Membership

The Appalachian Trail is a volunteer-built, volunteer-maintained, and volunteer-managed national park scenic trail—the skinniest national park in the United States and the only one in which the overwhelming majority of the field work is done by volunteers. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is the lead caretaker by a unique set of agreements with the federal government and most of the 14 Trail states.

Our Mission

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Our Vision

The Appalachian Trail and its surrounding landscape are protected forever for all to enjoy.

Become a Member of the ATC...or stay one.

It costs us more than $8.56 per mile, every day of the week, all year long, to support the work of volunteers, protect the Trail and its corridor, undertake necessary research, provide free information to ever-growing audiences, and coordinate landscape-protection efforts that add resources to the official corridor. More than 40 percent of our funding for those programs comes from individual Trail-lovers — our members and other hikers, birders, backpackers, outdoors people of all types — through their dues or additional contributions. Regular memberships start at just $50 a year.

Membership benefits include:

• an over-sized Appalachian Trail strip map
• four issues of A.T. Journeys, our member magazine
• discounts at the Ultimate Appalachian Trail Store and other select hostels and retailers who honor your membership card
• volunteer opportunities and invitations to special events

But, perhaps the most important benefit — for you, for us, and for future generations — is the contribution your dues make to the continued protection and enhancement of the Appalachian Trail experience. 

		New Membership
		Renew Membership
		Gift Membership
		Life Membership
		Donation