For local small business and organizations: become an AT Community Supporter!
What is the AT Community Supporter Program?
The Appalachian Trail Community ™ Program recognizes and supports designated communities that help promote and protect the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). These towns and cities serve as important assets for everyone who uses the A.T., providing food, supplies, recreational opportunities, local history, volunteer opportunities, and so much more.
The A.T. Community™ Program is a partnership among the ATC, designated trail communities and their volunteers, A.T. Community™ supporters (local businesses and organizations), and Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs.
What is the mission of the A.T. Community Program?
At the heart of the A.T. Community™ Program, is a commitment to strengthening the connection between designated A.T. Communities and the Trail itself. The program upholds its mission through three core pillars that help communities engage with the Trail, protect the surrounding environment, and build local resilience:
The Three Pillars:
Asset-Based Economic Development
Asset-based economic development is related to efforts that build on the assets (natural, recreational, cultural, historical, and others) that are already found in the community and mobilize individuals, organizations, and institutions to come together to enhance and steward their assets and not concentrate on their needs.
Community Based Conservation
Community conservation efforts protect and connect biodiversity and habitats, empowering people to live in balance within the natural world. When communities initiate grassroot conservation efforts, local leaders are held accountable for implementing policies that reflect the priorities of their constituents and are reflected in future planning and decision-making that protect and sustain the unique natural features and access to nature of each community.
Stewardship through Volunteering
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Appalachian Trail, serving in a variety of ways, from trail maintenance to educational events, to service-learning projects. This pillar of the program encourages communities to instill principles of stewardship and giving back with opportunities for all generations to volunteer, both on and off the trail.
The Warren County-Front Royal AT Community Supporter Family
The Apple House
C&C Frozen Treats
Down Home Comfort Bakery, LLC
Downtown Local
Dusty's Country Store
Explore Art & Clay
Front Royal Outdoors (formerly Front Royal Canoe)
Front Royal - Warren County Visitor Center
Front Royal Wines
Main Street Mill Restaurant
Mountain Home BNB & Hiker Cabbin
Mountain Trails Outfitter
Next Bend Adventures, LLC
Play Favorites
Ramsey True Value Hardware
Royal Cinemas
Royal Family Bowling Center
Samuels Public Library
Stokes General Store
The Vine & Leaf
Try Thai Restaurant
Turnmeyer Galleries
Warren Heritage Society
Become a Supporter and Join the Community!
There are two ways you can become a local AT Community Supporter:
- Contact Mike Lumpkin, Chair of the Warren-Front Royal AT Community Committee, at wcfrat@gmail.com to arrange a discussion with him or one of the committee members about the benefits of being a Community Supporter and brainstorm ways your business can directly support the hiking community or the services, events and programming offered by the WFR-AT Community Committee.
- You can fill out the WCFRATC Form here. We will list you on this site, facilitate your registration with the ATC and celebrate with an official presentation of your Certificate and Welcome Packet! Want to do more? Consider joining the committee or volunteering for a specific event or program.
ACHIEVEMENTS, PROGRAMMING AND PARTNERSHIPS:
2012 - Present: Partnership with Samuels Public Library: Hiking Themed Author Talks and "How-To" programs: Basic Hiking, Basic Backpacking, Winter Hiking, Leave No Trace and host a table at the annual Taste for Books fundraising event for the Library.
2014 Kiosk Installation at 522 Trailhead crossing: The kiosk design and materials were partially funded with a grant. Installation and landscaping performed as an Eagle Scout project.
Little Crease Shelter Maintenance - 2021 to present, Tuscarora Trail - Veach Gap
2013 Walk off the War - support, organize and welcome the hikers to Front Royal with food, shower facilities and amenities.
2014-2015 Trail to Every Classroom - Warren County Public Schools
2016 and 2017 BikeVirginia- joined with other local community organizations to "man" the rest stop at the Gazebo providing cyclists with snacks, water, first aid and information, as needed.
2018 Hike a Mile, Share a Smile - local initiative to encourage hiking and patronage to one of the supporting businesses providing discounts to participants.
2018-2023 Wilderness First Aid Training: American Red Cross WFA course offered at cost to members of AT Community and other community organizations including Boy Scouts of America and hiking clubs. 20 people trained.
2019, 2026 Wooden Walkway installation along Rt 522 near trailhead parking.
2020-2021 Partnership with Handley Regional Library: "Third Thursdays, Exploring the Outdoors" program hosted by Susan Tschirhart and sponsored by our community supporter, Mountain Trails. Episodes can be found on the library's YouTube Channel.
2021 Eagle Scout Project @ Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter: built and installed new signage for hikers to navigate wayside camping areas, spring, shelter and privy.
Guided Hikes: Annual First Day Hikes
Annual Hiker Feed: June - National Trails Day
First Responder Partnership: provide in-service training to explain trail culture, terminology and general AT information to town and county law enforcement along with marked maps indicating access points to trails along with specific driving instructions to each trail head. Establish communication channels to coordinate efforts among the PATC Ridge Runner program, hostel owners, shuttle drivers and other hiking support type businesses.
Questing Program: a place-based education program that uses treasure hunts to celebrate community, natural history, cultural sites, stories and special places. Upon completion of three of the five quests, earn a commemorative patch celebrating the program. Link to Town website for listing of quests and link to .pdf document of each Quest: https://app.discoverfrontroyal.com/get-outdoors/c/9/i/32808556/questing
Community Service Hours: Local youth from Scout organizations, youth groups or others are invited to participate in our programs to earn community service hours or to just give back to the community.
Community Sponsors - local businesses and organizations that support the hiking community may become sponsors and join the ATC network - our community is growing!
Digital Platforms: serve as a necessary resource for hikers seeking information about trail and water conditions through our section of the AT, business services, COVID openings or closures and local mandates. Update online apps such as FarOut/Guthooks, Whiteblaze.net, with local info.
Partnership with Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) recruiting and sharing volunteers and time to promote stewardship of the trail, shelters and crossings.