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Appalachian Trail Genesis: From Vision to Reality, A Journey Through History
The Appalachian Trail. The name conjures images of rugged peaks, dense forests, and challenging climbs. For millions, it represents the ultimate hiking adventure, a pilgrimage stretching over 2,190 miles along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains. But have you ever wondered about the genesis of this iconic trail? This in-depth exploration delves into the fascinating history of the Appalachian Trail, from its initial conception as a daring dream to its evolution into the beloved national treasure it is today. We’ll unravel the stories, the struggles, and the triumphs that shaped this remarkable pathway, revealing the dedication and vision of the individuals who brought it to life. Prepare to be captivated by the genesis of the Appalachian Trail – a tale of ambition, perseverance, and the enduring power of nature's allure.
The Seeds of an Idea: Early Conservation Efforts and the Birth of a Vision
The Appalachian Trail's genesis wasn't a sudden epiphany but the culmination of a growing conservation movement in the early 20th century. The burgeoning awareness of the importance of preserving natural spaces, coupled with the burgeoning popularity of hiking and outdoor recreation, laid the groundwork. Key figures like Benton MacKaye, a forester and social planner, played a pivotal role. MacKaye, deeply concerned about the increasing urbanization and industrialization of America, envisioned a continuous trail that would traverse the Appalachian Mountains, offering a refuge for nature lovers and a pathway for long-distance hiking. His 1921 article, "The Appalachian Trail," outlined his vision, proposing a trail that would not only provide recreational opportunities but also serve as a living testament to the beauty and importance of the Appalachian ecosystem. This article is widely considered the foundational document of the Appalachian Trail.
Building the Trail: Challenges, Collaboration, and Community Effort
Transforming MacKaye's vision into reality proved to be a monumental undertaking. The sheer scale of the project – building a trail across 14 states – presented enormous logistical and practical challenges. Securing land rights, navigating diverse terrains, and coordinating the efforts of countless volunteers were just a few of the hurdles. The initial years were marked by slow but steady progress, driven by the dedication of passionate volunteers and the formation of regional trail clubs. These clubs, each focused on a specific section of the trail, played a crucial role in the construction and maintenance, relying heavily on the dedication of individuals who donated their time, skills, and resources. The collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment of these early trail builders are a testament to the power of collective action.
The Great Depression's Impact: Unexpected Opportunities for Progress
The Great Depression, while a period of immense hardship for many Americans, ironically provided an unexpected boost to the Appalachian Trail's development. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program that provided employment for unemployed young men, played a significant role in trail construction. CCC crews, equipped with tools and supplies, tackled challenging sections of the trail, constructing bridges, clearing paths, and building shelters. Their contribution was invaluable, accelerating progress significantly and leaving behind a legacy of well-constructed trail infrastructure. The CCC's involvement represents a powerful example of how government initiatives can support conservation efforts and create lasting positive impact.
Securing the Trail's Future: Land Conservation and Ongoing Maintenance
Even after the completion of the main trail, the work was far from over. Securing the long-term preservation of the land along the trail became a critical concern. Years of tireless lobbying and fundraising led to the establishment of partnerships between various organizations, including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and land management agencies like the National Park Service and the US Forest Service. These collaborative efforts resulted in the acquisition of significant land parcels, ensuring the protection of the trail's corridor from development and ensuring its accessibility for future generations. Ongoing maintenance, including trail clearing, bridge repair, and shelter upkeep, remains a crucial aspect of preserving the trail's integrity and safety.
The Appalachian Trail Today: A Legacy of Conservation and Recreation
Today, the Appalachian Trail stands as a remarkable testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and community collaboration. It's a cherished resource for millions of hikers, offering a transformative experience that connects people with nature and challenges them physically and mentally. The trail continues to be a vital part of the American landscape, inspiring conservation efforts and promoting outdoor recreation. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the legacy of those who initially conceived and constructed it, and a tribute to the importance of protecting and preserving our natural heritage.
Ebook Outline: Appalachian Trail Genesis
Title: From Dream to Reality: The Complete History of the Appalachian Trail
Outline:
Introduction: The vision of Benton MacKaye and the early conservation movement.
Chapter 1: The Early Years: Challenges and triumphs of trail construction.
Chapter 2: The Civilian Conservation Corps and the Great Depression's impact.
Chapter 3: Securing the Trail's Future: Land conservation and ongoing preservation.
Chapter 4: The Appalachian Trail Today: Legacy, impact, and future challenges.
Conclusion: The enduring spirit of the Appalachian Trail and its significance.
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Detailed Breakdown of Ebook Chapters:
(Detailed content for each chapter would follow here, expanding on the points already mentioned in the main article. This would include specific names, dates, anecdotes, and details about the various people, organizations, and events involved in the Appalachian Trail's history. Each chapter would be approximately 200-300 words, resulting in a substantial ebook.)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Benton MacKaye? Benton MacKaye was a forester, social planner, and the visionary behind the Appalachian Trail. His 1921 article laid out the initial concept for the trail.
2. When was the Appalachian Trail completed? The Appalachian Trail was officially completed in 1937, although sections continued to be improved and maintained for many years afterward.
3. What role did the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) play? The CCC provided crucial labor and resources during the Great Depression, significantly accelerating trail construction.
4. What is the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC)? The ATC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and management of the Appalachian Trail.
5. How long is the Appalachian Trail? The Appalachian Trail is approximately 2,190 miles long.
6. How many states does the Appalachian Trail pass through? The Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states.
7. Is the Appalachian Trail difficult to hike? The Appalachian Trail is a challenging long-distance hike requiring significant physical fitness and preparation.
8. What permits are needed to hike the Appalachian Trail? Permits and reservations may be required for certain sections or campsites, depending on the location and time of year. Check the ATC website for details.
9. What is the best time of year to hike the Appalachian Trail? The best time to hike is generally spring or fall to avoid extreme heat or cold, and heavy snow.
Related Articles:
1. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy: Guardians of the Trail: An in-depth look at the ATC's role in managing and preserving the trail.
2. Benton MacKaye: The Visionary Behind the Appalachian Trail: A biography of the man who dreamed up the trail.
3. The Civilian Conservation Corps and the Appalachian Trail: The impact of the CCC on trail construction during the Great Depression.
4. A Thru-Hiker's Guide to the Appalachian Trail: Practical advice and preparation for a thru-hike.
5. The Ecology of the Appalachian Trail: An exploration of the diverse plant and animal life along the trail.
6. Appalachian Trail Challenges and Safety Tips: Essential information for safe and successful hiking.
7. The History of Appalachian Trail Shelters: The evolution of trail shelters and their importance to hikers.
8. Preserving the Appalachian Trail for Future Generations: A discussion on the ongoing efforts to protect the trail.
9. Appalachian Trail Photography: Capturing the Beauty of the Trail: Tips and inspiration for documenting your Appalachian Trail journey.
| appalachian trail genesis: Genesis and the Wrath of God Sabrowny Rae, 2017-11-27 The past eighteen years, exspecial agent Roman Allen of the FBI had been raising his daughter in peace and harmony. Genesis, his daughter with notorious serial killer Lipstick, believed that her mother had died in a car accident when she was six months old. Her father never wanted her to know that she was the product of a murderer. All was well until Lipstick returned on Genesiss eighteenth birthday, determined to create havoc and kill her father, the one who got away. Join us as we find out if Lipstick will win the game of death or if Roman will be able to save their daughter from her evil mother. Like the rest of the Lipstick series, this one wont let you down. Take a moment and return to earth after the Lipstick series, then open up to another thriller that will take you on a rough ride and will not let you go. Mercy . . . Etienne LeClaire, the granddaughter of a rich New Orleans family, is caught up in a love triangle that will change the world as we know it. Being a descendant of Noah and the last female of her clan, she finds herself the object of the giants of old, who were kicked off the earth after mating with the daughters of man. The Nephilim giants need her to give birth to their new nation. Once done, they will then control heaven, hell, and the earth. As with all her novels, SaBrowny Rae will have your emotions in the wind until you crash and burn at the very end. SaBrowny Rae is a vivid storyteller who will entertain you in the same way she grew up, when on any given summer night, one would find the neighborhood children on the back porch intensely listening to the latest story. She weaves two fast-paced novels that will leave you wanting more. |
| appalachian trail genesis: American Genesis Thomas P. Hughes, 2020-05-21 The book that helped earn Thomas P. Hughes his reputation as one of the foremost historians of technology of our age and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 1990, American Genesis tells the sweeping story of America's technological revolution. Unlike other histories of technology, which focus on particular inventions like the light bulb or the automobile, American Genesis makes these inventions characters in a broad chronicle, both shaped by and shaping a culture. By weaving scientific and technological advancement into other cultural trends, Hughes demonstrates here the myriad ways in which the two are inexorably linked, and in a new preface, he recounts his earlier missteps in predicting the future of technology and follows its move into the information age. |
| appalachian trail genesis: The Appalachian Trail Philip D'Anieri, 2021 The Appalachian Trail is America's most beloved trek, with millions of hikers setting foot on it every year. Yet few are aware of the fascinating backstory of the dreamers and builders who helped bring it to life over the past century. The conception and building of the Appalachian Trail is a story of unforgettable characters who explored it, defined it, and captured national attention by hiking it. From Grandma Gatewood--a mother of eleven who thru-hiked in canvas sneakers and a drawstring duffle--to Bill Bryson, author of the best-selling A Walk in the Woods, the AT has seized the American imagination like no other hiking path. The 2,000-mile-long hike from Georgia to Maine is not just a trail through the woods, but a set of ideas about nature etched in the forest floor. This character-driven biography of the trail is a must-read not just for ambitious hikers, but for anyone who wonders about our relationship with the great outdoors and dreams of getting away from urban life for a pilgrimage in the wild. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Genesis Road Susan O'Dell Underwood, 2022-06-21 Glenna Daniels faces a midlife cul-de-sac. She bears a recent miscarriage and third divorce the way her Appalachian parents taught her to cope with tragedy—in stoic secrecy. She quits her social work position in Knoxville and runs away from home at the age of thirty-six, heading west with childhood friend, Carey, a gay professor in Atlanta. During their years in school, Glenna protected him from bullies. Now Carey is her savvy guide as she tries to heal her fractured life. Through the wilds of America Glenna grapples with the past and reconciles a way back home. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Appalachian Genesis Richard Lee Fulgham, 2000 Chronicling a unique place and time in early American history, this is a story of epic proportions, spanning not centuries but millennia, and even epochs, as the river valley is first shaped by nature into a paradise for all living things—then shaped by humans into a war zone where Native American, British, French, Colonial, Tory, and Patriot forces regularly collided in bloody conflicts. |
| appalachian trail genesis: The Appalachian Trail Reader David Emblidge, 1996 A collection of trail diaries, poems, and essays by well-known writers such as Henry David Thoreau, James Dickey, Aldo Leopold, James MacGregor Burns, Richard Wilbur, and many not so well-known people. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Great Stories of Hiking the Appalachian Trail Debra Smith, 2010 Stories of the original trailblazers and the first thruhikers. Reprinted from the out-of-print Rodale 2-volume Hiking the Appalachian Trail (1975). New foreword by Dave Startzell, executive director of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Trail Protection Study , 1993 |
| appalachian trail genesis: Stand Up That Mountain Jay Erskine Leutze, 2013-07-30 In the tradition of A Civil Action—this true story of a North Carolina outdoorsman who teams up with his Appalachian neighbors to save treasured land from being destroyed will “make you want to head for the mountains” (Raleigh News & Observer). LIVING ALONE IN HIS WOODED MOUNTAIN RETREAT, Jay Leutze gets a call from a whip-smart fourteen-year-old, Ashley Cook, and her aunt, Ollie Cox, who say a local mining company is intent on tearing down Belview Mountain, the towering peak above their house. Ashley and her family, who live in a little spot known locally as Dog Town, are “mountain people,” with a way of life and speech unique to their home high in the Appalachians. They suspect the mining company is violating North Carolina’s mining law, and they want Jay, a nonpracticing attorney, to stop the destruction of the mountain. Jay, a devoted naturalist and fisherman, quickly decides to join their cause. So begins the epic quest of “the Dog Town Bunch,” a battle that involves fiery public hearings, clandestine surveillance of the mine operator’s highly questionable activities, ferocious pressure on public officials, and high-stakes legal brinksmanship in the North Carolina court system. Jay helps assemble a talented group of environmental lawyers to contend with the well-funded attorneys protecting the mining company’s plan to dynamite Belview Mountain, which happens to sit next to the famous Appalachian Trail, the 2,184- mile national park that stretches from Maine to Georgia. As the mining company continues to level the forest and erect the gigantic crushing plant on the site, Jay’s group searches frantically for a way to stop an act of environmental desecration that will destroy a fragile wild place and mar the Appalachian Trail forever. |
| appalachian trail genesis: The North Country Trail Ron Strickland, North Country Trail Association, 2013-04-30 Forty premier hikes through the scenic beauty of America’s rugged northern heartlands |
| appalachian trail genesis: Trails for America United States. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, 1966 |
| appalachian trail genesis: The Pursuit of Endurance Jennifer Pharr Davis, 2018-04-10 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Jennifer Pharr Davis unlocks the secret to maximizing perseverance--on and off the trail Jennifer Pharr Davis, a record holder of the FKT (fastest known time) on the Appalachian Trail, reveals the secrets and habits behind endurance as she chronicles her incredible accomplishments in the world of endurance hiking, backpacking, and trail running. With a storyteller's ear for fascinating detail and description, Davis takes readers along as she trains and sets her record, analyzing and trail-testing the theories and methodologies espoused by her star-studded roster of mentors. She distills complex rituals and histories into easy-to-understand tips and action items that will help you take perseverance to the next level. The Pursuit of Endurance empowers readers to unlock phenomenal endurance and leverage newfound grit to achieve personal bests in everything from sports and family to the boardroom. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Stand Up That Mountain Jay Erskine Leutze, 2012-06-05 In the tradition of A Civil Ac tion—the true story of a North Carolina outdoorsman who teams up with his Appalachian “mountain people” neighbors to save treasured land from being destroyed Living alone in his wooded mountain retreat, Jay Leutze gets a call from a whip-smart fourteen-year-old, Ashley Cook, and her aunt, Ollie Cox, who say a mining company is intent on tearing down Belview Mountain, the towering peak above their house. Ashley and her family, who live in a little spot known locally as Dog Town, are “mountain people,” with a way of life and speech unique to their home high in the Appalachians. They suspect the mining company is violating the law, and they want Jay, a nonpracticing attorney, to stop the destruction of the mountain. Jay, a devoted naturalist and fisherman, quickly decides to join their cause. So begins the epic quest of the “Dog Town Bunch,” a battle that involves fiery public hearings, clandestine surveillance of the mine operator’s activities, ferocious pressure on public officials, and high-stakes legal brinksmanship in the North Carolina court system. Jay helps assemble a talented group of environmental lawyers to do battle with the well-funded attorneys protecting the mining company’s plan to dynamite Belview Mountain, which happens to sit next to the famous Appalachian Trail, the 2,184-mile national park that stretches from Maine to Georgia. As the mining company continues to level the forest and erect a gigantic rock-crushing plant on the site, Jay’s group searches frantically for a way to stop an act of environmental desecration that will destroy a fragile wild place and mar the Appalachian Trail forever. Much more than the record of a legal battle, Stand Up That Mountain takes the reader to a remote corner of Appalachia, a region often stereotyped and little understood, even now in the twenty-first century. A naturally elegant writer, Jay Leutze delivers a powerful, beautifully written story full of remarkable characters, such as “Wingfoot,” an elusive protector of the Appalachian Trail; a stubborn mining company engineer intent on pulling down the mountain in the face of intense opposition; and Ron Howell, a retired and legendary North Carolina Superior Court judge known as the “Heel Hound” for his relentless pursuit of legal victory. Jay’s plaintiff group is eventually joined by several national conservation groups who see that Belview Mountain and the Appalachian Trail must be protected for future generations of Americans. A great contemporary story that demonstrates what is possible when local people set their minds to righting a local wrong, Stand Up That Mountain will appeal to conservationists, hikers, attorneys, and readers fascinated by Appalachia and rural life, and anyone interested in a compelling story both well told and true. |
| appalachian trail genesis: The Regional Review United States. National Park Service. Region One, 1938 |
| appalachian trail genesis: Wilderness A to Z Rachel Carley, 2001 The Whole Earth Catalog meets the Boy Scout Manual in this comprehensive and irresistible compendium of wilderness wisdom, natural history and practical know-how. Illustrations, maps, photos throughout. |
| appalachian trail genesis: The Living Wilderness Robert Sterling Yard, 1976 |
| appalachian trail genesis: DK National Parks of the USA DK Travel, 2024-07-02 Get closer to USA's National Parks with DK Eyewitness A night spent stargazing in Joshua Tree. Standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Wildlife spotting from an airboat in the Everglades. With 63 national parks to explore, the USA offers enough bucket-list experiences to fill a lifetime. Whether you plan to visit them all, or choose a few favourites, this DK Eyewitness travel guide is the perfect companion. This new, first edition brings the parks to life, transporting you to each one like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed maps, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations, which explain the parks' unique geology. You'll discover: Our pick of the top experiences to have in the national parks Beautiful photography and detailed illustrations, taking you to the heart of the parks The best spots to eat, drink, shop and stay Detailed maps and tours which make navigating the parks easy Easy-to-follow itineraries Expert advice: get ready, get around and stay safe A lightweight format, so you can take it with you wherever you go Spending more time in the USA? Try DK Eyewitness USA. DK is the world's leading illustrated reference publisher, producing beautifully designed books for adults and children in over 120 countries. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Aquagenesis Richard Ellis, 2001 Ellis's detailed drawings bring animals to life that have not been seen for 400 million years, some that rival science fiction monsters for sheer weirdness. Early crocodiles and turtles were three times larger than they are today: and there was once a manatee that was 30 feet long and had no bones below the elbow. There were the trilobites, jointed animals with complex eyes that dominated the seas for 200 million years and then completely disappeared: sharks with teeth on their backs: and others, 50 feet long, with teeth the size of your hand. Fifty million years ago, some land-dwelling mammals reentered the water and began the process of modification that turned them into whales. It was the most astonishing transformation in mammalian history. In Aquagenesis, you will track these changes and meet the paleontologists who have found the links between the terrestrial mammals and the first semiaquatic whales - creatures that probably looked like hyenas, huge shrews, or fat otters. Today the only animal on earth that regularly walk in an upright, two-legged stance are penguins and people. It is possible that our size, shape, stride, intelligence, and hair (or lack thereof) can also be explained by the provocative theory of the aquatic ape.--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved |
| appalachian trail genesis: Best Backpacking Trips in California and Nevada Mike White, Douglas Lorain, 2015-04-27 The American West is home to some of the best backpacking trips in the world, and within California and Nevada are several outstanding destination trails. Hikers from all over the country, and around the world, travel to this area every season to undertake some of these classic trips of a lifetime and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Best Backpacking Trips in California and Nevada was written to help the accomplished hiker through the entire process of planning a multiday excursion. The book covers all aspects of the trip, from traveling to the area to successfully fulfilling the dream of backpacking in one of the most beautiful regions in the West. The guide includes thirteen detailed trail descriptions, along with information on additional resources, governing agencies, and permits and fees. It also provides listings of the nearest airports, outdoor retailers, campgrounds, transportation, and amenities and attractions. Accompanying the specific information on each trip are captivating historical vignettes and entertaining personal essays, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the area. Whether journeying from near or far, Best Backpacking Trips of California and Nevada is the most complete resource for turning a dream trip into reality. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Forest and Crag Laura Waterman, Guy Waterman, 2019-02-28 Thirty years after its initial publication, this beloved classic is back in print. Superbly researched and written, Forest and Crag is the definitive history of our love affair with the mountains of the Northeastern United States, from the Catskills and the Adirondacks of New York to the Green Mountains of Vermont, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and the mountains of Maine. It's all here in one comprehensive volume: the struggles of early pioneers in America's first frontier wilderness; the first ascent of every major peak in the Northeast; the building of the trail networks, including the Appalachian Trail; the golden era of the summit resort hotels; and the unforeseen consequences of the backpacking boom of the 1970s and 80s. Laura and Guy Waterman spent a decade researching and writing Forest and Crag, and in it they draw together widely scattered sources. What emerges is a compelling story of our ever-evolving relationship with the mountains and wilderness, a story that will fascinate historians, outdoor enthusiasts, and armchair adventurers alike. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Animal Behavior Desk Reference Edward M. Barrows, 2000-12-28 Revised and updated, containing over 5,000 entries, with over 1,100 more entries than in the previous edition, Animal Behavior Desk Reference, Second Edition: A Dictionary of Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution provides definitions for terms in animal behavior, biogeography, evolution, ecology, genetics, psychology, statistics, systematics, and other related sciences. Formatted like a standard dictionary, this reference presents definitions in a quick- and easy-to-use style. For each term, where applicable, you receive: Multiple definitions listed chronologically Term hierarchies summarized in tables Definition sources Directives that show where a concept is defined under a synonymous name, and concepts related to focal ones Non-technical and obsolete definitions Pronunciations of selected terms Common-denominator entries Synonyms Classifications of organisms and descriptions of many taxa Organizations related to animal behavior, ecology, evolution, and related sciences Still the most complete work of its kind, Animal Behavior Desk Reference, Second Edition: A Dictionary of Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution will improve your scientific communication, particularly in the fields of animal behavior, evolution, ecology, and related branches of biology. If you are a teacher, student, writer, or active in science in any way, this book will prove to be one of your most valuable resources. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Oversight on the National Trails System Act of 1968 United States. Congress. House. Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. Subcommittee on National Parks and Recreation, 1977 |
| appalachian trail genesis: Shenandoah Sue Eisenfeld, 2015-02 For fifteen years Sue Eisenfeld hiked in Shenandoah National Park in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, unaware of the tragic history behind the creation of the park. In this travel narrative, she tells the story of her on-the-ground discovery of the relics and memories a few thousand mountain residents left behind when the government used eminent domain to kick the people off their land to create the park. With historic maps and notes from hikers who explored before her, Eisenfeld and her husband hike, backpack, and bushwhack the hills and the hollows of this beloved but misbegotten place, searching for stories. Descendants recount memories of their ancestors grieving themselves to death, and they continue to speak of their people's displacement from the land as an untold national tragedy. Shenandoah: A Story of Conservation and Betrayal is Eisenfeld's personal journey into the park's hidden past based on her off-trail explorations. She describes the turmoil of residents' removal as well as the human face of the government officials behind the formation of the park. In this conflict between conservation for the benefit of a nation and private land ownership, she explores her own complicated personal relationship with the park--a relationship she would not have without the heartbreak of the thousands of people removed from their homes. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Zen on the Trail Christopher Ives, 2018-09-11 Discover how hiking can be a kind of spiritual pilgrimage—calming our minds, enhancing our sense of wonder, and deepening our connection to nature. Evoking the writings of Gary Snyder, Bill Bryson, and Cheryl Strayed, Zen on the Trail explores the broad question of how to be outside in a meditative way. By directing our attention to how we hike as opposed to where we’re headed, Ives invites us to shift from ego-driven doing to spirit-filled being, and to explore the vast interconnection of ourselves and the natural world. Through this approach, we can wake up in the woods on nature’s own terms. In erudite and elegant prose, Ives takes us on a journey we will not soon forget. This book features a new prose poem by Gary Snyder. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Benton MacKaye Larry Anderson, 2002-12-30 MacKaye's seminal ideas on outdoor recreation, wilderness protection, land-use planning, community development, and transportation have inspired generations of activists, professionals, and adventurers seeking to strike a harmonious balance between human need and the natural environment.. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Forest and Garden Melanie Louise Simo, 2003 How wild and managed or artificially arranged environments coexist has long been a matter of intense debate among foresters and landscape professionals. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Archaeology of the Appalachian Highlands Lynne P. Sullivan, Susan C. Prezzano, 2001 This volume is a major synthesis of the archaeology of the Appalachian region and includes much material that was previously unpublished or underpublished. The information and interpretations presented will be very useful for archaeologists working in eastern North American who are interested in this diverse region.--C. Clifford Boyd, Jr., Radford University Archaeology of the Appalachian Highlands reveals that every part of Appalachia yields archaeological evidence significant to understanding the broad prehistoric sweep of the American Indians. In this most welcome volume, editors Lynn Sullivan and Susan Prezzano have assembled the most current interpretations of archaeological theory, technology, and cultural history as these occour in the highlands of eastern North America. . . . This volume to shatteer myths about Appalachian and its past.--David S. Brose, Director, Schiele Museum of Natural History |
| appalachian trail genesis: Appalachian Journal , 2000 A regional studies review. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Grandma Gatewood's Walk Ben Montgomery, 2014-04-01 Emma Gatewood told her family she was going on a walk and left her small Ohio hometown with a change of clothes and less than two hundred dollars. The next anybody heard from her, this genteel, farm-reared, 67-year-old great-grandmother had walked 800 miles along the 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail. By September 1955 she stood atop Maine's Mount Katahdin, sang America, the Beautiful, and proclaimed, I said I'll do it, and I've done it. Driven by a painful marriage, Grandma Gatewood, became the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone, as well as the first person-man or woman-to walk it twice and three times. At age 71, she hiked the 2,000-mile Oregon Trail. Gatewood became a hiking celebrity, and appeared on TV with Groucho Marx and Art Linkletter. The public attention she brought to the trail was unprecedented. Her vocal criticism of the lousy, difficult stretches led to bolstered maintenance, and very likely saved the trail from extinction. Author Ben Montgomery interviewed surviving family members and hikers Gatewood met along the trail, unearthed historic newspaper and magazine articles, and was given unprecedented access to Gatewood's own diaries, trail journals, and correspondence. Grandma Gatewood's Walk shines a fresh light on one of America's most celebrated pedestrians. Ben Montgomery is a staff writer at the Tampa Bay Times and co-founder of the Auburn Chautauqua, a Southern writers' collective. He was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2010 and has won many other national writing awards. He lives in Florida. |
| appalachian trail genesis: How the Quakers Invented America David Yount, 2007 Shows how the Quakers shaped the basic distinctive features of American life from the days of the founders and the colonies through the Revolution and up to the civil rights movement; also points out how Quaker values like freedom, equality, straightforwardness, and spirituality can be seen in modern day peace advocates.--From publisher description. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Symbolic Landscapes Gary Backhaus, John Murungi, 2008-11-09 Symbolic Landscapes presents a definitive collection of landscape/place studies that explores symbolic, cultural levels of geographical meanings. Essays written by philosophers, geographers, architects, social scientists, art historians, and literati, bring specific modes of expertise and perspectives to this transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary study of the symbolic level human existential spatiality. Placing emphasis on the pre-cognitive genesis of symbolic meaning, as well as embodied, experiential (lived) geography, the volume offers a fresh, quasi-phenomenological approach. The editors articulate the epistemological doctrine that perception and imagination form a continuum in which both are always implicated as complements. This approach makes a case for the interrelation of the geography of perception and the geography of imagination, which means that human/cultural geography offers only an abstraction if indeed an aesthetic geography is constituted merely as a sub-field. Human/cultural geography can only approach spatial reality through recognizing the intimate interrelative dialectic between the imaginative and perceptual meanings of our landscapes/place-worlds. This volume reinvigorates the importance of the topic of symbolism in human/cultural geography, landscape studies, philosophy of place, architecture and planning, and will stand among the classics in the field. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Guys and Lies Justin Buchanan, 2011-03-10 The great deceiver targets numerous lies at young men. In this book, we expose the great deceiver and nine specific lies he tells guys. Guys and Lies enables young men to expose the lies while encouraging them to hold firm to the Truth. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Mountaineers and Rangers Shelley Smith Mastran, 1983 |
| appalachian trail genesis: Stephen King Rocky Wood, 2017-02-10 This companion provides a two-part introduction to best-selling author Stephen King, whose enormous popularity over the years has gained him an audience well beyond readers of horror fiction, the genre with which he is most often associated. Part I considers the reception of King's work, the film adaptations that they gave rise to, the fictional worlds in which some of his novels are set, and the more useful approaches to King's varied corpus. Part II consists of entries for each series, novel, story, screenplay and even poem, including works never published or produced, as well as characters and settings. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Be Strong and Courageous David Yount, 2000 Be Strong and Courageous is the sequel to David Yount's Book-of-the-Month bestseller Growing in Faith. The popular syndicated columnist reassures believers and skeptics of all ages that having faith makes sense. He shows how faith dignifies humanity, giving fulfillment, and heals the world. As a parent writing letters to encourage and inspire his growing daughters, Yount shows how Christians can face life's challenges with faith, hope, love, and confidence. Be Strong and Courageous shows how we can pass on our rich tradition of faith in a way that is revitalizing to inspire a new generation. |
| appalachian trail genesis: The Appalachian Trail Philip D'Anieri, 2021-06-08 The Appalachian Trail is America’s most beloved trek, with millions of hikers setting foot on it every year. Yet few are aware of the fascinating backstory of the dreamers and builders who helped bring it to life over the past century. The conception and building of the Appalachian Trail is a story of unforgettable characters who explored it, defined it, and captured national attention by hiking it. From Grandma Gatewood—a mother of eleven who thru-hiked in canvas sneakers and a drawstring duffle—to Bill Bryson, author of the best-selling A Walk in the Woods, the AT has seized the American imagination like no other hiking path. The 2,000-mile-long hike from Georgia to Maine is not just a trail through the woods, but a set of ideas about nature etched in the forest floor. This character-driven biography of the trail is a must-read not just for ambitious hikers, but for anyone who wonders about our relationship with the great outdoors and dreams of getting away from urban life for a pilgrimage in the wild. |
| appalachian trail genesis: American Camino Kip Redick, 2023-10-15 This book explores the relationship between long-distance hiking—in this case, hiking the Appalachian Trail—and spiritual pilgrimage. Kip Redick interprets the Appalachian Trail as a site of spiritual journey and those who hike the wilderness trail as unique contemporary pilgrims. |
| appalachian trail genesis: These American Lands Dyan Zaslowsky, Tom H. Watkins, 1994-07 Over 634 million acres of the United States -- nearly a million square miles -- are federally owned. These American Lands is both a history and a celebration of that inheritance. First published in 1986, the book was hailed by Wallace Stegner as the only indispensable narrative history of the public lands. This completely revised and updated edition is an unsurpassed resource for everyone who cares about, visits, or works with public land in the United States. With over 75 pages of new material, the volume covers: national parks national forests national resource lands wildlife refuges designated wildernesses wild and scenic rivers Alaska lands national trails Each chapter outlines the history of the unit of public lands under discussion, clarifies the resource use and policy conflicts that are currently besetting it, and provides a detailed agenda of management, expansion, and preservation goals. |
| appalachian trail genesis: Appalachian Trials Zach Davis, 2012-02-08 I really loved it...Appalachian Trials is full of specific tactical tips for mental preparation, which is key well beyond the AT. - Tim Ferriss, author of New York Times Best Selling The 4-Hour Workweek and The 4-Hour Body Each year, it is estimated that more than 2,000 people set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, yet seven in ten ultimately fall short of their goal. Given the countless number of how-to books and websites offering information about logistics, gear, and endurance training, one would think that more people would finish this 2,200 mile trek. Why then, do so many hikers quit prematurely? After successfully thru-hiking the AT in five months with zero prior backpacking experience, author, Zach Davis, is convinced he's discovered the answer. Aspiring thru-hikers, Davis tells readers, are preparing the wrong way- sweating on the StairMaster, meticulously plotting each re-supply box, or obsessing over the a synthetic or down sleeping bag or perfect pair of socks. While the AT undoubtedly presents extraordinary physical challenges, it is the psychological and emotional struggles that drive people off the trail. Conquering these mental obstacles is the key to success. This groundbreaking book focuses on the most important and overlooked piece of equipment of all- the gear between one's ears. Filled with first-hand, touching yet humorous vignettes and down-to-earth advice that both instructs and inspires, Appalachian Trials gives readers the mental road map they'll need to hike from Springer Mountain to Mt.Katahdin. In Appalachian Trials readers will learn: Goal setting techniques that will assure hikers reach Mt. Katahdin The common early stage pitfalls and how to avoid them How to beat the Virginia Blues The importance of and meaning behind hiking your own hike 5 strategies for unwavering mental endurance The most common mistake made in the final stretch of the trail Tips for enjoying rather than enduring each of the five million steps along the journey Strategies for avoiding post-trail depression and weight gain In addition, the Bonus Section of Appalachian Trials includes: A thorough chapter on gear written by thru-hiker of the AT and Pacific Crest Trail, and professional backpack gear reviewer Information about the trail's greatest and most unknown risk and how to guard against it 9 tips for saving money before and during your thru-hike A thorough FAQ section including information ranging from how to obtain sponsorship, to the best stove for the trail, to avoiding chafing, and much more |
| appalachian trail genesis: Five Million Steps Lon Chenowith, 2009 Something happened there that is too rare among men: We touched the soul, and we touched heaven. The encounter put fire in my bones and brought a deep humility to know that God was at work in this crazy project of mine.Hiking from Georgia to Maine sounds incredulous to most. To Lon Chenowith, it is a journey that calls him into the wild--a journey that reveals true tests of faith and will in the direst circumstances. What began as a dream in his teens to trek the Appalachian Trail takes flight with a preliminary hike with his two young boys from Amicalola Falls to Unicoi Gap. The initial intrigue wears off, and Lon quickly realizes he will be making a long, arduous journey alone, save for a few hiking partners and unique characters met along the way. As a section-hiker, Lon, best known as the Arkansas Traveler, spans the course of fourteen years, climbing 237 mountains in a backcountry with a culture all its own. The romance of trekking across the mountains quickly wears off, and the presence of God teaches him perseverance and faith. While at times lonesome and hard, the undeniable urge to return to nature keeps Lon climbing and chronicling his Five Million Steps. |
