Empowering Our Appalachian Trail Community
Dedicated to fostering dynamic
community engagement and
advocating for developing strong
working relationships within the Appalachian Trail Community.
Creating opportunities for working together, we can create real ongoing and sustainable goals and empower our diverse 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.
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! 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!
THE PEOPLE ARE THE TRAIL
IS A REGISTERED NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
2025 Appalachian Trail Community
Volunteer Challenge!
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.
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!
ZERO HERO Challenge Accepted?
First
Volunteer by contacting the links for each community and ask about the recovery work and support opportunities that are available when you are in that area! these jobs can be anything from yard work, cleaning and gardening to light construction, skilled services and trail work!
Second
Thank you for your willingness to be part of the recovery efforts in out mountain communities. Enjoy getting to know the area and the people you meet! Please be sure to get some photos and videos of the work you are doing to share but please be respectful of the privacy of the people you will be helping and working with!
Third
Share your volunteer work story with video and photos on the FACEBOOK page to be eligible for participation prizes to be shared at the ZERO HERO Celebration at Trail Days in Damascus Virginia!
Remember that this is a CHALLENGE!
Encourage your fellow hikers, friends, family, organizations and social media followers to join the efforts and become a
ZERO HERO!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES LINKS
HOT SPRINGS
NORTH CAROLINA
Hot Springs Recovery Hub
Sena(828) 539-0037
Rebuild Hot Springs
Town and Trail Festival
Sonya (336)689-1051
ERWIN
TENNESSEE
UNICOI COUNTY LONG TERM RECOVERY
RISE Erwin
UNICOI COUNTY DISASTER RELIEF
ROAN MOUNTAIN
TENNESSEE
Carter County Long Term Recovery
Appalachia Service Project
Mountain Harbor Bed and Breakfast
DAMASCUS
VIRGINIA
Town of Damascus
Trails To Recovery
Southwest Virginia United Way
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