Tomorrow, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy will welcome hikers and hiking enthusiasts to Black Dome Mountain Sports for Hiker Happy Hour, an evening of stories, networking and idea-sharing.
The casual, drop-in event is free and open to the public and will be held from 5-7 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 9. Black Dome Mountain Sports is located at 140 Tunnel Road, just east of downtown.
“People who have hiked any length on the A.T. are invited to come share their interest or passion for the trail that unites them,” reads a press release for the gathering. “The event is open to long distance hikers, section-hikers, flip-floppers, weekend adventurers, families and dreamers. It’s an opportunity for hikers of all types to get to know one another, network, share ideas, and learn more about the ATC’s efforts to protect the A.T.”
For 90 years, the ATC has worked with a network of volunteers and National Park officials to build and maintain a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains.
“We enjoy getting to know people in our community who love or want to learn about the Appalachian Trail,” said Morgan Sommerville, the ATC’s southern regional director, in a press release.
Also available at Hiker Happy Hour is the opportunity to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities, about hiker workshops and about Leave No Trace principles, which promote responsible hiking practices — not to mention door prizes and a raffle of “A.T. goodies.”
The A.T., an approximately 2,190-mile hiking trail, stretches from Georgia to Maine, and is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, according to the ATC. The ATC’s mission “is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come.”
For more information on the A.T., visit www.appalachiantrail.org or read an Xpress cover story about the trail.
For more information about the event, call the ATC’s southern regional office at 254-3708.
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