By Jordan A. Bowman
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
March 5, 2020
Throughout the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s century-long history, the Appalachian Trail footpath has always served as the backbone of our conservation efforts. Over the next few months, we will explore the ATC’s past, present, and future work in maintaining and protecting the footpath that brings millions closer to nature each year.
When the Appalachian Trail’s original builders broke ground on the footpath, they sought to create something that, as Myron Avery once said, “beckons not merely north and south but upward to the body, mind and soul of man.” By creating a 2,000-mile footpath extending along the entire East Coast, millions of people were given an opportunity to spend a day (or longer) exploring the Appalachian Mountains and reconnecting with the natural world.
But creating a continuous footpath from Maine to Georgia was not a one-time event. In order to preserve the Trail’s full 2,000-mile journey, continual maintenance and guardianship are essential to ensure the A.T. always remains open.