Appalachian Trail Conservancy

About

In 1921, forester and planner Benton MacKaye envisioned an ambitious idea: a continuous footpath stretching through the Appalachian Mountains that would serve as a refuge from the pressures of modern industrial life. This bold vision captured the imagination of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts, leading to the establishment of the Appalachian Trail Conference on March 2-3, 1925. What began as a dream of connecting people with nature through a primitive wilderness experience would evolve over the next century into the world's longest hiking-only trail, spanning 2,190+ miles from Georgia to Maine. Today, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (formerly the Appalachian Trail Conference) stands as the only nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to protecting, managing, and advocating for the entire Appalachian National Scenic Trail and its surrounding landscape. For nearly 100 years, ATC has worked collaboratively with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, 31 volunteer trail clubs, and thousands of dedicated volunteers to maintain the Trail's integrity, protect its scenic and ecological values, and ensure that future generations can experience the life-changing discovery of wilderness. From the first thru-hike by Earl Shaffer in 1948 to contemporary conservation challenges like climate resilience and landscape connectivity, ATC's mission remains constant: to keep the Trail alive as a sanctuary where nature thrives and people find transformation.