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Campground, hiker hostel, and rental cabin located 1/4 mile off the Appalachian Trail in Round Hill, VA. Owned and operated by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Funded by your donations! Thank you for being a part of Blackburn.
ATC 2020 Trail Crew Staff
Work for an organization that was named Outside’s Best Places to Work in 2014! Join us in our mission to help protect and preserve the Appalachian Trail! The ATC encourages collaboration, flexibility, and fairness with all employees and volunteers to enable participation and contributions to their...
Experience Harpers Ferry
We are happy to announce that no one was hurt during the train derailment that happened in Harpers Ferry last night. There are a couple minor closures in the National Park near the railroad tracks, but businesses are open, the rest of the Park is running regularly, and we’d love for you to come to Harpers Ferry and Bolivar for your last minute holiday shopping!
*Check the comments for a quick video showing the derailment.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The #AppalachianTrail footbridge crossing the Potomac River in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is closed until further notice due to a train derailment early Saturday morning. There were thankfully no injuries, but the bridge will need extensive repairs before reopening. We will post more information as it becomes available at appalachiantrail.org/updates.
Photo by Carlyn Leigh Pate
Ron
The FIRST A.T. Vista Is Coming in 2021!!
The A.T. Vista is the new branded replacement for the A.T. Biennials.
The year 2021 is the 100th Anniversary of the October, 1921 publication of Benton MacKaye's article, “An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning,” in the Journal of the American Institute of Architects. The A.T. Vista 2021 will include a celebration of this centennial.
During the latter half of 2020 through the summer of 2021, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference will be celebrating its centennial as well, so the A.T. Vista program will include a celebration of the Trail Conference's Centennial as well.
Check Back Often As Additional Information On A.T. Vista
2021 Is Announced!!
Ron Rosen, Inaugural A.T. Vista co-chair
Blackburn 4th of July with hikers, trail crew, and usual volunteers.
If you’re hiking the AT, stop by tomorrow for a burger, hotdog, and summer corn. July 4th at the Blackburn Trail Center!
National Park Service
Each of us plays a vital role in protecting our national parks. As we spend time outdoors, in the natural world and in wilderness, it’s important to be conscious of the effects our actions may have on plants, animals, other people, and even entire ecosystems. Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles, you can help us minimize those impacts. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
#FindYourPark https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles
College students take advantage of Emory & Henry's Appalachian Trail program
EMORY, Va. — A Philadelphia student is fulfilling a big dream at Emory & Henry College this semester while also blazing the trail for other transfer college students.
Harpers Ferry Park Association
Get out your cameras!
To celebrate 75 years of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the Harpers Ferry Park Association is hosting a monthly photo contest on Instagram highlighting photos you’ve taken of the park!
So if you have any photos you want to share and are interested in this contest, visit our instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/hfpassociation/ for more details.
Crown of Maine
Katahdin at -25*F this Morning
The Full Snow Moon descends behind Katahdin early this morning as seen from Baxter State Park. A beautiful capture by Chris Lawrence of Maine Photography!
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Planning a northbound #AppalachianTrail thru-hike in 2019? Start your adventure on the right foot by beginning your journey at Amicalola Falls State Park! #AT2019 #StartSmart
"O' Be JoyFull"
The government may be shut down but the town of Harpers Ferry is OPEN! If you're looking for something to do in this gorgeous and historical town, you can contact me at 732-801-0381 to inquire about a historical tour or a music and stories show!
Pack it in Pack it Out. Banana peels are invasive trash unless you’re hiking Central America 😁
That "organic litter" you just threw? It'll still be around in a year.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Statement
12/22/18
The Appalachian Trail Will Remain Accessible During Dec. 2018 Government Shutdown
“As with the government shutdowns earlier this year, the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) will remain accessible to the public across the approximately 700 miles managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and over 800 miles managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). A.T. visitors will be able to access and hike on the Trail itself, but no visitor services, maintenance or other management activities will be conducted, and emergency and rescue services will be limited. Accessing NPS and USFS property during this federal government shutdown will be at the visitor’s sole risk.
All NPS and USFS volunteer programs are once again suspended. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) will not be able to engage with volunteers in activities on the Trail, Trail facilities or Trail lands. As another busy hiking season draws near, this will severely impact our ability to adequately maintain the A.T., as our volunteers provide the majority of repairs and upgrades to the 2,192-mile footpath and its surrounding lands.
This shutdown reminds Americans once again of the value of our National Parks and the negative effects even short periods of downtime can have on our abilities to maintain them. We urge Congress and the federal government to work together in the best interests of the country and to re-open full access to the A.T. and all of its facilities promptly.
For more information on the shutdown’s effects on the A.T., visit appalachiantrail.org/updates."
Media Contact: Jordan Bowman
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Tel: 304.885.0794
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ATHike
Web: www.appalachiantrail.org
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Please note the following regarding flooding in Harpers Ferry:
As of 3pm on 12/16/18, the footbridge over the Potomac River, connecting Lower Town Harpers Ferry to Maryland, is closed due to flooding on the towpath. This closure impacts access to the Appalachian Trail, the C&O Canal towpath, and Maryland Heights.
As you can see from the second photo, the water is already beginning to cover the towpath.
Also note that all of the restrooms in the national park buildings in Lower Town are closed due to the flood waters impacting a nearby pump station.
If you have any questions about these closures, feel free to comment here and we’ll address them as soon as we can.
We also suggest you check out this National Weather Service link to see updates on the river levels, predicted crest, and impacts of certain levels: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=hfew2&wfo=lwx
(NPS Photos/Arena) -ahc
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club - PATC
*****************UPDATE: POSITION FILLED*****************
Interested in becoming a Caretaker for Blackburn Trail Center this summer? Find out more about the position & how to submit your application in the link below!
https://www.patc.net/PATC/Jobs_with_PATC/PATC/News/Current_Staff_and_Volunteer_Openings.aspx
Shenandoah National Park
Notice: Temporary Relocation of a Portion of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in Shenandoah National Park
About one mile of the A.T. has been temporarily relocated in the south district of the park due to construction in a power line right-of-way (see map). Starting approximately 1/4 mile north of the Calf Mountain Shelter Trail, the detour crosses the right-of-way and follows private roads (Woods Gap and Jarman Gap Roads) until it rejoins the A.T. on Jarman Gap Road. There are signs marking the detour in several places along its length. Hikers are urged to stay on the detour as a portion of it crosses private property. Hikers may be delayed for up to 15 minutes at both boundaries of the right-of-way corridor for safety reasons during construction activities. The detour is expected to be in place until May of 2019.
Continental Divide Trail Coalition
On November 10, 1978, Congress created the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. At the time, it was barely even a line on a map. Today, the trail is over 95% complete, there are hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time to improving it year after year, and thousands of people like YOU who enjoy, support, and protect it!
Happy 40th birthday, CDT!
High Five! $5 can go a long way! And now, more than ever, we need the escape of the Trail to find joy and a few minutes of peace.
Give a high five to the #AppalachianTrail! Your small gift of $5 is a huge help when it comes to supplying our volunteers, removing downed trees, emptying privies (eww), and keeping 2,190 miles of adventure beautiful and accessible for everyone to love and enjoy! #ProtectYourTrail
Trailboss clearing road to Blackburn and demonstrating proper chainsaw and PPE use!
Hurricane Florence Threatens East Coast; AT Hikers Urged to Get Off Trail
As Hurricane Florence approaches the East Coast, Appalachian Trail hikers are being warned of dangerous conditions and encouraged to get off trail.
https://m.facebook.com/ATHike/photos/a.142376382395/10155362092117396/?type=3
Heads up, #AppalachianTrail hikers: due to impending severe weather this week, including Hurricane Florence, hikers are strongly encouraged to practice extreme caution and to be aware of alerts and closures. Visit appalachiantrail.org/updates for the latest information. #HikeSafe
Hikers, safety first!
https://weather.com/safety/hurricane/news/2018-09-10-hurricane-florence-forecast-us-east-coast
A strike on the East Coast is now likely. Here is what you need to know.
Just liked the sentiment.
FYI
Bring your bandannas!!
Volunteers are always appreciated and today was certainly no exception! Troop 688 spent their day doing an Eagle Scout project where they braved the bugs and heat to build 2 new pads, one for the previously unlevel picnic table and an additional one for a tent. Thanks again Griffin Hullinger and your team for your hard work, you guys rock!
See you at Blackburn!
Wise words of wisdom from Jonathan Maclean... Too funny to not share!
"Seeing as I completed my first real hiking trip here are a few things I learned about hiking
1. Going uphill sucks, especially when it's all uphill for 2.5 miles. That's not the worse part, its coming back down when your legs already feel like jello
2. Pack weight does matter. Try going uphill for 5 miles with a 50lb pack and let me know how that goes. Mine wasnt too bad I'd say I was somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 pounds trail weight, and it still sucked a little bit.
3. "Trail legs" actually are a thing you want. Try going up and down mountains all day being out of shape and let me know how that goes.
4. Trekking poles help....A lot. Not just for hiking up and down hills but makes for a useful beating stick for snakes and when some dumbass can't control their stupid dog (ever heard of a leash *BEEP*head?)
5. Your 24 hour deodorant will last about 20 minutes on a hike. Theres seriously no point of putting it on......it won't last no matter how good it claims to be.
6. Being properly fitted for your pack and trail runners makes a world of difference. I should have known better with my shoes but I was fortunate all I had was sore feet.
7. How you pack your pack also matters. Try loading your pack with the heavier stuff at the top and it will literally become an anchor......a 25 pound anchor
8. It's not a race. No need to try and kill yourself going up the side of a mountain, you'll just die tired.
9. It is possible to get blisters or chaffing in places you didn't know were possible. Body Glide......use it......liberally. And no deodorant isn't a suitable substitute.
10. Wear proper hiking socks. I saw a guy that wore cross trainers that were snug (typically you want your shoes 1.5-2 sizes bigger. I'm actually 2 sizes bigger) and wore gym socks and his entire foot was a giant bleeding blister.
11. It sucks sometimes but the views you get are amazing and once you complete your first trip its like a drug, I'm already planning another hiking trip on the Appalachian trail for late August/Early September"
We all agree with ya Jonathan! Happy trails :)
Rhody's rhodies came by last night with some trail magic including Chipotle burritos and beer! I know the hikers enjoyed it! Rhody (their daughter) is 135 miles into her sobo hike right now... See you soon Rhody ;)
Heads up!
UPDATE 6/5/18 - The Potomac River footbridge has officially reopened, though hikers should be cautious of flood damage in the surrounding area. Visit appalachiantrail.org/updates for more information.
Heads up, #AppalachianTrail hikers: the Potomac footbridge in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park has been closed until further notice due to flooding, with sections of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Towpath underwater. Keeptryst Road in Maryland is also closed, making 4 miles of the A.T. currently inaccessible. For more info, visit appalachiantrail.org/updates
West Virginia Tourism
Have you ever thought about hiking the Appalachian Trail? The headquarters are located right in Almost Heaven!
Don't forget that this is the time of year when doe's "hide" their fawns. Although they are cute, it's important to not disturb them. Rule #6 of the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace states Respect Wildlife. Let's all do our part to keep wildlife wild by keeping a respectful distance and don't try to feed or follow them. Thanks and have a great day!
Had the Cadillac Crew here this weekend doing so much work I lost track of it all. They took care of many many blowdowns up on the trail from the recent storms, replaced screens on the porch, deep cleaned the house, took naps, worked on finishing a bathroom, fell a dead tree, split wood, finished hooking everything up to the septic (yay), cooked some great meals and trimmed some bushes! You guys rock and many many thanks! See you in October :)
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Earlier this week, the body of a missing Appalachian Trail hiker was found after he attempted to ford the Kennebec River in Maine. Our sincere condolences go out to the hiker’s family members and friends. The Kennebec River is the most formidable water crossing on the entire A.T., and water levels can rise quickly and unpredictably due to multiple hydroelectric facilities upriver. DO NOT attempt to ford the river — a ferry service is provided at no cost to hikers. For more information on the ferry, visit https://www.matc.org/for-hikers/kennebec-river-ferry/
Yaaay! First ever flushing toilet at Blackburn!
Special thanks to John Kittridge, Barbara Cook, JT, Steve Barber and various others that have helped along the way. Also a special thanks to Chris "Trailboss" Brunton and the PATC donors for making it happen!
A special thanks to PATC Volunteer Michael Mastropaolo, who is the overseer for the A.T. from Blackburn north to Buzzard Rocks. Mike took out 6 blowdowns! Thanks again Mike for your dedication and hard work on the trail :)
Cooked all day and not a hiker in sight! Where's everybody at?!
The Greater Waynesboro, PA Appalachian Trail Community
Fast facts:
Good girls hang their food :)
Morning Update: Washington County Declares State of Emergency
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
ALERT: FOOTBRIDGE OVER POTOMAC RIVER CLOSED; NO ACCESS TO A.T. BETWEEN HARPERS FERRY AND WEVERTON CLIFFS ROAD
Due to high river levels, the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge over the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is closed. An additional road closure of Keeptryst Road in Maryland means the Appalachian Trail is inaccessible and closed for a 4-mile section north of Harpers Ferry into Maryland.
Many areas of the A.T. in the mid-Atlantic have been impacted by recent storms, and rain will be continuing for the next couple of days. Hiking conditions range from poor to potentially hazardous. Check our Trail Updates page at www.appalachiantrail.org/updates before planning a hike, and stay safe!
Check the ATC's Trail Updates page for trail closures and other important information!
http://appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/trail-updates
Keep up-to-date with the latest conditions on the Trail.
34899 Appalachian Trail Rd
Round Hill, VA
20141
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Yaaay! First ever flushing toilet at Blackburn! Special thanks to John Kittridge, Barbara Cook, JT, Steve Barber and various others that have helped along the way. Also a special thanks to Chris "Trailboss" Brunton and the PATC donors for making it happen!
Purcellville Business Association
P.O. Box 567, PurcellvillePurcellville Police Department
125 Hirst Rd, PurcellvilleLoudoun County American Legion Riders
112 N 21st St, PurcellvilleLoudoun Valley Community Center - LVCC
320 W School St, Purcellville