July Is Appalachian Trail Magic Month in NJ and NY
The states of New York And New Jersey are officially claiming the month of July as “Appalachian Trail Magic Month.” The Trail Conference warmly welcomes the Appalachian Trail thru-hiker Class of 2018 to its 174-mile stretch of the AT. Volunteers work diligently to keep up the trails and maintain the white blazes that thru-hikers follow through the states.
AT volunteers will be working from the Delaware Water Gap to the Connecticut border, maintaining the trail and welcoming visitors as the thru-hiker bubble continues to push its way through the region.
Photo courtesy Colleen Goldhorn
On July 20-22, those who enjoy the beauty of the Appalachian Trail are welcome to visit the Conservation Corps crew working on the reroute of the AT on Bear Mountain. This is said to be the most prominent rehabilitation project to take place on the Appalachian Trail, and they can use any helping hands they can get. If you’re in the area or passing through on your travels, be sure to drop by. It is a chance to learn more about the fundamentals of trail building with hands-on work on one of the most-used section of the AT.
Those who volunteer their time on the Bear Mountain project on July 20-22 are invited to the Welch Trail Education Center in Harriman State Park for a cookout party. Thru-hikers are encouraged to take a zero day and kick back in the bunk houses provided or set up a tent down by the lake. Stay awhile. Grab a hot shower, and enjoy a barbecue at night. It’s a great way to play a part in maintaining the trail we all know and love, and give back to the thru-hiking community as a whole.
Image courtesy Lisa Maher
In addition to this, RPH Cabin Volunteers are holding their annual work weekend and barbecue from July 13-15 in East Fishkill, NY. It will be another trail work-related party, and a fun place to camp for the weekend. Plus, expect to find some trail magic at AT trailheads throughout July.
Sign up today, or email [email protected] for more info.
Feature image via Kenny Howell
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