Depot Hill & Camp Ludington

Stretching 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine—and hosting 3 million visitors per year—the Appalachian Trail is one of America’s most iconic long-distance hiking trails. While its place in history may be firmly established, its future is less secure. The trail’s footpath is fully protected, but development and other pressures still threaten its views, wildlife habitat, and trail connections to surrounding communities.

Trust for Public Land is working with numerous partners along the trail to protect, maintain, and enhance the A.T. experience so more people can benefit from this epic trail. In the Northeast, we’ve listened to the needs of local communities to help identify 12 properties near the Appalachian Trail that must be protected, including Depot Hill and Camp Ludington. These properties lie within 50 feet of the A.T. footpath and protecting this land means preserving stunning views while defending against development, habitat loss, and trail redirection.

We’re currently working with our partners at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to protect these 523 acres, safeguarding trail access and ensuring visitors can continue to enjoy this national treasure.