Why We Do This

There are thousands of hiking trails available to the public throughout the United States. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, for instance, maintains over 1,000 miles of hiking trails for the public on private and public lands. People use them for backpacking, hiking, and camping. Some are used to get close to rivers for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. These trails have always been popular, even if some have been less-well-known than, say, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Today, however, ever greater numbers of visitors hike the trails, a result of rapidly expanding urban and exurban populations and increasingly encroaching development. Add to this expanded use the work of natural forces—rain, ice, and snow storms, hurricanes, and the occasional nor’easter—and you’ll understand the need for increased maintenance of our public hiking trails.

The Mountains Call Us

The Appalachian mountains, the oldest mountain chain on the North American continent, have called to all who have lived here, and we’re no exception. We flock to them in the fall for the kaleidoscope the offer; we run off to them in the spring for the varied blooms they bring forth. We escape to them in the summer, seeking cooler and less humid air. And we look upon them in awe, wrapped under a blanket of new-fallen snow that’s not tainted by the dirt and grit thrown up from the paved roads below.

Trails Hearken Us

The mountains don’t accept our passivity; they aren’t there to be viewed from afar. They call to us to come in and experience first-hand that which they offer. So, we walk on in, answering the invitation. Thus, hiking trails were born and hiking trails are kept up.

The Problem

But, that upkeep is not solely a government responsibility. There are far too many miles of hiking trails the public uses for the few federal, state, and local governments to maintain. That’s why volunteer organizations, such as the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, are so involved. Every active member has hiked or gone backpacking and understands the need to become involved, if for no other reason than to help assure that a favorite trail will continued to be available. Many get involved who have very limited or no experience with the deep forest and hiking trails, but they like the challenge and want to learn.

Our Trail Crew

The Acme Treadway Company is a group of individuals who volunteer their time and efforts to construct and reconstruct public hiking trails maintained or planned by PATC. Our members come from varied backgrounds and have experiences. Whatever their background and wherever their social and cultural roots, they meet, work, and enjoy together their time in the forest. We meet new people on each project we work, and we establish friendships with people who live nearby the trails we build.

We look forward to meeting and working with you!