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Outreach

IMG 6758The mission of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club includes promoting “appreciation of the Appalachian Trail and of the natural world in general.” But in our connected, increasingly urban, and fast paced world, fewer people each year seem to take the time to slow down and appreciate that natural world that is both their heritage and their responsibility. The purpose of GATC’s Outreach Program is to encourage and facilitate that appreciation, particularly with young people.

Reaching Out to Diverse Youth Groups

In cooperation with the Global Village Project, GATC leaders conduct a comprehensive program for refuge girls including an introduction to day hiking, outdoor skills, and backpacking.  GATC is seeking to expand outreach efforts to reach diverse youth groups, to increase knowledge and encourage stewardship of our natural resources.  Should you have an interested group for more information contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Reaching Out Through the Hike Inn and Other Partners

Georgia’s Len Foote Hike Inn, about 5 miles by trail from Amicalola Falls State Park, is a non-profit inn located deep GVP Hike Inn Sept 2018in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Its mission is to make experiencing nature easy, and help protect it through education and recreation. That makes it an ideal partner for GATC IMG 4248Outreach, and we take many school and youth groups on overnight trips there each year.

The GATC has also partnered with the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center (GMREC), south of Blairsville, to develop a set of classes for grade school students to provide an AT Experience. The GMREC is an educational extension service provided by the University of Georgia. Classes are tailored to the grade level and should be arranged for by teachers thru GMREC by requesting an AT Day for your class or classes.

If you're a teacher and interested in engaging with the GATC for either of these unique opportunities to bring the Appalachian Trail into your classroom, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Reaching Out to Communities

Communities

Georgia has five officially designated Appalachian Trail Communities: Blairsville - Union County, Dahlonega, Ellijay - Gilmer County, Helen - White County, and Hiwassee - Towns County. This designation by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy recognizes that the communities welcome hikers, promote the Appalachian Trail, and promote conservation and protection of natural areas. GATC works with the communities to encourage outdoor recreation. Some of the AT-related festivals in these communities where the GATC has had a presence in past years are listed below:

    • • Mountain Crossing AT Kick Off – Neel Gap on Hwy 19&129 South of Blairsville
    • • AT Kickoff at Amicalola Falls State Park - at Amicalola  Falls State Park Lodge
    • • Earth Day at Hamilton Gardens – Hiawassee
    • • Memorial Day Parade and Arts and Crafts Festival – Blairsville
    • • National Trails Day Celebration – Vogel State Park - Hwy 19&129 South of Blairsville
    • • AT Day on Brasstown Bald – Brasstown Bald on Hwy 180
    • • Hemlock Festival – Ellijay Park
    • • Mountain Heritage Festival – Blairsville
    • • Dahlonega Trail Fest – Dahlonega