If you are thinking about hiking through the Ala Plachian Trail this year, you will think again.
The Ala Palachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is discouraging people from trying to extend the 2,190-mile trail – called so-hiking – and has said it will not recognize pay-tourism until the coronavirus epidemic is under control.
The group – which operates the multi-state trail – also said it would not share hangtags, plastic tugs, to promote stable hiking practice and celebrate their efforts.
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“Outbreaks and international travel could spread COVID-19 due to the risk of transmission (including a variety of emerging types that may be more contagious), ATC advises hikers to defer their increase until the CDC understands the epidemic is ‘under control’ Or Covid-19 vaccine or effective treatment is widely available and distributed, “the ATC said on its website.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has said it will not recognize thru-hikers unless the coronavirus epidemic is considered “under control.” (iStock)
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The group added, “We do not think it is appropriate to provide what would be considered a reward for long-distance hiking, which we actively disappoint until one of the above conditions is met.”
The group said it had not distributed hangouts since March 2020 due to the epidemic.
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The ATC website says that those who are considered by hikers will have to complete the entire 2,190 miles of the Ala Palachian Trail in one trip in a month – although it usually takes five to seven months, the ATC website says.
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Despite being frustrated by the group’s thru-hiking this year, ATC’s regional director, Morgan Somerville, told the Asheville Citizen-Times that 2,000 thru-hikers have already registered to attempt the tour.
“We are concerned about the safety of AT volunteers, AT hikers, members of AT communities and of course the staff of ATC staff and our federal partners,” Somerville told the newspaper.
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On its website, the ATC said that if the coronavirus is considered “under control” by the CDC later this year, it could change its policy on hangtags and through-hiker recognition.
“Although we do not know when the epidemic will be declared under ‘control’ and we can resume distribution of AT Hangtags and 2000 Mile Recognition, we hope that it will reach all concerned soon,” the group said on its website. Said.
