Caring for the Appalachian Trail with the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club

Every year, 3 million people hike the Appalachian National Scenic Trail that spans 14 states and runs more than 2,190 miles. The famed AT is said to be the longest hiking trail in the world. And it’s right here in our backyard.

About 230 miles of the AT are in Pennsylvania – including the halfway point at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. But who maintains the trail? Who builds and repairs the shelters for thru-hikers? Who takes the time to clear brush, chop downed trees and get rid of invasive species?

Volunteers. Thousands and thousands of volunteers with families and jobs spend countless hours every year maintaining the trail, dwellings and more.

Since the inception of the AT, the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club in Reading has been heavily involved. The club has helped build and maintain their rocky and rugged 65-mile section of the Appalachian Trail and its cabins, shelters, monuments and rest stops between Lehigh and Susquehanna Rivers for nearly 100 years.

On this episode, I am joined by David Bailey to the podcast. David is the former president of the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club and current chairman of the club’s Trails Committee.