Trail Conference Celebrates Appalachian Trail's New York Origins

The original stretch of the AT in Bear Mountain State Park turns 95 this year.

Author:: Backpacker Contributors
Publish date:: Apr 13, 2018

The AT in Bear Mountain State Park — The AT in Bear Mountain State Park
palindrome6996

The Appalachian Trail may run from Georgia to Maine, but its true beginning is actually in New York--Bear Mountain State Park, to be exact. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference volunteers built the first stretch of the storied trail in 1923. This year, the group is celebrating by encouraging more volunteerism along its trails.

Bear Mountain State Park

New stretch opens in Bear Mountain State Park

minnewaska

It's the seventh straight year for attendance growth at the state parks.

clark reservation sp

The state grants will fund 21 organizations dedicated to public lands and education.

atc

Suzanne Dixon will head the 42,000-member volunteer organization dedicated to the AT.

canoe

The Department of Environmental Conservation and the state parks will hold 11 free outdoor recreation events statewide.

catskills camping

The new program will have volunteers in the Catskills and Adirondacks help new campers connect with nature.

pheasant

The DEC is close to finishing negotiations on adding a new rail trail to a pheasant farm outside Ithaca.

campfire group

The 3-day event features camping, trail running, hiking, yoga, and music.

ice fishing

The winter's frigid weather has brought the best conditions in several years.