have hiked the Appalachian Trail in each of the 14 states it passes through. And I expect to expand my collection of stories from the Trail.

Talking to people on the A.T. surely is one of the most gratifying and delightful elements of my new position with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). At Cat Rocks in New York’s Harlem Valley, on a lovely spring morning, I met a father and son who were so inspired by the beauty of the Trail, they wanted to know how to join a work crew. In Pennsylvania, atop a ridge, I met two veterans who were hiking the Trail as a respite between the memories of battle and their future ahead. And, yes, I could go on.

In six months, I’ve traveled to 12 of the A.T.’s 14 states, some more than once. (Massachusetts and Tennessee here I come.) My opportunities to get on the A.T. have been associated with meetings with partners, clubs, allies, and friends of the ATC. Each of those opportunities to put boots on the ground has been the impetus and the inspiration for making certain the A.T. is managed responsibly now for the long-term future.

Just as every section of the A.T. is unique, the ATC’s forward-looking efforts to preserve and protect the entire Trail corridor are rooted in respect for each state and each community. Hundreds of communities benefit from proximity to the A.T. Forty-seven towns and cities have now identified themselves as an official A.T. Community. And just like the personal stories of the hikers I meet, the identity of each A.T. Community is unique, compelling, and memorable.

The way the ATC works with designated communities along the Trail purposefully avoids cookie-cutter tactics. We’re committed to helping communities promote their distinctive qualities — as we work to make certain the entire Trail is unified in inviting visitors from all over the world.

Delaware Water Gap’s Unique Appeal
In this issue, we feature the remarkable photographs of Jacob Bryant, who grew up in the unusual landscape near the Delaware Water Gap, a landscape initially formed 500 million years ago and then carved by a river. Jacob’s dazzling photographs tie into the inspired vision of community leaders who live and thrive in the area.

We also highlight the borough of Delaware Water Gap, a historic quaint town in northeastern Pennsylvania, located within a stone’s throw of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The small town — an A.T. Community for the past four years — offers multiple recreation options, including exceptional access to 28 miles of the A.T. The ATC, in close collaboration with town leaders, has recently ramped up efforts to examine how we assist in showcasing this community’s attributes while developing an overall brand for communities along the Trail.

In the Borough, it is our pleasure to work with people like Susan Cooper, owner of the charming Village Farmer and Bakery, and her son and daughter-in law, Chuck and Rachele, who own Edge of the Woods Outfitters. Business owners like Susan, Chuck, and Rachele form the backbone of the A.T. Community program. What they provide is hospitality, commitment to the long-term future of the Trail, and their personal stories. Because personal connections are what the A.T. is all about.

Women with Deep Connections to the Trail
Also in this issue, author and legendary long-distance hiker, Jennifer Pharr Davis talks to three very different women about their varied approaches to hiking the Trail. In her feature, “Natural Born Hikers,” Jennifer teases out genuine and engaging stories that explore overcoming trepidation, shedding stereotypes, and finding empowerment through each new hiking experience. As Jennifer explains: “For women, the greatest fears about hiking are most often found to be misconceptions.”

In “Trail Stories,” check out the inspirational story of Anna Huthmaker — who describes her size and shape as “not your traditional thru-hiker.” Anna turned her initial hiking dream into a national movement that now has women of all shapes, sizes, and ages celebrating the outdoors and themselves.

In “As I See It,” you won’t want to miss the compelling commentary of Anne Schubert, who is setting out this summer to turn a decade-long lingering idea into a solid plan of hiking 50 miles of the Trail for her 50th birthday.

In these stories and others, there is a common thread about latching onto a goal and getting out there and doing it. These stories and my meetings with hikers along the Trail inspire me in my personal 14-state A.T. challenge. I encourage you to find your own part of the Trail, to stretch your legs and lungs, and to make certain you stop to enjoy the spectacular world-renowned Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

See Y’all on the Trail

thrilled! [My husband and I] thru-hiked in 2016. Here is a short summary of our hike: Fourteen bears, charged by a moose, 90 mph winds on Mount Washington, lightning on Mount Moosilauke, and frozen hands on Roan Mountain. Best time of our lives. Thank you to all the volunteers and the ATC who work to keep the Trail what it is.

Lindsey “Charge” Loving and Nicholas “False Top” Bast

article in the Winter 2018 issue and cheered. This is my journey. I have hiked in seven states: New Jersey and all states north. My requirement is a three-day-trip, minimum, with two nights on the Trail in each state. This year, I will be hiking from Snicker’s Gap into Harpers Ferry to cross off West Virginia as my eighth state. I fly from Alaska almost every year to hike in another state on the A.T.  I am glad to see that my way of hiking the Trail is recognized.

Joan Travostino

then friend — gave me a signed copy of Cindy Ross’s book, A Women’s Journey. I had found myself involved with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), somehow making my way onto council as the general secretary — with little knowledge and even less experience. But the Appalachian Trail, as I’ve shared before, had caught both my attention and my imagination. And I wanted to not just volunteer and manage the Trail — I wanted to learn to hike it.

Growing up in urban New Jersey, my family did not spend a lot of time out in the woods. Vacations were trips “back home” to Pennsylvania or “down the shore.” My first experiences with hiking were the day hikes in and out of work sites (the first project I worked on was the construction of Rod Hollow Shelter). But I wanted to know what it was like backpacking. As you can imagine, there was no shortage of gear advice as well as thoughts on where and when I should have my first experiences.

My first backpack was an external frame (red!) backpack. When you added in sleeping bag and Thermarest, packable pillow, food, stove, water bottles, too many changes of clothes, and heavy camp shoes, it was probably hovering around 45-plus pounds. But I was also in my mid-twenties, so what I lacked in sense I made up for in youth and energy.

In the 1980s, there were not a lot of women in that community. I had a group from PATC that hiked together. Trail Clubs have a long and rich history of women members working side-by-side the men making equal contributions. But in general, we girls were in the minority. That’s why, A Women’s Journey made such an impact on me. Here was a contemporary woman talking about not just hiking, but hiking the entire Appalachian Trail as a woman. Ross mentions the number one question asked of her is, “Aren’t you afraid?” How many times has a male hiker been asked that question? She explores loneliness and solitude. And she even talks honestly about how to manage menstruation and other “women hygiene” issues. It was revolutionary in so many ways.

In so many ways, this is still a journey for all of us. Ensuring inclusivity is not a passive endeavor. We need to invite, encourage, and mentor everyone with the interest and desire to experience the outdoors as a whole and most especially our very special Trail.

Without even knowing it at the time, Cindy did just that for me (as did my dear husband in sharing her book with me — you can see why I married him). We all will have opportunities to do the same. And the Trail itself will be richer for it.

By Brian B. King

and trail seekers,” says Stephanie Martz, the new co-chair of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC) President’s Advisory Circle. Stephanie and her father-in-law Grant Davies, who is anticipated to join the conservancy’s board in August, have stepped into two important roles with the ATC, adding high energy, enthusiasm, and their professional experience. Grant and his wife Carole-Ann have generously funded the ATC’s opportunity to host a special photo-art exhibit in the U.S. Senate Rotunda in September and the corresponding expenses for a congressional reception and a commemorative booklet.

By Anna Huthmaker

try to do this?” I held up a battered and worn copy of Jean Deeds, There Are Mountains to Climb, one of a dozen A.T. books that I owned. It was the year 2000 and that one small question was like the proverbial butterfly who flutters her wings one extra time, creating tsunamis around the world. In my case, that initial question came out of a secret, scary dream that I had — one that became a thru-hike attempt which, in turn, became a national movement.

In 2015, my girlfriend and I completed the Maryland miles over several day-hikes and shuttle set ups together. I always enjoy dishing up Trail magic to the thru-hikers, things like rides to town or hiking in treats to give out at the nearby shelter. As you can tell, my love for the A.T. and the hiking community is strong.

book I read years ago, SOLO: On Her Own Adventure, by Susan Fox Rogers, introduced me to the idea of doing a backpacking trip alone. I’ve been talking about it ever since. Keyword: talking. For over 10 years. Ok, maybe closer to 20.

So, in my 49th year, sitting at my desk in my windowless office, surrounded by shades of gray, contemplating a milestone birthday year and typing random strings of A.T. hike-related text into the search bar, an idea was sparked. An idea that has since turned into a plan, which will come to fruition this August, the week after my 50th birthday: 50 miles for 50 years. Could never having spent the night in the woods by myself, yet having the strong call to backpack be a problem solved this year?

The A.T. — quite literally my back yard — has been a wonderfully rewarding and therapeutic respite for the past two decades I’ve lived in Maryland. It has been a training ground for walks and trail runs and innumerable dog walks. We’re on our fourth dog since moving close to the Trail and the section we call home holds memories of each of those fur babies. There’s been many tree, wildflower, and bird identification hikes with my husband; him the patient teacher, me trying hard to remember. In 2015, my girlfriend and I completed the Maryland miles over several day-hikes and shuttle set ups together. I always enjoy dishing up Trail magic to the thru-hikers, things like rides to town or hiking in treats to give out at the nearby shelter. As you can tell, my love for the A.T. and the hiking community is strong.