The Appalachian Trail as envisioned by Benton MacKaye in the early 1920's would be a scenic trail weaving through the Appalachian Mountains to provide “an opportunity for the average person to experience not only the health benefits of the clean mountain air, but to witness America's natural beauty” (History of the Appalachian Trail). This National Scenic Trail, designated in 1968, also escapes "the high powered tension of the economic scramble", as written by Benton MacKaye in An Appalachian Trail; A Project in Regional Planning.
Many hikers seek out life on the Appalachian trail for many different reasons. Completing a “thru-hike”, a continuous hike from the Northern terminus to the Southern terminus or vice versa, will take approximatly 6 months. During those 6 months it provides refuge from monotonous daily tasks that include paying bills, full time jobs, sitting in traffic, you name it. It’s also a daunting physical challenge irresistible by confident hikers dreaming of the notable accomplishment.
Unfortunatly, over the last several decades as travel on the AT has increased the wilderness corridor that travels through 14 states, 8 National Forests, and 2 National Parks has experienced some negative repercussions. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Appalachian Mountain Club contend with pressures from commercial developers for housing projects, declining air quality, threats to endangered plant and animal life, climate change, erosion, and an ever increasing number of hikers and campers. (To learn more: click here)
Unfortunatly, over the last several decades as travel on the AT has increased the wilderness corridor that travels through 14 states, 8 National Forests, and 2 National Parks has experienced some negative repercussions. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Appalachian Mountain Club contend with pressures from commercial developers for housing projects, declining air quality, threats to endangered plant and animal life, climate change, erosion, and an ever increasing number of hikers and campers. (To learn more: click here)
“The ATC is working to expand its public outreach in the hopes of creating greater awareness of the trail’s ecological and aesthetic value, as well as fostering grassroots advocacy for its protection.”
That’s where we plan to contribute!
Did you know that the Appalachian Trail is maintained completely by volunteers? Thousands of volunteers contribute roughly 200,000 hours to the trail every year!
Did you know that on average about 3 million people hike a portion of the AT every year? In some high-use areas that estimate is 4 million people yearly.
Did you know that there are more than 2,000 occurrences of threatened and endangered species along the AT? (To learn more: click here)
“We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do”
Barbara Ward, Only One Earth, 1972
Wow!!!
ReplyDelete