Grape Hollow State Forest

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 our work at Grape Hollow State Forest.

Over 500 acres near the A.T. footpath were originally earmarked for development, which would compromise this iconic trail’s integrity, unforgettable views, and precious wildlife habitat. In 2024, we partnered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to safeguard this space forever as the Grape Hollow State Forest. This newly created state forest will benefit people and wildlife—expanding hiking trails for community members and day trippers, conserving wildlife, and providing a greater buffer for those enjoying the A.T. for generations to come.