LOCAL RECOGNITION OF THE TRAIL & ITS SIGNIFICANCE
User Tips: Identifying the Trail
- Distinctive signage directing users to the Appalachian Trail (AT) and at trailheads can improve the visibility of the Trail in municipalities.
- Many municipalities along the Appalachian Trail do not specifically name or illustrate the AT within their planning documents. Illustrating the AT on land use, community facilities, and open space maps and including text describing the context of the Trail within comprehensive and open space planning documents are priorities.
- An existing conditions analysis in municipal plans should consider land use surrounding the AT, local context (e.g., location and elevation of the Trail compared to adjacent uses, landscapes, important natural, historic, and cultural resources, etc.), viewsheds, transportation crossings, and linkages with surrounding open space. (See Principle 2.0 for additional information)
- Include at least one goal to protect the natural, scenic, historic, and aesthetic values of the AT and maintain it as a public natural resource.
- Include future connections between municipal trails, parks, and greenways and the Appalachian Trail on maps and plans.
- Where countywide/regional open space or comprehensive plans exist, municipalities should include a description and reference to the existing regional plans.
- Planning and regulations for landscape preservation and key viewsheds, which are critical resources in protecting the AT experience, are most effectively addressed regionally.
- Consistency at the edges of municipalities is often overlooked. In many cases, the AT is located along or near a municipal boundary. Since 2000, Pennsylvania municipalities have been encouraged under the MPC to develop joint municipal comprehensive plans. Where the Trail borders two or more municipalities, development of a multi-municipal plan may be the ideal approach in which to address surrounding land uses and regional issues. See the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (PALTA).
- Include a description of local and regional organizations and other resources available to municipalities near the Trail (e.g., Appalachian Trail Conservancy, National Park Service, local trail clubs, etc.).
- Consider local and regional events to increase awareness of the Trail. Events may include organized group hikes with the public and/or municipal leaders and Trail appreciation days. The Allegheny Trail Alliance (a coalition of seven trail organizations) is completing a 150-mile multi-use rail-trail system between Cumberland, MD and Pittsburg. Information about day hikes, group bike rides, special events, and festivals is provided on the ATA website.