10 Ways the Appalachian Trail Has Changed in the Last 10 Years

Times change, but the Appalachian Trail always stays the same … or does it? For hikers, the white blazes can feel like the one constant in an unpredictable world, a safe haven we can return to again and again when the chaos of life feels like too much.

“The trail will always be there,” we assure each other whenever one of us has to cancel a planned hike or get off trail earlier than expected. Whether it’s in one year or ten, we take for granted that the AT will be waiting for us, dynamic yet unchanging, whenever we’re ready to return to it.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Kelly Floro.

Managing Editor

Kelly Floro

I’ve logged thousands of trail miles as a backpacker, including thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, and Wind River High Route, and a long section of the Pacific Crest Trail. Hiking and writing are my two greatest loves, and I'm fortunate to have a career that combines both passions. It's an absolute privilege to use my writing to help others explore all that Mother Nature has to offer, both through vivid storytelling and actionable advice for aspiring hikers.

Soti nan eskwadwon an

Konvèsasyon Kanfi ak kominote nou an, ki soti nan Manm Eskwadwon ak Anbasadè yo nan Brand Patnè ak ekip la Sawyer.

Soti nan eskwadwon an

4 MIN

Medya Mansyone

Sawyer’s spray offers an impressive 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, and a little less (eight hours) against flies, gnats, and chiggers.

Korin Miller

Health, Lifestyle and Commerce Writer

Medya Mansyone

Sawyer’s Permethrin spray has also worked as promised.

Mark Melotik

Freelance Writer

Medya Mansyone

Sawyer, for example, checks to ensure that no pore size exceeds 0.01 microns, stating that “the filters are then checked four more times at crucial points of assembly for filter integrity before they make their way onto the shelf.”