Fontana Dam To Be Designated as Newest Appalachian Trail Community

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), along with the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club (SMHC), invite the public to attend the official designation of Fontana Dam, North Carolina, as the newest Appalachian Trail Community™. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 26, and is free and open to the public.

The event will kick off at 11 a.m. with music from the Larry Barnett Duo, allowing attendees to meet and greet each other before the designation ceremony at noon. Following the ceremony, guests are welcome to visit the Mountview Restaurant on the property of the Fontana Village Resort for lunch. A short guided hike beginning at 2:30 p.m. will conclude the day’s festivities.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is proud to celebrate Fontana Dam as an A.T. Community partner in North Carolina that is helping to protect and promote the Appalachian Trail,” said Julie Judkins, community program manager for the ATC. “These new partnerships increase local stewardship of public lands, support community initiatives for sustainable economic development and conservation planning and support healthy lifestyles for community citizens.”

Honored guests and speakers at this event include Wendy Janssen, superintendent of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail; Ron Tipton, executive director of the ATC; Mayor Houston, Fontana Dam; Supervisor Kristin Bail, National Forests of North Carolina; Chair Sara Locke, Town Council; staff from U.S. Senator Burr’s office; staff from Congressman Meadows office, 11th District; Christine Hoyer, Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Marshall McClung, local historian and author; and Regional Director Morgan Sommerville of the ATC’s Southern Office.

“The Town of Fontana Dam is delighted to enter into this partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to promote the use and appreciation of the Appalachian Trail in our area,” said Councilwoman Sara Locke.

Fontana Dam marks the point where the Appalachian Trail enters Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the south.

Event Overview:
Location: Fontana Village Events Hall, 300 Woods Road, Fontana Dam, NC
Date: Thursday, March 26
11 a.m. Meet and greet and enjoy music from the Larry Barnett Duo
Noon Designation ceremony
1:00 p.m. Music from the Larry Barnett Duo
2:30 p.m. Short guided hike

The Appalachian Trail Community™ program was created by the ATC to recognize communities that promote and care for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Working with a growing network of trailside community partners, the program supports communities that play a role in advocating the A.T. as a significant local and national asset and as an international icon. The program assists communities by generating awareness and stimulating outdoor recreation while preserving and protecting the A.T. For more information about the A.T. Community™ program, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/atcommunity.




Jeff
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