On Friday, February 28, the U.S. Postal Service held a first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the new Appalachian Trail Forever stamps at the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center in Georgia.

The pane of 15 stamps — one for each of the 14 states the A.T. traverses and one depicting the “green tunnel” — celebrates the beauty of this iconic national scenic trail in honor of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s 100th anniversary. The special event attracted a crowd of more than 200 people, including legendary thru-hiker Gene Espy, stamp collectors, members of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, and A.T. enthusiasts and hikers. The event helped kick off the ATC’s centennial celebrations ahead of its March 3 birthday.

Author and adventurer Jennifer Pharr Davis served as the mistress of ceremonies and shared how she, like many other thru-hikers, have a special appreciation for the postal service as they rely on post offices near the Trail to pick up resupply boxes during their journeys.

Daniel Tangherlini, member of USPS Board of Governors, remarked: “These stamps, like the Trail itself, symbolize some of the most important aspects of our national identity — conservation, community, volunteerism and civic commitment.”

ATC president Sandi Marra, whose father was a career letter carrier, closed the ceremony with gratitude for this recognition for the Trail. She reminded the audience that this beloved and internationally revered treasure needs thoughtful and proactive care and strong collaboration with private and public partners, local communities, and passionate individuals to ensure that future generations can continue to step foot on the path and walk away transformed.

Other ceremony participants included Angie Johnson, director of state parks and historic sites for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Michelle Mitchell, director of recreation, wilderness, heritage, and volunteers for the U.S. Forest Service; and Meatrice Carter, USPS Atlanta consumer affairs, who sang the national anthem.

Hurricane Helene was a striking reminder of the threats facing the A.T. and trailside communities. But the response it inspired reflects the commitment of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s corporate and business partners to promoting a resilient Trail. As the scale of destruction became clear, the partners expressed solidarity with affected communities, shared ATC updates, and kickstarted the Appalachian Trail Resiliency Fund.

Donations to the Resiliency Fund in the aftermath of Helene helped the ATC assess the widespread damage and deploy crews that cleared thousands of downed trees and other hazards. The outdoor app AllTrails was among the first to contact the ATC about ways to help. Through a donation and free in-app advertising, AllTrails was a catalyst for recovery in multiple ways, describing its pledge as “a promise to support the ATC in getting people back to the trails they love.”

Major support also came from Athletic Brewing Company, which contributed to the Resiliency Fund and the work of the ATC’s Konnarock Trail Crew in the south. ATC President and CEO Sandi Marra said the company’s contribution will “help ensure the People’s Trail remains open, connected, and able to withstand the effects of future disasters.”

Additionally, the ATC is grateful for other partners — including BearVault, Osprey, Wild Tribute, and FarOut — and the 1,220 individual donors who supported the Resiliency Fund.

By Brendan Mysliwiec, Director of Federal Policy and Legislation

In February, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy participated in the 28th annual Hike the Hill event, where the hiking and trails community visits Washington, D.C. to discuss important issues with federal lawmakers. ATC staff and board members met with the staff or Members of nearly 30 Congressional offices from states along the Trail and on both sides of the aisle. The recent freezes of federal assistance and mass layoffs led to timely discussions about the crucial role federal partners play in the management of the A.T. The Appalachian Trail and its Cooperative Management System (CMS) has many strong supporters in Congress and the ATC takes seriously its obligation to help them champion cooperative management and the Trail’s iconic landscape.

The CMS has been working on the A.T. for 100 years and relies on mutual trust and respect. Sudden disruptions in services from any partner creates a burden on the other partners. In the A.T.’s CMS, the volunteer corps and ATC and Club employees do the majority of the work. However, without federal partners, none of this work is possible. The ATC is committed to telling the story of the Trail’s cooperative management and encouraging members to share how important the A.T. is to everyone.

The ATC is also working closely with the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service to address Hurricane Helene recovery needs in Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. This includes treadway and facilities projects, natural resource management, and mapping. Although the hurricane has strained the Trail, recovery efforts have strengthened the Conservancy’s partnership with federal agencies. The ATC will continue to work with its governmental and non-governmental partners to preserve the vibrant and dynamic A.T. Landscape and to support conservation, recreation, and the sense of place that makes the Appalachians irreplaceable.

We are excited to announce nominations for positions on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Board of Directors are being accepted through May 27, 2025. This year, the ATC will welcome up to seven board members, some of whom are returning directors. A slate of nominees will be recommended by the Nominating Committee to be approved by the full Board and then voted on by ATC membership. Results will be announced at the ATC’s annual meeting in August, and directors will begin serving on the governing body at the winter 2025 meeting.

If you, or someone you know, are interested in serving on the ATC Board, we welcome your nomination. The Nominating Committee considers many criteria when reviewing nominations. Candidates should have a passion for the ATC’s mission of protecting, managing, and advocating for the Appalachian Trail, along with a commitment to its values of land protection, volunteerism, and community engagement. As stewards of this national treasure, the Board aspires to represent all people who use the Trail now and in perpetuity.

In honor of the ATC’s 100th anniversary this year, the Conservancy launched an exciting Centennial Campaign to keep the Trail alive and lay the financial foundation to protect and manage the A.T. for the next 100 years. Candidates with capital campaign experience and those who are able to take an active role in fundraising are encouraged to highlight this in their nomination.

To celebrate the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s 100 years of dedication to protecting the iconic Trail, two of the ATC’s Visitor Centers hosted special events to honor the Trail’s history and to inspire future generations of Trail enthusiasts to continue supporting this beloved landmark. In Harpers Ferry, WV, community members gathered to mark the ATC centennial, and a total of 101 visitors stopped by, including 85 tourists who were curious about the history and future of the Appalachian Trail. A highlight of the event was the cake competition, featuring six entries from volunteers, ATC staff, and Brandt from Cross Trails Hostel. Dedicated volunteers who have made the ATC’s mission possible over the years were celebrated at a special lunch, thoughtfully organized by Visitor Center Supervisor Melanie Spencer, which took place on the second floor of the Visitor Center. It was an opportunity to reflect on the contributions made by those who dedicate their time and effort to the Trail’s preservation, education, and outreach.

The celebrations continued in Damascus, VA, where the spirit of community and service was front and center. The event welcomed 114 visitors, many of whom were introduced to a variety of volunteer and partner organizations. Notable contributors included the Mount Rogers A.T. Club, the Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club, Grayson Highlands State Park, the United States Forest Service, and Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards. Visitors had the chance to enjoy an A.T. history presentation, crosscut saw demonstrations, and vendor booths showcasing local products and services. The day also featured a performance of a song written by The Crooked Road Singer Songwriters paying tribute to the Appalachian Trail’s unique cultural heritage.

The events in Harpers Ferry and Damascus not only celebrated the achievements of the ATC over the past century — and the crucial role of dedicated volunteers, local communities, and A.T. visitors — but also set the stage for the next 100 years of stewardship, education, and advocacy. We look forward to continuing this journey with you — whether on the Trail, at the Visitor Centers, or through support of the ATC’s mission. Thank you to all who made this celebration a success, and here’s to the next 100 years!

Benton MAcKaye envisioned the Appalachian Trail as a sanctuary, removed from modern distractions. For those who hike its nearly 2,200 miles, the Trail offers a unique opportunity to find purpose through resilience, community, and self-sufficiency. These lessons can reveal a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead a meaningful life.

Before I hiked the A.T., I was already familiar with minimalism — not by choice, but out of necessity. Growing up in poverty as a neurodivergent woman, I developed resilience and self-sufficiency to navigate life’s challenges. However, it was not until my journey on the A.T. that I realized how little I truly needed to feel fulfilled. Self-sufficiency became my strength, while the hiking community provided the necessary support during moments of injury, exhaustion, or mental struggle.

The A.T. taught me fearlessness, but upon summiting Katahdin, a new anxiety emerged. I feared that returning to the “real world” would distance me from the grounded self I had found. Would society’s focus on wealth and status overshadow the lessons learned on the Trail? In the seven years since my hike, life off the A.T. has shown me that fear is inevitable but can be confronted through self-reliance and community — especially in times of crisis.

From Thru-Hiker to Homeowner

Two years ago, my husband and I bought our first home in North Carolina. After years of transient living, homeownership felt foreign. We chose Asheville for its connection to the mountains and its potential as a base location for trail maintenance and conservation. We purchased a modest home, determined to live simply. At first, we slept on the floor, embracing the minimalist lifestyle we valued on the A.T., but as time passed, building a home felt right. Like golden winged warblers atop a grassy bald, we slowly gathered materials that would make our nest cozy.

Our quiet life was interrupted on September 27, 2024. Two evenings prior, Hurricane Helene’s precursor storm hit. My husband and I joked about the storm arriving early, unaware of the danger ahead. The night of the storm, we took shelter in our basement. By 5:00 a.m., the power cut out. We were prepared, having learned from our A.T. experience to stockpile supplies, but the storm soon escalated beyond our expectations.

The Strain of Self-Sufficiency in Crisis

The following days were disorienting. We had no electricity, phone service, or running water, and our neighborhood was isolated from the rest of the city. As supplies dwindled, we found ourselves searching for water and propane. Tempers flared as people fought for limited supplies. The perpetual whir of search-and-rescue helicopters overhead drove home the reality that self-sufficiency alone could not carry us through this crisis. In these dark moments, our neighbors stepped up. Many made dangerous trips across the state to bring back supplies for those who couldn’t leave. Their acts of kindness mirrored the camaraderie of trail families on the A.T., showing me once again that self-reliance doesn’t mean isolation; it means finding strength in yourself and sharing that strength with others.

Facing Fear Together: The Role of Community

The storm tested both our physical and emotional endurance. The constant search for survivors and victims reminded us of how fragile life can be. Despite the uncertainty, our neighbors’ support helped us cope. I found myself reflecting on a lightning storm I experienced during my hike through the Smokies, and the comfort from a communal feast and roaring fire at the shelter later that night. This memory helped me reframe current challenges as part of a larger journey.

In the wake of Helene, lessons of self-reliance and sharing strength once again became clear. After a week, my husband and I were finally able to fill our car with fuel and began volunteering with disaster relief efforts. We worked alongside familiar faces — Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Forest Service staff — who were also helping. From shoveling mud out of downtown Hot Springs to conducting wellness checks on missing persons and completing trail hazard surveys, the spirit of mutual aid that thrives on the A.T. was alive in our region. Even in the toughest of times, the lessons of the Trail endured.

Rebuilding After the Storm: A Call for Those Who Love Appalachia

As the weeks passed, it became clear that recovering from a disaster of this scale would take years. The physical damage from the storm is still devastating. Roads, communities, and forests have been severely compromised or entirely destroyed. Landslides, flooded neighborhoods, and toppled trees serve as a constant reminder: we cannot rebuild in isolation. While self-sufficiency is invaluable in the face of disaster, it is community strength that truly endures. Rebuilding efforts, from restoring trail towns to repairing trails, must be driven by collective strength. Volunteers must also embody patience and compassion, offering both physical and emotional support to those who have lost so much. Rebuilding southern Appalachia requires more than just repairing homes — it calls for restoring the essence of these mountain towns: the people, culture, and deep connection to the land.

Fear is an inevitable part of a crisis, but it is through self-reliance and community that we can face it and rebuild. Whether on the A.T. or in a storm-ravaged town, individual strength is magnified when shared with others. To those who cherish these mountains and communities, please help contribute to the recovery from Hurricane Helene. Whether by volunteering, donating, or offering a helping hand to neighbors, we must all share our strength. In doing so, we will rebuild not only the physical structures of these towns but also the spirit of resilience that makes these communities so special.

In October, a group of Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC) members made an ambassadorial trip to Japan to engage the Shin-etsu Trail as a “Sister Trail.” The GATC Hiker Pals included Eddi Minche, Jay Dement, Lynne Beeson, Marianne Skeen, Marion McLean, Richard Judy, Shelley Rose, Sherry Rotondo, and Susie McNeely. This included the current and five past presidents and a former president of the Len Foote Hike-Inn. The trip was the result of a connection begun almost twenty years ago when our members hosted some of the Shin-etsu Trail Club (STC) founders who visited the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the GATC to learn about the organizational structure of long-distance trails. (Sarah Adams, ATC’s Regional Manager – Georgia and Nantahala, has deep ties with the Shin-etsu Trail and has been helpful in the STC’s growth.) Members of the STC visited us again in the spring of 2023, giving rise to the idea of traveling to Japan to hike their trail.

The Shin-etsu Trail is a 68-mile woodland trail on the border between Nagano and Niigata Prefectures in the alpine region of central Japan. The trail showcases primeval forests of beech, birch, larch, maple, cedar, and more. Inspired in part by the Appalachian Trail, the Shin-etsu Trail is the pioneer of long-distance trails in Japan, with other long trails being developed in recent years. The trail is on land mainly owned by the national government (Forest Service) and municipalities. Five percent is owned by private landowners, who have given permission to use the land.

The STC’s guiding principles are to ensure that the precious natural, cultural, and historic resources of the area can be preserved into the future. The club has created an impressive infrastructure for the trail. There is a great website and comprehensive trail guide, published in Japanese and English. The trail is well marked with blazes and location information and is easy to follow. When the STC undertakes a new project, support comes from the national government, prefectural governments, and private foundations. In addition, sales of goods, dispatch of guides, and cooperative funds for trail maintenance are the main sources of funding.

Operations are managed by one full-time staff member and six part-time staff members. Additionally, more than 30 registered guides are available to share their knowledge of the trail with visitors. About 300 volunteers help maintain the trail per year.

The Hike

We were amazed by the attention and support the STC provided our Hiker Pals group, including pre-trip planning, hotel reservations, and shuttling. We also enjoyed the expertise of highly qualified and certified guides while on the trail. Lodging included western and traditional rooms, many with onsens (hot spring baths), as well as traditional Japanese breakfasts and dinners.

The hike proved to be very strenuous. Some parts of the trail are very steep with grades of ±35 percent — the A.T. is generally graded at <20 percent. In place of steps there are footholds carved into the mud to help get up and down slopes, which make it challenging when wet and slippery.

While we had some clouds and light rain, most of the time, the views were spectacular. The trail goes through many beech forests, which receive heavy snowfall up to twelve feet. This causes the trees to bend, many leaning over the trail and creating obstacles. There is resistance to removing these hurdles, which we would consider blowdowns. Their Japanese philosophy is that one walks closer to nature when having to navigate a natural environment.

One day about thirty STC members joined us for our hike. It was amazing to see so many show up for us! We started with a group circle introducing ourselves and then we were led in some warm-up exercises. Later that same day, after hiking 8 miles, we were surprised with trail magic. The club had set up a number of chairs and cooked us oden, a Japanese traditional specialty for us to enjoy. They also had a Treasure Box with other goodies.

Trail Maintenance Meeting and Symposium

After nine days on the trail, it was time for the STC’s annual two-day meeting and symposium. Trail clubs and organizations from all over Japan were represented at this event with some attendees driving many hours each way to participate.

The trail maintenance workshop was split into three teams. We discussed A.T. clearance standards and why we cut trees and brush. Trail maintenance training concentrated on the need for water management. The idea of moving water off the trail was a new concept for many. Berm removal and drainage dips were discussed and demonstrated. Each team visited their respective sections and made general observations about the condition and discussed solutions. Then the volunteers broke into smaller groups and started working. One worker commented that she would usually dig the trail down the middle (cupping) but now understood that was not a good idea. In addition, we were able to share the concept of developing trail standards and trail eyes.

The STC then hosted a national symposium including local dignitaries and the Forest Service. Representatives of four trail clubs discussed the current state of their trails, comparing challenges, ideas, and funding issues. Morgan Sommerville, ATC’s Director of Visitor Use Management, participated via Zoom to present information about how the ATC operates and how it coordinates with clubs, the Forest Service, and Park Service. Lynne Beeson and Jay Dement discussed how the GATC operates. These interactive sessions generated many questions — especially about succession, how to attract members, funding, and trail sustainability.

The meeting concluded with GATC members presenting a plaque to Hiroshi Kimura, Representative Director, and Atsushi “Big West” Onishi, Executive Director, declaring the Appalachian Trail in Georgia and Shin-etsu Trail as Sister Trails. The STC made a nice donation to the GATC and the Hiker Pals donated in the club’s name to the STC.

After spending almost two weeks with our new friends, it was almost tearful having to say goodbye. We owe great thanks to the Shin-etsu Trail Club for the outstanding hospitality that made our adventure very memorable. Many friendships were formed over a shared love of the trail.

Jay M. Dement is a past president of the GATC. He was also the driving force in the creation of the Trail Ambassador program in Georgia. In 2017, Jay was recognized by his peers in the southern region (SORO) of the A.T. as their Volunteer of the Year.