Above all, they walk through the Bridgille, not for glory or gain, but simply for the love of the path. Unlike the name, Ridgerunners adopt a much slower approach than their average backpack. They are perfected in every detail, from nuances to needs. While they are not Park Rangers, Ridgerunners play an important role in the protection of one of the most emblematic paths of North America: the trail of the Apalaches.
Approximately 2,200 miles, it is a mountain route only in feet traffic that covers 14 states from Maine to Georgia. It is maintained by 30 volunteer clubs, The National Parks Service (NPS), the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Apalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as part of the Cooperative management system.
A vital resource in creation.
The ATC first created the Ridgerunner program in 1986, identifying specific areas of high use that were prone to damage, mainly a human impact. So to speak, We love the earth to death. To date, there are ridiculous in 12 states, all equipped with regional knowledge from water source conditions to the finest points of the private label.
With each mile, they embody the wise management, offering hikers information about the selections of trails and teams, helping with first aid and providing a friendly reminder of Do not leave a trace (LNT) Principles. From greeting to hikers in the camps to verify the vegetation covered with vegetation, they act as a communicative bridge between the earth and the managers of the earth; Eyes scanning the rolling band, ears tuned to the voices of hikers and hearts committed to the durable spirit of the path.
(The values of a Ridgerunner go far beyond representing a badge and uniform).
«Do you live here?»
This simple question offers a conversation far beyond that of the path. For Ridgerunners, it is a reminder of the deep connection they share with the Earth. Living along the way for prolonged periods, they mix with the daily rhythm of the field doing light maintenance and demonstrating the values of sustainable recreation.
On the paths, the south of the terminal, Kara «The beast»An ex in Thru-Hiker, greets everyone who sees, offering his advice wisely. The path took her some of the most beautiful and Challenging parts of the path during its two seasons in the Shenondoah National Park and the Amicalola Falls State Park.
«Shenondoah was incredibly beautiful. The mileage could be relatively high every day, but I loved it! I felt like a hiker and I could influence as part of the community.»
Her second season, in Georgia, was not easier, but every day brought new surprises that kept her committed and committed to the road.
«I expected cold but not * that * cold. We had a day that did not come out of the temperature of a single digit. But it was gratifying to be there when the hikers began their trips, encouraging the appropriate LNT habits from the beginning.»
One day in life.
Ridgerunners are experts in hiking, knowledge of the field and environmental administration. Assigned to high traffic sections, they walk daily, they clean the campsites and commit to hikers, all while monitoring the factors that could affect future sustainability.
«Sometimes I feel that my impact is like a small fall in a big cube:» Am I really impact here? «But then I realize that the small fall can have great undulation effects.
For Ridgerunners, the preparation is essential. It is not as simple as binding your boots and reaching the path. Before the season begins, the annual training is celebrated, provided by ATC staff and associated organizations. The mixtures of the curriculum do not leave a trace, first aid of the desert and critical response scenarios. Practical skills such as visiting participation, camp evaluation and resource authority They are highlighted.
(Ridgerunners running through a first aid scenario in the desert during preseason training).
«Ridgerunners can have a great impact on establishing culture for the hiking community and helping hikers to understand the responsibility we have while enjoying nature.»
«Kara» the beast «
Most of the days begin after the last hiker leaves the camp. Ridgerunners packed the past micro-brand and the deprived clean before reaching the path. Once they start walking their assigned section, 5 to 15 miles per day, they begin to scan the path. Looking for fallen trees through the rolling band, excessive growth of vegetation and other diverse factors such as unleashed dogs, non -satisfied fire rings or distressed hikers. In addition, they are always demonstrating LNT and offering a friendly conversation.
(2024 Mid-Atlantic Ridgerunners honors the legacy of the Civil Conservation Corps).
Each interaction is a window of opportunity.
According to John «Lil John“, Another in Thru-Hiker and 2 times Ridgerunner in northern Pennsylvania, being a Ridgerunner is much more than simply walking and maintaining the clear path.
«It didn’t have much time for my perspective to change. I did not realize how much interacting with hikers was part of the work, being constantly helping hikers with first aid needs; mainly dealing with feet problems that could become cellulite if it is not given time to heal. ”
John’s dedication to the path of the path has kept him invested in the community over the years. Working in PA is not an easy task, since it helps hikers who support the summer heat of the Middle Atlantic while crossing the infamous «Rocksylvania«
«I remembered my section of my walk in the ’22, so I was prepared for the rocks. What I did not expect was how incredible the community of trails in the northeast of Pennsylvania. I knew about the angels of the paths in the area, but I had no idea how tight and supportive were. Not only for hikers, but for the RRS … I did not expect the community to begin to feel like a family. Return for a second season felt like a kind of return home.«
Although he «He broke his foot on his last day of the season«In 2024, he continues to have high daily points helping hikers, immersing themselves in the sunsets and detecting wildlife in the sandwiches.
«Being an RR means that I can give back a path that I love. It also means being a resource for hikers.» «John» Lil John «
«My section is quite rocky, so I enjoy being able to talk to people and help them find campsites and water. I think the most important role RR plays in the sustainability of AT is through the cleaning of the path, impart the knowledge of LNT and be an example for other hikers.»
A simple gesture for camping at 200 feet of a body of water or teaching adequate food storage can extend far beyond a conversation. Mitigating the impacts of the fires, the protection of fragile vegetation and the management of camp expansion are mandatory to maintain wild and natural lands, a monumental part of the AT experience.
Why do we need Ridgerunners?
Throughout AT, Ridgerunners are a multifaceted resource that generally supervises the stretching of non -supervised. Being the incarnation of LNT, they mitigate the damage to the natural areas while healing an inclusive environment for hikers of all cultures.
Working face to face with hikers offers a service that kiosks and information guides simply cannot. Whether they are in the midst of cutting a revelation or verifying the conditions of a water source, each conversation with a hiker gives Ridgerunners an individual opportunity to teach about environmental conservation.
In addition to their administration, Ridgerunners help Park’s rangers, search and rescue teams, and volunteer trail clubs consistently throughout the season. In 2025, Less federal boots in national parks and forests It means that these seasonal administrators will probably fill critical gaps in the supervision of the paths, education and maintenance.
(Maryland Ridgerunner Tyler «Prepack» is proudly found in Annapolis Rock).
«I like to think about Ridgerunner as a multipurpose tool for the path and the community.» – John «Lil John»
Whether he realizes or not, if he has ever set foot in the AT, he has experienced the work of a riderunner. Passing a trimmed raspberry bush, resting in a cleaning shelter or receiving a friendly reminder to properly store your food at night are part of your legacy.
Serving like the eyes, ears and the heart of the path, the work of a Ridgerunner ensures that it remains sustainable. His skills go beyond just keeping the way; Educate, protect and encourage a deeper connection between hikers and the natural world. As the AT attracts millions of visitors every year, its efforts are key to preserve it in the coming generations. His dedication to AT is exhibited in each mile that remains passable, cozy and wild.
*Interested applicants should consider the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website for future seasonal career opportunities.
https://appaalachiantrail.org/careers/
(Like the Michaux RR in 2024, I tried the iconic «half -gallon ice cream challenge» in the Pine Grove general store as a tradition of the end of the season).
Good hiking
Bones
I-> Go, SOBO ’24
In Ridgerunner X3
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