Empowering
The Appalachian Trail Community
Dedicated to fostering dynamic
community engagement and
advocating for developing strong working relationships within the Appalachian Trail Community. Creating real
opportunities for working Together, we can create real ongoing and sustainable goals and empower our Appalachian Trail community to thrive!
I believe in the Magic of the Trail and the power of our dynamic, extensive and passionate Appalachian Trail Community! We are a strong network of Organizations, Clubs and Individuals who love the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and strive to protect and preserve the AT, the Appalachian mountains and the many ways PEOPLE find to enjoy and celebrate this incredible resource!
The Appalachian Trail Community is unique in its history of volunteerism, conservation efforts, love of nature and respect for the environment. Every year over 3 million people hike and visit some portion of the Trail. Each year around 4,000 adventurous individuals will attempt to hike the entire Appalachian Trail in one continuous journey. These Thruhikers will walk 2, 197 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin in Maine. The trail traverses the mountains, valleys and trail towns through 14 states!
Hiking tourists are an important part of the financial economic impact and culture of our mountain communities.
TOGETHER we have the ability to drive meaningful change! United we can have a powerful impact to accomplish great things!
THE PEOPLE ARE THE TRAIL!
Join us in our mission to create a sustainable future for the beloved Appalachian Trail, our resilient Trail Towns and the Experience of the hiking the Appalachian Trail!
The southern Appalachian Mountains suffered tremendous historical damage in the fall of 2024 due to hurricane Helene. The losses were staggering. The recovery will take many years and will require us all to work together like we never have before!
THE PEOPLE ARE THE TRAIL
IS A REGISTERED NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Hurricane Helene
flood waters, landslides and tornados killed
239 people,
destroyed 200,000 plus
homes and businesses and more than
150,000 automobiles
2,000 landslides,
historic rainfall and catastrophic flood
waters, damaged and destroyed 10,000 plus miles of roadways and bridges and nearly 800,000 acres of forest
Hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Trail
sustained very
significant damage while our Trail Towns of Hot Springs NC, Erwin TN, Roan Mountain NC and Damascus VA all received devasting damage.
Links to Volunteer
HotSprings North Carolina
https://hotspringsrecovery.org/
Erwin Tennessee
https://www.ftdd.org/unicoi
Roan Mountain North Carolina
https://www.ftdd.org/carter
Damascus Virginia
https://hf.church/trails-to-recover
The needs for short term volunteers in each of these trail communities changes almost daily. Please make contact with these organizations to learn more about where you may find volunteer opportunities. You may alos want to contact local trail businesses such as hostels and outfitters to seek volunteer work they may be able to direct you to! It is important to understand that ZERO HERO is a 100% volunteer project and is not a PAID or WORK FOR STAY situation! Hikers are required to call ahead to make these arrangements before arriving.
More resources for volunteer opportunities and SPECIAL VOLUNTEER EVENTS may be found on our Facebook Page.
https://www.facebook.com/me/
Please text Miss Janet @ 423-483-0620 if you have any questions or need assistance or would like to support the ZERO HERO Hiker Volunteer Project!
MISSION STATEMENTS
Empowering recovery along the Appalachian Trail through volunteer development
Partnering with local community leaders, Trail Maintaining Clubs and organizations assisting recovery efforts by creating a resource that supports their ongoing programs.
Developing working relationships in our Trail Communities in the Southern Appalachian mountains in the aftermath of hurricane Helenes historical devastation.
Challenging individuals, groups and organizations in the Appalachian Trail Hiking Community to support hurricane Helene recovery efforts by volunteering time in these Trail Communities in 2025 and becoming a ZERO HERO!
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