Appalachian Trail Ridgerunners to Educate Visitors About Trail Maintenance and Safety

On June 17th and July 22nd, at 1 p.m., ridgerunners from the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) will speak to visitors at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC) Visitor Center, located in Harpers Ferry, WV, about the role ridgerunners play in maintaining the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). In the course of a year, ridgerunners interact with tens of thousands of Trail visitors, educating them on how to minimize their impact on the A.T.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is proud to be able to offer this unique experience to our visitors” said Laurie Potteiger, Information Services Manager at the ATC. “Our goal is to educate hikers so that we are able to preserve the natural beauty of the Appalachian Trail for years to come”.

Ridgerunners Faren MacDonald and Brian Winnett will explain their role in protecting the A.T. as well as inform visitors on what they can do to help in the preservation of the Trail. They will be sharing such topics as using already impacted campsites, carrying gas stoves as opposed to making fires, and keeping hiking groups to a reasonable number.

Ridgerunners will also highlight some of the best area hikes as well as provide tips on general safety while on the A.T., including effective food storage in bear country or various campfire policies.

Location for the event is at the ATC Visitor’s Center at 799 Washington St. in Harpers Ferry, WV

For more information about the ridgerunner event, please contact David Tarasevich at 304-535-2200 x116 or dtarasevich@appalachiantrail.org.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com