The "Alternate" AT

imported
#1

Anyone have plans to try the the Great American Trail, or “the alternate AT”? No one has thruhiked it yet, and it runs roughly parallel to the AT, just westerly.

It’s an intriguing thought.

Anyone who wants an early taste, there are five working “Getaways” planned in the upcoming months. They would appreciate some volunteers.

Here’s what I got:

Great Eastern Trail “Connections”

The Great Eastern Trail cannot be built without the help of volunteers. In 2006, five Volunteer Vacations are planned along the route of this new trail system. Each of these trips offers an opportunity to experience the beautiful Cumberland Plateau along the Pine Mountain and Cumberland trails. Here is a complete listing of the trips.

Cumberland Trail State Park – Trip #88

May 28 – June 3

Pine Mountain Trail State Park – Trip #62

June 11-17

Pine Mountain Trail State Park – Trip #63

September 17-23

Pine Mountain Trail State Park – Trip #64

October 8-14

Cumberland Trail State Park – Trip #89

October 15-21

For more information and to sign up for one of these trips, please visit www.AmericanHiking.org.

Jeffrey Hunter

Southeast Trail Programs Director

American Hiking Society

175 Hamm Road - Suite C

Chattanooga, TN 37405

(423) 266-2507

jhunter@americanhiking.org

www.AmericanHiking.org

Jan LiteShoe

#2

I googled and this is the web site I found… http://parks.ky.gov/stateparks/pt/index.htm

Red Hat

#3

I’ve already signed up for trip #63 and am really looking forward to it. Looking at the website I see no one else has signed up yet. Hope more do, don’t want to see it cancelled as that is the only week I can volunteer

bunion

#4

Bunion:

Thanks for signing up. More people will be signing up in the coming weeks. There will be a concerted effort to publicize these trips in the weeks and months ahead. Last year I volunteered in Kentucky in October. I had a FANTASTIC time, and I bet you will too.

Jeffrey Hunter

#5

It would be a fun idea to have a mini-Ruck/hiker gathering/maintenance trip. Friends and trail work, sort of like hard Core after trail Daze. Just an idea to kick around.

LiteShoe

#6

Great idea Jan. This would be the place. Big Dig takes place just north of Chattanooga for 6 weeks (May 21 - June 30, 2006).

I would suggest that we pick a weekend and contact Restless at the Cumberland Trail Conference to see if he is down for it. Restless was at the SORUCK, and was the guy who won the Geocaching prize (a Ron Moak tent!). As long as attendees agree to volunteer out on the trail, the CTC will house, feed and entertain us. You can also pitch a tent down by the lake where there is a great swimming hole.

Lets talk it up. You won’t be disappointed!! I promise.

Jeffrey Hunter

#7

I looked on the website but couldn’t find a trail map. It goes through eastern KY but does it go through West Virginia? Those areas would be a good alternative to the AT because:

  1. In just a couple years, the Newman/Redford blight will turn the AT into a large Dollywood.

  2. Eastern KY and WV are whar the real moonshining, snake handling, cousin matin Appalachian folks are. :lol

1 finger salute

#8

Expect a map to be available in a few weeks. It will be large scale, but will give you an idea of the route in comparison to the AT.

Stay tuned and check your local listings…

Jeffrey Hunter