A.T. Communties™
The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC) provides many opportunities for involvement beyond trail maintenance, protection, and recreational use of the trail. One of these other functions is Community Outreach which provides support for six officially designated A.T. Communities™ in north Georgia. These are located near the A.T. corridor and include the following counties and cities: Blairsville-Union County, Clayton-Rabun County, Dahlonega, Gilmer County, Helen-White County, and Hiawassee-Towns County. These commnities are part of a network of 51 communities along the A.T. that have been officially recognized by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) for the important roles they play in the life of the A.T. supporting the activities and protecting the trail.
The A.T. Community™ program was started in 2010 to strengthen the relationships between the people living and working close to the A.T. and those who maintain and use the trail. These communities are like a chain of pearls for everyone who uses the A.T., supporting a wide range of activities in the region and providing food, supplies, recreation, history, and volunteer opportunities. They also host special events which provide an opportunity for the public to share not only in the region’s beauty but also the rich culture of the area.
The GATC provides each community with expert advice on A.T. related topics, assistance to hikers wishing to use the communities’ services, and participates in many community events. The A.T. Communities are an important link between a healthy group of towns supporting the hiking community which help make successful thru-hiking possible. ATC’s website includes links to each A.T. Community which help promote the towns and their recreation and scenic assets. In addition, the towns recruit local “A.T. Community Supporters” which are businesses and organizations that provide services and help to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. These “Supporters” are in turn recognized by ATC and given free publicity on the ATC website.
View Communities List