Outreach
Helping Diverse Groups Explore the Appalachian Trail and Discover the Wonders of Our Natural Environment
The objectives of the GATC Outreach Program include establishing and maintaining formal partnerships with the six A.T. Trail Communities in Georgia in support of the Appalachian Trail. Our club’s Trail Ambassador program engages and educates the general public about minimizing their impact on the trail. We also conduct educational programs for youth and student groups of all ages on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. These programs focus on the principles of Leave No Trace and how to responsibly enjoy and recreate on our public lands. In this way, we hope to inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and stewards of the trail.
Reaching Out to Diverse Youth Groups
The GATC continually seeks to expand its efforts to reach diverse youth groups in order to increase their exposure and knowledge of our local forests and to encourage stewardship of our natural resources. These groups include, but are not limited to, the Global Village Project, Refugee Women’s Network, youth mentoring groups, and youths and students with limited access or funding that may be a barrier to their ability to experience our public lands.
Reaching Out Through the Hike Inn and Other Partners
Georgia’s Len Foote Hike Inn, located five miles by trail from Amicalola Falls State Park, is a non-profit facility located deep in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Its mission is to make experiencing nature easy and help protect our environment through education and recreation. Each year, thanks to Georgia Tag Grants and other donors, the GATC provides youths and students from North Georgia a fully-funded memorable two-day experience at the Hike Inn.
The GATC also partners with the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center (GMREC), located south of Blairsville, to develop classes for grade school students that provide an Appalachian Trail experience. An educational extension service provided by the University of Georgia, GMREC tailors classes to specific grade levels. Teachers interested in this experience for their class can arrange an event directly through GMREC by requesting an A.T. Day experience.
Outdoor Learning?
If you are a teacher and are interested in outdoor education for your students, contact the GATC Outreach Director for more information.
Reaching Out to Communities
There are six officially-designated Appalachian Trail Communities in Georgia: Blairsville – Union County, Clayton – Rabun County, Dahlonega, Ellijay – Gilmer County, Helen – White County, and Hiawassee – Towns County. The designation by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as an A.T. Community indicates that these towns welcome hikers, promote the Appalachian Trail, and promote conservation and protection of natural areas. GATC works with each community to encourage outdoor recreation.
A few of the A.T.-related festivals in these communities are:
- Mountain Crossings Annual A.T. Kickoff – Neel Gap, south of Blairsville
- A.T. Gateways at Amicalola Falls State Park – Dawsonville
- National Trails Day Celebration – Vogel State Park, south of Blairsville
- Dahlonega Trail Fest – Dahlonega
- A.T. Day at Brasstown Bald
- Georgia Mountain Trail Festival – Ellijay
Reaching Out to New Arrivals and Refugees
The GATC has partnered with the Refugee Women’s Network and leads groups of their members on retreats and hikes to help members of this group achieve their mission of assimilation into a new life in this country.