AT Gateways provides education and information for those who have an interest in the Appalachian Trail. Whether you are  a backpacker or day hiker, thru hiker or section hiker, or just someone who in interested in the history and experience of the trail, you are sure to find a presentation to enjoy. 

 

If you would like to be considered as a speaker in 2025, please complete this FORM.

 

 

2024 SPEAKERS (STAY TUNED FOR THE 2025 LINE UP)

 

Foot Care to Get You There!	Learn how to take care of those fantastic feet with proper footcare and shoes from Outdoor 76 experts, Rob and Cory.
Alternatives Trails in the Appalachian Mountains	The AT has many nearby trail cousins, including the Pinhoti, Benton MacKaye and Bartram Trails.   Join representatives from these trail organizations and ALDHA to learn more about these trails and other alternatives to the AT for day, section and long-distance hikes.
DIY – Backpacking Food	Judy Gross, Lightheart Gear, has been making her own backpacking meals for years and is eager to share her knowledge with you!
American Camino, Walking as a Spiritual Practice on the Appalachian Trail	Author Kip Redick shares a phenomenological exploration of the relationship between long distance hiking – in this case the Appalachian Trail -  and spiritual pilgrimage.
Can It!  Bear Behavior and Food Storage	Annie Beadle, with Georgia Wildlife Resources, has worked extensively with the bear management program in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and now with Georgia DNR.  In addition to sharing about black bear behavior, this program will also cover the new USFS Food Storage Order for the Southern Region, which includes the Chattahoochee-Oconee, Nantahala, Pisgah, and the National Forests South of Shenandoah National Park and is specific to the A.T. corridor
Hip Hygiene on Trail	Learn some hip ways to deal with hygiene on trail from Chelsea (Ridgerunner) and Brent (GATC LNT Master Educator), in this highly entertaining and informative session that will leave you eagerly wanting to try what you learn the next time “your personal business needs” are calling!
Ridgerunner Rap	Past Ridgerunner (Bill), present Ridgerunners (Chelsea and Chris) and GATC Trail Ambassador Coordinator (Ashley) comprise a panel moderated by ATC Regional Manager (Sarah), as they “rap” about what they encounter on trail and the roles they all play in Protecting the Appalachian Trail Hiking Experience (PATHE).   It will be lively, fast paced and will provide a wealth of knowledge!
Don’t Go Batty!	We’re going to bat for the Bats in Northeast Georgia!   Join Larry and Laurie for a short presentation, followed by a “bat walk” and learn about these unique mammals.