming eligible for a chance at a $1-million one next month.