Press release

from Appalachian Trail Conservancy

On September 29, 2012 the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), along with it’s Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Community™ partners and 31 Trail maintaining clubs, invites families to take a hike on the A.T. during the 2nd Annual Family Hiking Day. Held on National Public Lands Day, Family Hiking Day is a program developed by the ATC to introduce families to the A.T. and all of the benefits that come from spending time outdoors.

With studies showing that children are spending less time outdoors each year, the ATC developed this program to help get families outside and active. Hiking the A.T. is not only a good source of physical exercise, it also provides an opportunity to create lasting memories and long-term appreciation for protected public lands.

Families from Maine to Georgia are invited to enjoy the outdoors with volunteer lead hikes, a list of family friendly hikes in their local area, and trail-related games & activities. All guided hikes will be led by several A.T. maintaining clubs and A.T. Community™ partners.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is proud to host Family Hiking Day,” said Mark Wenger, executive director/CEO of the ATC. “It’s a great opportunity to engage families with the outdoors, promote physical exercise, and encourage people to explore their local natural resources.”

Participants will also have the opportunity to share their family hiking day experience for a chance to win a REI Flash 18 reversible pack. To enter, stories and photos can be emailed to Julie Judkins at jjudkins@appalachiantrail.org by October 8, 2012. The winning story will be featured in A.T. Journeys, the official magazine for the Appalachian Trail.