History & Traditions - Appalachian Trail Conservancy https://appalachiantrail.org Keep the Trail Alive Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:38:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://appalachiantrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/cropped-wp-favicon-image-32x32.png History & Traditions - Appalachian Trail Conservancy https://appalachiantrail.org 32 32 How the A.T. Almost Lost Its Shelters https://appalachiantrail.org/news-stories/shelter-history/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:04:29 +0000 https://atc25stg.wpenginepowered.com/shelter-history/ In the early 1970s, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and local Trail Clubs seriously considered removing every A.T. shelter. Explore the history behind this controversial proposal, the vandalism and overcrowding that sparked it, and how the decision shaped modern initiatives like Ridgerunners and Leave No Trace education.

The post How the A.T. Almost Lost Its Shelters first appeared on Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

]]> In the early 1970s, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and local Trail Clubs seriously considered removing every A.T. shelter. Explore the history behind this controversial proposal, the vandalism and overcrowding that sparked it, and how the decision shaped modern initiatives like Ridgerunners and Leave No Trace education.

The post How the A.T. Almost Lost Its Shelters first appeared on Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

]]> How Hikers Helped Route the A.T. to McAfee Knob https://appalachiantrail.org/news-stories/how-hikers-helped-route-the-at-to-mcafee-knob/ Thu, 14 Aug 2025 22:40:08 +0000 https://atc25stg.wpenginepowered.com/how-hikers-helped-route-the-at-to-mcafee-knob/ When planners almost bypassed some of the Appalachian Trail's most iconic views in 1932, a dedicated group of hikers at the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club helped ensure McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs were conserved for future visitor enjoyment and, ultimately, helped protect their natural beauty.

The post How Hikers Helped Route the A.T. to McAfee Knob first appeared on Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

]]> When planners almost bypassed some of the Appalachian Trail's most iconic views in 1932, a dedicated group of hikers at the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club helped ensure McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs were conserved for future visitor enjoyment and, ultimately, helped protect their natural beauty.

The post How Hikers Helped Route the A.T. to McAfee Knob first appeared on Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

]]> A Century of Appalachian Trail Hiker Food https://appalachiantrail.org/news-stories/century-of-appalachian-trail-hiker-food/ Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:06:12 +0000 https://atc25stg.wpenginepowered.com/century-of-appalachian-trail-hiker-food/ What did Appalachian Trail hikers eat before energy bars and freeze-dried meals? From onion sandwiches in the 1930s to bacon-packed backpacks and mysterious “Dynamite Soup,” Mills Kelly explores the evolving trail food traditions over the last 100 years. Learn how changing gear, tastes, and outdoor culture shaped what hikers carried in their packs.

The post A Century of Appalachian Trail Hiker Food first appeared on Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

]]> What did Appalachian Trail hikers eat before energy bars and freeze-dried meals? From onion sandwiches in the 1930s to bacon-packed backpacks and mysterious “Dynamite Soup,” Mills Kelly explores the evolving trail food traditions over the last 100 years. Learn how changing gear, tastes, and outdoor culture shaped what hikers carried in their packs.

The post A Century of Appalachian Trail Hiker Food first appeared on Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

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