The Future of the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail's number one obstacle has always been the development of the land around it.  The suburban sprawl that first began after World War II has continued to encroach further and further into the Appalachians and the areas through which the AT travels.  This is a constant threat to the sanctity of the trail and the wilderness it traverses.  A good example of the fight to protect this natural sanctuary can be found in the book Stand Up That Mountain by Jay Leutze.  The story is an encouraging one as a community works together to preserve the mountains, but it is an ominous one that shows the tenuous status of the Appalachians.

A question facing the AT is also in relation to its length.  There are those who support additions to the trail on both the north and the south.  In the north, some say the trail should be extended to include the International Appalachian Trail, which goes from Maine through Canada all the way to Quebec.  This is currently not part of the official trail.  In the south, there is support from some to extend the trail to include the Pinhoti National Recreational Trail, which extends into Alabama to the east of Birmingham.  There seems to be little support for making these extensions part of the trail at this point.

There is one thing that the Appalachian Trail has going for it in a big way.  In today's political climate, one governmental agency that always seems to be facing budget cuts is the National Park Service.  They always seem to come up on the losing end when politicians decide where to spend.  While the AT is officially part of the National Park System, it does not rely on a great deal of funding for maintenance.  That duty falls to the large group of trail clubs and volunteer groups who do a tremendous job of keeping the trail passable, visible, and safe.  It truly is a labor of love for these volunteers.  As long as there are these volunteers, the trail will continue to be available for generations to come without having to depend on bureaucrats in Washington.

Perhaps the most important factor working in the favor of the AT in the 21st century is its popularity.  It continues to be a popular place for hikers of all kinds.  It represents the hopes and dreams of many, myself included.  Thru-hike attempts are at record highs, and the enthusiasm surrounding the trail in neighboring trail towns continues to remain high.  Simply put, it is a great time to be on the Appalachian Trail.  I can't wait to attempt a thru-hike myself someday.  In the meantime, I will have to be content reading and writing about it.