March 29, 2024
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Appalachian Trail group changes name

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. – The group devoted to maintaining the 2,174 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine has chosen a new name to better reflect its mission.

On July 4, 2005, the Appalachian Trail Conference will become the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

In a letter posted on the group’s Web site, Chairman Brian T. Fitzgerald said the group has outgrown its previous name, adopted in 1925 when it was mainly a coordinator of clubs.

“Simply put, our new name … is a much better fit for our responsibility to protect and promote one of the most biologically and culturally diverse units of the national park system,” Fitzgerald said.

The trail has been part of the national park system since 1968 and draws about 2 million hikers a year, including about 500 who travel its entire length over several months.

Harpers Ferry, headquarters for the conference, is considered the psychological halfway point for through-hikers. Technically, though, it’s about 80 miles shy: The actual halfway point is between the Tagg Run and Toms Run shelters near Gardners, Pa.

“We’ve earned the right to proudly declare that we – all of us who work tirelessly to maintain the trail’s pristine 2,174 miles – are focused on preserving America’s premier hiking experience for the next 80 years,” Fitzgerald said.


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