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Featuring an animated map and folks many of us know (Bob Sickley and Hawk Metheny, among others), the article describes in engaging detail a few notable AT relocations culled from thousands since the inception of the trail.

A screenshot from the article from the section that describes relocations along Kittatinny Ridge near Palmerton.

I wish Dan Kunkle had been mentioned in relation to the re-greening and trail relo near Palmerton. But I cannot blame the reporter for that omission; Dan's outsized role in getting the ball rolling on that project is not described on the Lehigh Gap Nature Center website.

This article is a reminder that we are playing a role in the evolution of the Appalachian Trail with every work and maintenance trip, and that such work matters to millions of people.

August 17, 2020
Guidance in the COVID-19 Era
From Mike Passo, Executive Director of American Trails

Whether hiking, bicycling, riding on horseback or participating in motorized recreation nearly everyone uses trails for a similar goal - to spend time outdoors. This time outside, whether a short walk down a paved trail to work in an urban setting, or a high to appoint reachable to only a few Americans makes trail users happier people. We all know that spending time outdoors could improve our personal health in many ways like less than anxiety, decreasing depression, first and creativity, and increasing optimism.

But during this time of crisis, not all recreation is responsible.

Here are five questions to ask yourself to help you decide whether it is indeed appropriate and safe for you to go outside.

Do I have the potential to come within 6 feet of people who are not part of my household? Is the trail wide enough, or does it offer the opportunity to get me in my equipment at least 6 feet (many experts are now saying 12 feet) away from another person passing on the trail. Single direction (one-way) trails are the best option for allowing limited exposure to other people.
Does this activity put me at risk for potential rescue straining local resources? Now is not the time to be attempting highly challenging or dangerous activities or highly technical trails that have a higher likelihood of you hurting yourself. Our hospitals have enough to worry about now, without you feeling out there waiting rooms with broken arms or twisted ankles.
Am I coming into contact with surfaces that can hold and transfer the virus? Avoid being out long enough that you would need to use the trail head facilities (toilets), we need to tie up your horse at a crowded hitching post.
Will this put me in closer contact with vulnerable populations, such as those with compromised immune systems, persons over the age of 65, or those who are pregnant? Your actions do not only affect you, but have a great effect on the people around you. Any time you move during this pandemic, you have the potential of carrying the virus with you as an asymptomatic carrier, or even on your clothing. No matter what, avoid even remote contact with vulnerable populations.
Do I need to travel outside of my local community to do this? If you travel far to get to your trail or outdoor recreation experience, you may need to stop stop for gas or pick up food at a restaurant. Stay close to home to limit these exposures.

If you can answer yes to any of these questions please alter your plans to keep your community safe by finding another form of recreation, a different location, or staying home.

January 16, 2020
A Hike from the Past

Jan. 5th., 1936 at the break of day, 18 daring pedestrians arose, packed their knapsacks with rations and reported at 7th. & Hamilton Sts. at 8:00 am to survey the hills, valley and wild life of Lowhill Township.

Twenty-three had registered for the first ramble of 1936 but ten failed to answer the roll call. Five hikers not on the list joined the robust bunch. The sky was overcast with heavy clouds, ceiling low and a cold gale from the North; not very inviting for an all day trek.

E.J. Schantz headed and Mr. John Leiby, first aide-de-camp was pathfinder and custodian of charts, maps, compass, pedometer, thermometer and the first aid kit. Messirs. Barnes, Danner, Maier and Santa Maria transported the company to Schnecksville where the cars were parked at the Buffalo Inn. Now we headed into the Trexler Game Preserve with rapid tread and collars up; the wind being stronger than in Allentown. The roads were icy and the field covered with snow, we arrived at the U.C.C. Camp and had a stroll around the dormitories and the mess hall. After a short pause, we continued on our march and found the less traveled roads had more ice, and we had to be more careful. Almost everyone expereinced [sp] some comic performance to retain a perpendicular position and about one-third of the party had a real flop including the leader. The streams were swollen much above normal and carried large pieces of ice.

At near 12 Noon, the weather changed. The clouds disappeared, the sun shone bright and calm and cheerful was the remainder of the day. We arrived at a cluster of beautiful Eastern Hemlocks at a steep incline on the banks of Mill Creek and here we tarried to cook and eat. Two of the party lost their grip on their thermos bottles which slipped into the stream below. One was recovered and the other continued with the swift current.

Our next visit was at one of Trexler's sheep ranches. Mr. Santa Maria took a group picture of the ladies each holding a lamb. Here we tested some rich cottage cheese made from sheep milk. The men in charge seemed glad to tell us about their flock and making cheese.

A few more miles and we beheld the ruins of a house and a pathetic little shack, the domicile of Mrs. Holben and her brood. Here law & order and law defiance clashed. Mr. Holben killed the late sheriff Mark Seuseubach and his deputy, Harry Siegfried with a shotgun. Later the home was burned where Holben had barricaded himself inside and he was killed by a shotgun blast.

We saw deer, pheasants, and rabbits but no elk or buffalo. it was sunset when we reached the autos and about six in the evening when we arrived home. We had tramped twenty miles on our all day outing.

The following were in the party: Misses Dorothy Hamstreet, Evelyn Newcomber, Jennie Hillaird, Helen Schaeffer, Clarissa Krommer, & Mrs. Homer Sleakel, Messers. John Leibv, Louis Bechtel, Sam Vivian, Kenneth Yocum, Henry Shields, Les Maier, H. Diehl, Sam Hillaird, Harold Barnes, Jacob Santa Maria, Mr. Danner and E. J. Schantz.

January 16, 2020
More Trail Magic

On a cold and rainy Sunday in October a group of Club members took coffee and snacks to the Trail Crew who are working on the relocation of the trail from Ashfield Rd to Lehigh Gap. They had been working on the section for 6 weeks and completed one mile of trail. The crew came from all over, including West Virginia, Michigan and Maryland.