The ATC’s mission is “to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail to ensure that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come.”
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy upholds the highest standards for the protection and management of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) to ensure that it can be shared and enjoyed well into the future.
Due to the Trail’s historic legacy of volunteerism, many of the ATC’s programs are focused on supporting and encouraging volunteers. We work cooperatively with volunteer A.T. clubs and agencies to develop meaningful Trail policies, share expertise on trail design and construction, and protect the landscapes and natural and cultural resources that represent the unique, inspiring, and oftentimes life changing, experience of the A.T
Our newer initiatives help us reach out to the next generation of A.T. supporters and visitors through education and outreach programs. As we work to steward the valuable lands that the A.T. traverses, we are eager to ensure those protected lands remain relevant and available to all those seeking recreation and solitude on the Trail.
The organization also provides leadership support to the South Mountain Partnership.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy maintains an online map of the entire Appalachian Trail to aid hikers in trip planning.
