Winding through the Appalachian Mountains along the East Coast, the Appalachian Trail traverses fourteen states from Maine’s wild granite fortress, Mount Katahdin, to the misty waterfalls in Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia. Opening as a continuous trail in 1937, the trail was developed by volunteers and designated as one of the first National Scenic Trails by the National Trails System Act of 1968.

The National Trails System contains America’s most significant trails as designated by Congress. However, this system is incomplete and vulnerable. While the Appalachian Trail’s footpath through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia is permanently protected, the land surrounding the trail—the stunning, breathtaking views visitors have loved for nearly a century—is at risk of development and threats to wildlife remain. With help from our partners and Iocal communities, Trust for Public Land (TPL) is working to ensure that the integrity of this beloved national treasure is kept intact—conserving the landscape, protecting drinking water, continuing access for hunting and fishing, and supporting tourist economies.

TPL has identified over 26,000 acres that must be protected to maintain and enhance the Appalachian Trail experience for the millions of hikers, campers, and visitors that enjoy the trail each year. We can preserve these lands and secure an American treasure for generations to come, meaning more miles to hike, more nature to experience, and more memories to be made.