4 Ways To Celebrate #GivingTuesday, Hiker Trash Style

For those who have hiked the Appalachian Trail’s southern corridor and those who intend to, there is an opportunity to support those who have supported us.

A litany of disasters have struck the entire southern region of the trail — here are just a few:

The town of Gatlinburg was evacuated last night, and at least 30 structures have caught fire, according to Associated Press reports.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has closed all facilities due to rampant fires throughout the park.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center has recently reopened for business after having to evacuate during to the Tellico Forest Fire — The NOC had been acting as a shelter for local communities until the evacuation.

As the Appalachian Trail itself sees closures from Virginia to Springer Mountain, those of us who dearly love the trail have a chance to give back.

So, on this #GivingTuesday, here’s a list of four organizations that need our help now more than ever.

1. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy

The ATC is fighting a many-fronted battle. Not only will the fires mean increased trail maintenance, but the Mountain Valley Pipeline is threatening parts of the trail such as McAfee Knob and Angel’s Rest. Donating your time or money to the ATC will help ensure the future of the trail.

2. The Tennessee Firefighters Fund

The Tennessee Firefighters are currently working to ensure communities such as Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are safe, but the situation is looking grim. This GoFundMe account allows those of us who aren’t local to help support the salvation efforts.

3. The Nantahala Outdoor Center

The NOC expects to see a 35% loss in earnings for the month of November due to the timing of the fire, which struck during peak foliage season. As the holidays approach, consider giving the gift of adventure by booking a future trip to the NOC, or browse the Gear Store for more ideas.

4. The National Park Service

As the country’s government changes, those of us who know and love the American wilderness must be ready to support the national parks whenever possible. By making it clear that preserving the parks is a bi-partisan interest, we can ensure the future of the places we love, not only for ourselves, but for future generations. Here’s a link to the NPS donation page.

This is only a partial list. If you know of more donation or volunteer opportunities that can help affected areas, please contact us and we’ll do our best to promote them.