Browse Through the Traveler Content

"Connect Trails To Parks" Awards Help Improve Trails To National Historic And Scenic Trails, Other Federal Lands

Submitted by NPT Staff on February 1, 2012 - 1:39am

Not quite $1 million is being dispensed for 14 projects around the country that will improve trails and trailheads that tie national historic and scenic trails to national parks and other federal lands.

Mark Wenger Named Appalachian Trail Conservancy Executive Director

Submitted by Danny Bernstein on January 17, 2012 - 2:15am

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Board of Directors has appointed Mark J. Wenger as the organization's new executive director, beginning in February.

Public Meetings Scheduled To Discuss Transmission Line Corridor Proposed At Delaware Water Gap NRA

Submitted by NPT Staff on December 28, 2011 - 1:39am

A series of public meetings has been scheduled to discuss a proposal to run a 500 kilovolt transmission line across the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recrational River, and through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Keep Friends Groups In Your National Park Thoughts

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on December 26, 2011 - 1:48am

Don't overlook the good work of the various friends groups that strive to bring a little extra to the national parks scattered throughout the country.

National Park Service Releases Draft EIS on Transmission Line Across Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Delaware Water Gap NRA

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on November 24, 2011 - 1:33am

A voluminous evaluation document has been released on the proposed expansion of a power transmission corridor through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Appalachian National Scenic Trail, but the National Park Service has not recommended a direction to go.

License Tag Law Threatens Support for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Submitted by Danny Bernstein on November 16, 2011 - 1:41am

License tag money has helped support national parks in North Carolina for over a decade. But a new law enacted by the Republican legislature will decrease the amount of money that will go to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Hiking the Appalachian National Scenic Trail: It Takes More Heart than Heel

Submitted by Danny Bernstein on November 6, 2011 - 12:08am

Do you have the right stuff to hike the Appalachian National Scenic Trail next year? It's not about the right gear but as Grandma Gatewood said, "it takes more heart than heel."

Obama Administration Draws Criticism For Fast-Tracking Transmission Line Project Through National Park Units

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on October 10, 2011 - 12:41am

A decision by the Obama Administration to fast-track seven power transmission line projects, including one through several units of the National Park System, has drawn condemnation from conservation groups.

Evaluation of Proposed Power Transmission Line Through Delaware Water Gap NRA Leads to Some Changes

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on September 26, 2011 - 12:14am

As the National Park Service continues to study a proposal to run a larger transmission line through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and two other units of the National Park System, the details and possibilities are changing.

Shutting Down Small-town Post Offices Could Make Things Tough For Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on August 14, 2011 - 12:48am

How far are you willing to go out of your way for a meal? For Appalachian National Scenic Trail thru-hikers, that question could take on more relevance if the U.S. Postal Service closes down some of its smaller operations in a cost-saving move.

Proposed Backcountry Fee At Great Smoky Mountains National Park Would Be A First For Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on August 7, 2011 - 3:32am

A proposal to charge for overnight stays in the backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, if enacted, would create the first area along the 2,180-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail where thru-hikers would have to pay to lay down for the night.

Jennifer Pharr Davis Sets Time Record For Thru-Hike On the Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on August 2, 2011 - 12:37am

It took a 60-mile day right near the end, but Jennifer Pharr Davis has succeeded in setting the speed record for a thru-hike of the 2,180-mile-long Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Looking For New Executive Director

Submitted by Anonymous on July 29, 2011 - 12:31am

If you've got a strong background running nonprofit organizations, and enjoy getting outdoors and hiking from time to time, this might be the perfect job opportunity for you. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is looking for an executive director/chief executive officer.

Highlights of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Biennial Conference

Submitted by Danny Bernstein on July 13, 2011 - 12:58am

Every two years, Appalachian Trail hikers, enthusiasts, supporters, and conservationists get together at an Appalachian Trail Conservancy Conference. There are hikes, workshops, excursions, and the A.T. culture.

Hiking North Carolina's Blue Ridge Heritage

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on June 27, 2011 - 12:42am

In Hiking North Carolina's Blue Ridge Heritage, Danny Bernstein comes to the task with a keen eye for details in general, but a specific eye for wildflowers.

Birding in the National Parks: An Introduction

Submitted by Kirby Adams on June 14, 2011 - 12:22am

Birders are a strange bunch of critters. I can say that because I’m one of them. We tend to carry around enough optical equipment to make the guys that were hunting Osama bin Laden jealous. We think eating breakfast at 3 a.m. in the summer is perfectly normal. We tend to travel…a lot

Trails I've hiked - The Appalachian Trail in Southwest Virginia

Submitted by Danny Bernstein on June 13, 2011 - 12:18am

The Appalachian Trail in southwest Virginia is a spectacular section, with open meadows and feral ponies. Meeting thru-hikers is a bonus.

Odds and Ends From Around the National Parks To Kickoff The Summer Travel Season

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on May 29, 2011 - 12:43am

With spring still on its way to the Rockies and High Sierra, and summer well under way in some parts of the country, this seems a perfect time to honor all 2010 Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, consider ways to support national parks, and look at ways to enjoy the parks.

Jennifer Pharr Davis Hoping To Thru-Hike Appalachian Trail In Record Time

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on April 19, 2011 - 12:39am

Jennifer Pharr Davis, who owns the women's record for speed-hiking the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, has set her sights on besting the men's record this summer.

Summer Special: Wildflowers in the National Parks

Submitted by Danny Bernstein on April 1, 2011 - 12:07am

Summer brings a wealth of flowers to those parks that have enjoyed spring flowers like Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It also brings flowers to Rocky Mountain National Park and the parks in Alaska where the snow is just melting.

Reader Participation Day: Would You Ever Go On A Multi-Week, Or More, Hike?

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on March 23, 2011 - 1:55am

Would you ever head off down a trail for a multi-week, or longer, hike, carrying all you need in a pack on your back?

Invasive Exotic Plants on the Appalachian Trail

Submitted by Danny Bernstein on March 21, 2011 - 1:49am

The Great Garlic Mustard Gathering challenges volunteers to remove and use invasive plants from the Appalachian Trail. And how can we use Chinese silvergrass, multiflora rose and other invasives?

Stay On Top Of Your Favorite National Park: Join A Friends Group or Foundation

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on March 7, 2011 - 1:19am

What's a great way to stay on top of your favorite national park -- aside from reading the Traveler? Join its friends group, foundation, or natural history association.

Plan to come to the Appalachian Trail Festival and Biennial Meeting In July

Submitted by Danny Bernstein on February 6, 2011 - 1:40am

Every two years, Appalachian Trail hikers, enthusiasts, supporters, and conservationists get together at an Appalachian Trail Festival and Biennial Meeting. What actually happens at an A.T. Festival and who attends?

Hall Of Fame Coming For Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on January 19, 2011 - 1:30am

Who do you think merits inclusion in a hall of fame rising up to honor those with ties to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail?

Books We've Read, And Liked, in 2010

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on December 28, 2010 - 1:02am

There were quite a few books relating to national parks that arrived in 2010, and while we didn't get to read them all, the ones we did we liked. Here's a look back at our Fireside Reads from the year.

Jennifer Pharr Davis Discusses Speed Hiking, Long-Distance Hiking, And Youth in the Outdoors

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on December 26, 2010 - 1:09am

For some, hiking can be addicting. For Jennifer Pharr Davis, it became both an avocation and her vocation.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail Grows by Roughly 2 Miles

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on December 16, 2010 - 1:35am

Note to all you mile-conscious Appalachian Trail thru-hikers: Your trail data book is out-of-date. Latest measurements show the foot path is now 2,180 miles on the dot, up nearly 2 miles from 2009's length.

Appalachian Mountain Club Pursues Sustainable Forestry In Northern Maine

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on December 14, 2010 - 1:41am

Should controversy surround the decision by the Appalachian Mountain Club to pursue sustainable logging in northern Maine? A group pushing to see the area designated as a national park is furious over the club's move.

Becoming Odyssa, Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on December 13, 2010 - 1:31am

From Maine to Georgia, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail rambles for 2,175 miles, a journey alluring to some for its back-to-nature demands on those who set out to hike end-to-end. But this simple footpath opens windows into yourself, and others, as Jennifer Pharr Davis found out during a solo thru-hike.