Franklin, NC to become newest Appalachian Trail Community

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

On March 23, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and town leaders from Franklin, N.C., will hold a ceremony celebrating the designation by ATC of Franklin as the newest Appalachian Trail Community, with a luncheon and proclamation signing. Mayor Joe Collins; ATC’s Board Chair, Bob Almand; and community representatives will speak. The ceremony will be held at Town Hall board room, 95 East Main Street, Franklin 12:00–1:00 p.m.

The ceremony is part of a week long celebration in Franklin. In addition to the official welcome, Walking with Spring - a series of A.T. related presentations and films - and a photography contest, will be held that week. A few days later, April Fools Trail Days (April 2 - 3) welcomes thru-hikers of the Appalachian Trail as they start their journey north to Katahdin.

Appalachian Trail Communities is a new program of the nonprofit managers of the Appalachian Trail, highlighting the value of trailside communities and towns as a driver for sustainable economic development and the importance of the towns to the A.T. as agents in protecting its complex recreational, volunteer, educational and environmental resources.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

1 comment

sftriman said...

I hiked part of the Appalachian Trail in the 90's, mostly in the Great Smoky Mountain region. I don't recall Franklin offhand, but that's a great addition to the official trail. If someone is having trouble with hiking gear it'll make for a good stop to get things fixed or pick up food supplies. I'd like to try a 3-5 day outing again on the AP one of these days!