HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has launched a voluntary registration system for people attempting to hike the entire trail.
The conservancy says the goal is to protect the 2,185-mile-long trail from overcrowding. Overcrowding can result in trampled vegetation, an accumulation of trash and unsanitary conditions.
Regional director Morgan Sommerville says in a recent news release that hikers need to spread out along the trail.
Sommerville says the conservancy hopes the registration system will allow thru-hikers to know in advance when overcrowding will occur and then adjust the start date of their hike.
Thru-hikers can register online at www.appalachiantrail.org/thruhikeregistration. The conservancy says the system doesn't guarantee spaces along the trail and it's not a substitute for any required permits.
The trail runs from Georgia to Maine.