The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is a nonprofit charity organization established in 1925 to protect, preserve, and manage the Appalachian Trail (AT). This 2,193-mile-long hiking trail stretches from Georgia to Maine in the United States. The ATC is responsible for the overall management and maintenance of the trail, including coordinating volunteer efforts, fundraising, and advocacy.
The ATC works with federal, state, and local partners to ensure that the trail is protected and accessible to hikers and other visitors. The organization also educates the public about the trail’s natural and cultural resources and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
In addition to trail management, the ATC supports the trail’s hikers. This includes providing resources such as maps, guidebooks, and online information about trail conditions and services.
The ATC also offers programs and services to help hikers plan their trips and navigate the challenges of long-distance hiking.
Overall, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy plays a critical role in ensuring the sustainability and preservation of the Appalachian Trail, one of the most popular hiking trails in the world and an important cultural and natural resource in the United States.