Join the GATC
Participating in the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC) allows you to combine passion, recreation, and stewardship.
Membership is open to everyone who shares the Club's commitment to the Appalachian Trail and is interested in the club's activities.
We desire to build an active membership, and so we ask that Prospective Members participate in club activities prior to becoming a Member.
Becoming A Member
There are three types of membership:
- Individual Membership for those 18 years of age or older
- Joint Membership for those 18 years of age or older (two members at the same household address)
- Junior Membership for those 14-17 years of age
To become a Member of the GATC you must first participate in the Club's activities as a Prospective Member. To qualify for membership, you must participate in three GATC-sponsored activities within a twelve month period including:
- Prospective member orientation meeting
- Trail maintenance trip
- Club activity of your choice, such as a hike
The activities may be completed in any order. While an orientation is a great way to begin, it is not necessary to attend the orientation prior to participating in other activities.
To become a Prospective Member, please complete the
ONLINE PROSPECTIVE MEMBER APPLICATION
Be sure to apply for a PROSPECTIVE membership. You cannot apply as a member until you have completed the prospective member activities.
(If you are not comfortable applying online, complete and mail this Prospective Member Application form.)
Once membership requirements have been met, a Prospective Member will need to login and submit the three required activities. After approval the Prospective Member may then apply as Member.
To download a Prospective Member Information Packet, click here.
For additional information or questions, contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
(The membership committee does its best to respond quickly, but please plan for a response time of 3-5 days and plan accordingly for upcoming activities and orientations.)
Prospective member orientation meetings will be held on the following dates. Please contact the Membership Director for information on locations and times.
2020 GATC Orientation Meetings
| Saturday, January 25 | Afternoon | Downtown ATL |
| Saturday, March 14 | Morning | Blairsville |
| Saturday, June 6 | Afternoon | Amicalola Falls State Park |
| Sunday, August 23 | Afternoon | Cumming area |
| Saturday, October 3 | Morning | Dahlonega |
| Monday, November 9 | Evening | Metro Atlanta area |
Note: Dates, times and locations are subject to change. Also, an orientation meeting held in conjunction with another club activity on the same day only counts as one requirement toward membership completion.
COMING SOON - Become A Friend of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia
Joining the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club requires a commitment. Perhaps you would like to support the club, but you don't have the time or interest to participate in club activities. Or, perhaps you live too far way to actively participate. We will soon have a way for you to still support the club by becoming a Friend of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. This is an annually-renewable donation. You receive a nice full-color sticker, suitable for window or bumper, that lets you proudly show off your association with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. Your donation will support our trail maintenance and other activities. This is intended as an annual donation, but we do not do automatic renewals. You must renew each year, if you choose to do so, but you get a new sticker each year too.
Donate to the Appalachian Trail in Georgia
If you want to do a one-time donation, or donate more or less than the cost for a Friend's donation, we also offer that option. Donations of $100 or more may be directed to a designated category, such as Trail Maintenance or Conservation. Your tax-deductible donation toward our work will be gratefully accepted. Click here to make a donation.