• Avery Peak

    Appalachian

    National Scenic Trail CT,GA,MA,MD,ME,NC,NH,NJ,NY,PA,TN,VA,VT,WV

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  • Stomach Virus Hits Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs, NC

    The US Forest Service has issued an alert: Hikers may want to avoid sections of the Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs, NC, especially the stretch running north to the TN-VA border. A number of hikers have been sickened by a severe, 24-hour stomach virus. More »

News

Elevated Fire Danger on A.T. - April 2012

With the current elevated fire danger across the Mid-Atlantic States hikers are asked to do their part to help protect the trails and forests byusing extreme care with fire. Consider avoiding the use of ground fire,even in fire rings, and instead rely on your backpack stove for cooking.This eliminates the potential of leaving dangerous hot coals behind. Additionally, hikers are asked to report any large smoke columns or apparently unattended fires promptly to the local 911 dispatch.

Due to the low humidity and dry fuel conditions many states currently have high fire warnings in effect. New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia have had wild fires burn along the Appalachian Trail this weekend and firefighters suppressed fires near the Trail in New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia earlier this year.

Check local conditions and alerts when planning your hike. Watch for and obey all trail closures. Follow instructions for alternate routes that may be identified during fires or fire-fighting activities. Temporary closures and detours are for your safety and will be lifted as soon as conditions permit.

 

NPS Identifies Preferred Alternative for Susquehanna-Roseland Transmission Line - March 2012

The National Park Service (NPS) has identified a "preferred alternative" for the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the application by PPL Electric Utilities (PPL) and Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) for the expansion of an existing electric transmission line that crosses National Park Service lands within Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Read more HERE.

 

The National Parks: America's Best Idea

The National Parks: America's Best Idea is a six-episode series directed by Ken Burns and written and co-produced by Dayton Duncan. This 12-hour series will air on public television stations across the country beginning September 27th. It features the stories of people - rich and poor, famous and the unknown - all who lived their lives to save the natural, cultural, historic and wild places that became our National Parks.

Did You Know?

ATC

The Appalachian Trail evolved from the 1921 proposals of Massachusetts regional planner Benton MacKaye to preserve the Appalachian crests as a wilderness belt - a retreat from urban life.  The Appalachian Trail Conservancy was formed in 1925 and focused on the hiking aspect of MacKaye's vision.