Volunteers Battle Lingering Appalachian Trail Damage as Federal Support Wanes

Almost a year after Hurricane Helene ravaged the Southeast, the Appalachian Trail remains scarred, testing the resilience of America’s most iconic hiking path and those committed to its revival. In eastern Tennessee’s rugged terrain, volunteers armed with shovels and rakes battle massive root balls—uprooted trees that leave gaping holes in the trail—working painstakingly by hand because heavy machinery is impossible on this mountainous spine of our nation. This battle isn’t merely about preserving a scenic trail; it is about defending a piece of American heritage that fuels tourism, local economies, and fosters an unmatched spirit of freedom and exploration. With...