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. 

 

We are no longer taking applications for Speakers. Thanks

 

 

2025 Topics will include updates on Hurricane Helene trail recovery, and AT authors panel, footcare and shoe selection advise, a discussion around technology on the trail and more. Check back soon for more updates. 

 

2025 SPEAKERS

 

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.
   
Trail Conditions Updates with the ATC Franklin Tate, ATC Southern Region Manager will provide updates on Trail Conditions and Reroutes after Hurricane Helene. 
   
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!
   
Turning Appalachian Trail Footsteps into Published Words Since Earl Shaffer's memoir "Walking With Spring" was published, thousands of books about the experience of hiking the A.T. and the trail itself have been written. A panel discussion with authors of books about the Appalachian Trail explores what makes the A.T. such a rich subject for writers. Panelists: Kip Redick, John Turner, Richard Judy, Sally Chaffin Brooks
   
Making Sense of Digital Trail Data: Social Media, Surveys, Blogs and More Dr. Kris Wernstedt with Virginia Tech will present. While there are many platforms for sharing experiences and information, there are not yet many ways to process and understand it. This presentation will share some takeaways from trail experiences that have been gleaned from ongoing research work that uses machine learning analysis of social media, blogs, and other trail-related information sources. It covers digital records captured over the last 20 years of hikers' posts from Georgia to Maine.
   
Are You Physically Prepared for the Trail

Dr. Greg Patterson, leads a group of Physical Therapy students who set up at Mountain Crossings each spring assisting hikers. He will discuss common trail injuries and how to physically prepare. There will also be physical therapy students conducting exercises to help you identify areas for improvement. 

 

 

Ridgerunner Rap Former Ridgerunners and volunteer Trail Ambassadors will talk about their role and common issues they encounter on trail, and take questions you may have about the Ridgerunner life.
   
Iris and the Triple Crown Classroom  Teacher Ginger DeHaan brings her love of backpacking to her students, having them virtually hike a long trail each year. They practice classroom Leave No Trace, nature related fluency and writing exercises and learn math using budgeting and calculating miles. Celebrating achievements along with way recreating iconic locations and experiences along the trail like the ponies of Grayson Highlands and Damascus Trail Days. 
   
Better Trail Photography for Any Skill Level In this presentation, Georgia photographer and avid hiker Tres Indermark will provide helpful tips and techniques to take more engaging and dynamic trail photos for photographers of any skill level and with any camera or smartphone.
   
Zero Hero Challenge Miss Janet Hensley will talk about this new program matching hikers with volunteer opportunities in communities heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. Become a Zero Hero spending your zero day giving back to the trail.