Appalachian Trail Conservancy

"The world is not in your books and maps, it's out there." — Gandalf, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 🌌 📸 Adam Collins

Did you know the Appalachian Trail traverses eight National Forests? Join us and the National Forest Foundation in celebrating National Forest Week (July 10-16)! Here are a few ways to celebrate and get involved: 🌲 Take a hike in a National Forest near you and #RecreateResponsibly. 🌲 Check out volunteer opportunities through the ATC, 31 Trail Maintaining Clubs and other partners to give back to the A.T. and its surrounding forests at https://lnkd.in/dTMz7sSV. 🌲 Participate in the National Forests Foundation's Photo Contest! Tag #NationalForestWeek and visit nationalforestweek.org to learn more. 📸 Photo by Zoe "Cosmic Squirrel" Skiver in the Green Mountain National Forest

It's time for another Appalachian Trail Club spotlight! 🎉 Based in Richmond, Virginia, the Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club (ODATC) brings people together who love the outdoors. Despite the Club's small size, ODATC has been active in Trailwide leadership throughout its history. For the past 55 years, this self-described “social group of talented and diverse individuals who share a lifelong love of adventure” has maintained 19 miles of the world-famous Appalachian Trail between Reeds Gap and Rockfish Gap. This section of the A.T. runs near the Blue Ridge Parkway and treats hikers to stunning views from Humpback Rocks and the Glass Hollow Overlook. The Club invites you to explore what’s special about the Trail by joining them for a hike or an upcoming volunteer outing. The ATC works with A.T. Clubs to connect people with ways to volunteer at https://lnkd.in/e_Ms4PhW.  📸 Glass Hollow overlook by Patrick Doyle

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." — Henri Matisse 🌼

The ATC's Director of Visitor Use Management, Morgan Sommerville, recently shared his tips for those interested in hiking the A.T. in retirement. No matter your age, thru-hiking or section-hiking the A.T. is an ambitious undertaking, our latest blog post includes some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e5JEtQti 📸 Photo showing Paul Burks in Mahoosuc Notch, Maine. Photo by Jason Burks

Embrace the Dog Days of Summer on the Appalachian Trail! 🐾 From July 3 through August 11, we're celebrating our furry hiking companions during the Dog Days of Summer. Historically, this time is named after Sirius, the Dog Star, which rises with the sun. What better way to honor this time than by pawsing to read up on how to have a safe and enjoyable adventure with your pup on the Appalachian Trail? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDrx8P5y 📸 Laurie Potteiger

Talk about purple mountain majesty. 🏔 Today, we celebrate not just our nation's independence but also the incredible community that helps us protect and preserve the Appalachian Trail—America's beloved national treasure. Whether you're hiking, volunteering, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, your support keeps the spirit of adventure alive for generations to come. 📸 Photo by Taylor Mahony of the sunset view of Katahdin.

🌟 Support American craftsmanship and the Appalachian Trail! 🌟 Check out the Made in the USA collection at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Ultimate A.T. Store. From gear to gifts, each purchase helps fund vital conservation efforts along the Trail and its breathtaking landscapes. Shop now and make a difference! 🛒🌲 https://lnkd.in/eRDJdSbf

Meet the next Appalachian Trail Club in our spotlight series! Based in Norfolk, Virginia, The Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club (TATC) is an energetic group open to individuals and families, with a primary purpose to maintain a 10+ mile section of the Appalachian Trail from Reed’s Gap to the Tye River. In addition to caring for the A.T., the club maintains an additional 23 miles in the Blue Ridge Mountains and trails in parks closer to Hampton Roads and the surrounding area. Discover what this club has to offer for recreation or volunteer opportunities in the mountains or Virginia’s coastal shore. Find opportunities to get involved at https://lnkd.in/dTMz7sSV.

The Fourth of July holiday is right around the corner, and Independence Day is a great time to celebrate the national treasure that is the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). As you plan your A.T. visits, please note the following holiday hours at ATC Visitor Centers: 📆 The Harpers Ferry Visitor Center will be open for regular hours over the holiday and weekend. 📆 The Damascus Trail Center will be closed on Thursday, July 4th and reopen for regular hours on Friday, July 5th.  📆 Monson Visitor Center will be closed on Wednesday, July 3rd. The visitor center will reopen for regular hours on Thursday, July 4th, and remain open for regular hours through the holiday weekend. Please note that the Monson Visitor Center is staffed as available on Wednesdays — call ahead for more information. The ATC team wishes everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July! 📸 Christopher D'Ambrosio