The Appalachian Trail is shrinking by 1 mile next year/USDA

You might find hiking the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in the coming year a bit easier than if you did it in 2023. That's because it shrank by a mile, according to the folks at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

While the trail that runs from Georgia to Maine was measured at 2,198.4 miles this year, next year it will shrink to 2,197.4 miles, according to the Conservancy.

"The total length of the A.T. typically changes slightly each year due to footpath relocations and more precise measurement techniques," the organization notes.

So, where did that lost mile vanish?

"The length of A.T. in New York has been adjusted down 1.7 miles to accurately reflect the distance of the temporary relocation over the Palisades Parkway," the Conservancy said this week.

At the same time, there were a number of trail additions that added up to seven-tenths of a mile. Where were they?

According to ATC:

Georgia (0.2 Miles Added)

In December 2022 the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club completed a relocation of the A.T. in Mark Trail Wilderness on Poor Mountain thanks to the help of the ATC, USFS, and the American Conservation Experience. A two-mile hike with tools was required in order to reach the starting point of this A.T. relocation. It took over six years to complete, requiring over 998 volunteer hours.

North Carolina (0.1 Miles Added)

The A.T. near Fontana Dam gained 0.1 miles as it was re-routed around a knoll between the Fontana Marina and the visitor center.

The new trail route has a more sustainable grade that will be easier to maintain and is better protected from the sounds of the marina. The ATC’s volunteer work crew, the Konnarock Trail Crew, worked alongside local agencies and Smoky Mountain Hiking Club members to plan, excavate, and complete this beautiful new section.

Pennsylvania (0.2 Miles Added)

Two tenths of a mile was added in Pennsylvania south of Little Gap. With the completion of this section of new treadway in May 2023, the relocation of the A.T. footpath to its optimal location between the Winter Trail north junction and Little Gap is largely complete.

The new A.T. alignment between the north end of the Winter Trail and Little Gap is open to the public, providing views from both sides of the ridge, views that will hopefully remain as remediation efforts lead to the restoration of vegetation on the top of the ridge.

Connecticut (0.2 Miles Added)

The A.T. in Connecticut grew by 0.2 miles between Skiff Mountain Road and Connecticut 341. This relocation project took place with collaboration of an adjacent local private landowner over two years and is the result of a removal of a storm damaged bridge just north of Connecticut 341. This is a temporary relocation and will last about 2-3 years while repairs are made.