The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) will host a variety of events this year at the ATC Visitor Center at 799 Washington Street in Harpers Ferry. The events will promote awareness of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and foster community involvement and stewardship of the Trail. All events are open to the public and are free of charge.
“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited to be able to offer these fun-filled events to the public to provide them an opportunity to learn more about the Appalachian Trail and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy,” said Laurie Potteiger, information services manager for the ATC.
This year’s schedule of events includes:
Annual Cake Baking Contest – Mar. 1: Bake a delicious cake in honor of the ATC’s 89th birthday. This year’s event theme is “Leave No Trace” (LNT) and participants are encouraged to become familiar with the seven principles and techniques that help Appalachian Trail visitors minimize impact to the environment and then incorporate at least one of those principles into a cake design. Submitted cakes will be judged based on Best Tasting and Most Creative, and the audience will determine the People’s Choice winner. To enter a cake in the contest, email Anne Baker at abaker@appalachiantrail.org by Thursday, Feb. 27. For more information about LNT, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/LNT.
African American History Hike – June 7: Celebrate National Trails Day by going on a guided hike to learn about the rich African American history of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. This event is in partnership with the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Space is limited for this event, and pre-registration is required. Email Anne Baker at abaker@appalachiantrail.org by Friday, May 30.
Wildlife on the A.T. – July 26: The Virginia-based Blue Ridge Wildlife Center will give a live demonstration of animals that might be seen along the Appalachian Trail. Children will have a chance to view and interact with wildlife, including a fox, snake, turtle, raptor, possum and more. This event is free and open to the public, and children must be accompanied by an adult supervisor.
Family Hiking Day – Sept. 27: The ATC invites people of all ages and hiking abilities to get outside and experience the adventure of being active on the Appalachian Trail. Visitors will be able to go on self-guided hikes around Harpers Ferry, and children will have the opportunity to earn a Junior Ranger patch.
Annual Holiday Open House – Dec. 6: Celebrate the holiday season with the ATC! Enjoy homemade refreshments and meet with the ATC staff and volunteers. This event is also the perfect opportunity to shop for Appalachian Trail-themed merchandise for the hiker on your list.
For more information about these events, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/events.
