News
ATC Will Not Recognize Thru-Hikes During Pandemic
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) indicated in a post on January 21st that they will not issue hangtags or recognize thru-hikes while the COVID-19 pandemic is still raging. "We do...
The Future of Public Lands Under a Biden Administration
Public and sacred lands in the United States have seen historic assaults under the Trump administration. From the shrinking of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments to make way
Escape From New York on the Empire State Trail
City-dwellers know that it always takes a little extra effort to commune with nature, but the problem has become more acute during the pandemic. In New York City, the trains,...
2021 PCT Long-distance Permits Will be Issued; Portal to Open January 19
The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) announced on January 5 that 2021 PCT Long-distance Permits will be issued at normal levels starting January 19th at 10:30 am PT. The decision...
Yellow Finch Tree Sitters Continue to Defy Mountain Valley Pipeline
Sitting high in the trees in Montgomery County, Virginia, the tree sitters off Yellow Finch Lane are in their 853rd day of blockading construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP)...
Senate Considers Bill Ending Ban on Mountain Bikes in Wilderness Areas
In the latest bid to lift the ban on mountain bikes in federally designated wilderness areas, the U.S. Senate is considering a bill to amend the Wilderness Act of 1964...
Now You Can Own an Authentic Baxter State Park Trail Sign
If you're hunting for the ultimate Appalachian Trail souvenir, you may be in luck. Friends of Baxter State Park is auctioning decommissioned trail signs from some of the Park's most iconic
ATC Urges 2021 Hikers to Take Precautions, Consider Alternatives
In an open letter to 2021 trail users, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy on Thursday urged long-distance hikers to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during their hikes. As...
Top of Georgia Hiker Hostel to Reopen as Around the Bend
The iconic AT hostel Top of Georgia, which closed its doors in May 2019, is reopening under new ownership with the name Around the Bend. Gordon and Lisa Simmons purchased...
DNA Sequencing Could Help ID Hiker Found Dead in 2018
Authorities and amateur sleuths are hoping cutting-edge DNA sequencing technology will soon provide a breakthrough in the mysterious case of Mostly Harmless, a backpacker who was found dead in his