Appalachian Trail Conservancy

08/30/2026

"Breathe the sweetness that hovers in August." — Denise Levertov

📸 Joe Martin

08/29/2026

National Park Week is wrapping up with a celebration of the people who care for our public lands, and today, we’re celebrating our partners at the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Park Office (APPA)!

The National Park Service’s APPA team works alongside the ATC and local Trail Maintaining Clubs to protect and care for the Appalachian Trail. We’re grateful for their expertise, collaboration and commitment to keeping the A.T. connected and protected for generations to come.

📸 Photo shows a National Park Service ranger-led talk at Jefferson Rock in Harpers Ferry

08/28/2026

Reminder! ⏰ The 2026 ATC membership meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 1, at 6:30 p.m. ET. The annual membership meeting is a live online event where ATC leadership will present updates since our last member meeting and announce the results of the 2026 Board of Directors election. Active ATC members can vote for Board of Director candidates through noon ET Monday, August 31 via electronic ballot sent to members by email.

Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/2026meeting

08/26/2026

Oh, hey! It's National Dog Day! 🐾 The Appalachian Trail can be a paw-some adventure for you and your pup, but it's important to do some extra prep work if you're planning on hiking with your dog.

Check out our guidance for knowing where your dog can go and how to ensure they have a safe, enjoyable experience on the A.T. with you: https://ow.ly/bRbX50ZFTSY

📸 Dogs on the Trail by Laurie Potteiger

Are you thinking about hiking with your dog on the Appalachian Trail? Whether you’re planning a day hike, overnight, section hike or thru-hike, there are some things to do and consider before you and your dog step foot (or paw) on the Trail.

08/26/2026

Dolly Parton spent her life celebrating the landscapes and culture of Appalachia, inspiring countless people to explore and appreciate the mountains she called home. Through her philanthropy and business ventures, she also uplifted Appalachian people and communities.

The Appalachian Trail was established not only to protect a footpath, but also to safeguard the scenic, cultural, natural, and historic character of the Appalachians, including the Great Smoky Mountains that Dolly so dearly loved.

Dolly championed the same landscapes and heritage that we at ATC are privileged to help protect. We are grateful to Dolly for sharing the love of her Tennessee mountain home with the world.

📸 Great Smoky Mountains by Lukas Chin

08/25/2026

Today, on the National Park Service’s 110th birthday, we’re continuing our celebration of National Park Week. 🎂 With more than 400 national parks nationwide and six National Park Service units along the Appalachian Trail, there’s no shortage of places to explore.

Whether you’re hiking a trail, paddling a river or taking a scenic drive, there are countless ways to experience these special places. Happy 110th birthday, National Park Service! 🎂

Learn more about the National Park Service units along the A.T. ➡️ appalachiantrail.org/experience/hike-the-trail/

📸 Photo by Louis Mason Photography in Shenandoah National Park

08/24/2026

A.T. Summer Bucket List submissions are open! 🎉

Have you checked off 25 or more items on your list? If you've signed up for the challenge, check your inbox for instructions on submitting your list by September 7 to be entered in our grand prize drawings!

There's still time to make core summer memories on the A.T. or from wherever you are. Join the challenge today and submit your list by September 7.

Learn more: https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/bucket-list/

08/23/2026

It's National Park Week, and today's theme is Safety Sunday! While the Appalachian Trail is generally a safe place to visit, there is always some level of risk when venturing outdoors. First and foremost, if your safety is ever threatened, call 911. Here are some additional tips to keep safety first on your A.T. hikes:

🥾 Be aware. Know where you are and who is around you.
🥾 Share your hiking plans with a trusted person at home and implement a check-in system.
🥾 Be an active bystander. If you encounter a situation that looks suspicious, step in to help if you can do so safely.
🥾 Trust your intuition. If an interaction ever begins to feel suspicious or threatening, trust your gut and walk away.
🥾 Hike with a group. Look out for your fellow hikers and they can help look out for you.

911 should be your first call if you're in danger, but once you're safe, submit a report to alert the ATC and law enforcement partners about incidents like harassment, resource damage, and more. ➡️ appalachiantrail.org/incidents.

📸 Landscape Views in Shenandoah National Park by Dustin George

08/22/2026

"Nature is not a place to visit. It is home." — Gary Snyder

📸 Katahdin from Abol Stream in Maine by ATC Staff

08/21/2026

New research links experiences of awe with potential mental and physical health benefits. This Awe-gust, our latest story shares some ideas to have awe-inspiring moments on the Appalachian Trail.

Do you have your own story about experiencing awe on the Trail? We want to hear it! Read more on the science of awe and learn how to share your stories for a chance to be featured in a future post. ➡️ https://appalachiantrail.org/news-stories/finding-awe-on-the-appalachian-trail/

📸 Photo by Leslie "Dragonfly" Newton