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MATC Education Program
"Leave No Trace"

 

Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

The AT is an established foot path constantly being maintained and even relocated to keep its travel surface durable and reduce erosion. Receiving over 100,000visitors a year, with 75% of them wearing backpacks, the amount of compaction and erosion is intense. This is why it is important to stay on designated trails.

The trampling of vegetation is a leading cause of impact in the backcountry. As vegetation gets trampled, signs of wear invite more use, which causes more trampling, resulting in side trails, expansion of campsites and enlargement of rest areas, summits and trails.

Compaction goes along with trampling vegetation. As our body and pack weight compress the soil, we remove oxygen and water, necessary elements for root systems.

The Trail in Maine passes through Sub-Alpine and Alpine zones. Soil is thin and vegetation works hard to survive. Trampling here is devastating to plants.

 

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Walk and camp only on durable surfaces

 

Walk and camp only on DURABLE SURFACES....
ROCK HARD PACK DIRT SNOW
GRAVEL EXISTING TRAIL ICE
SAND ESTABLISHED CAMPSITES

Stay on the marked trail. Trail builders take into account erosion control, ease of travel and picturesque scenery. Take rest breaks on durable surfaces. Camp at Established Sites.

Animated arrow Need to step aside and let other hikers pass?
Animated arrow Look for a durable surface to step on.

Don't be a tundra stomper!

DON'T BE A TUNDRA STOMPER!
Don't be a tundra stomper!

 

ALPINE ZONE:
 Area above tree line, has very thin soil, extreme weather conditions and a short growing season. These elements provide a unique climate that mimics Tundra conditions thousands of miles north of us, providing a habitat for Arctic plants to grow. The summits of Katahdin, Bigelows and Saddleback contain some of these rare Arctic plants! Clumsy foot placement or a pack dropped on the vegetation can do damage to this terrain. Each time leaves are torn or crushed it reduces the plants reproduction capacity.
BOGS: Unique to glaciated terrain, Bogs are home to a collection of unique plants. Their fragile peat moss soil structure acts as a sponge, an important ecological function. High altitude bogs, like the one in the Mahoosucs, receive most nutrients from the air/fog/rain. Footsteps are devastating to this terrain. The Trail consists of bridges through most bogs in Maine.
Animated arrowThe best defense you can have is knowledge of these plants, how to spot fragile areas and
STAY ON THE TRAIL!!

 

Another consideration is camping in fragile zones. With no soil to bury waste and delicate plants where our tents and packs will rest, the impact can be severe.

Camping on the AT in Maine above treeline or in sub-alpine zones where trees are
generally less than eight feet tall is prohibited.

 

WHERE TO CAMP?

In Maine, the best place to camp is at an established campsite. They are located approximately every 10 miles or less to facilitate easy travel on your trip. They offer an outhouse, water source and usually a shelter and fire option. The alternative of "bootlegging" a site, can create substantial impact and quickly lead to the establishment of permanent areas that are often unsuited for repeated use, especially in the sub-alpine zones like Bigelows, Crockers, Saddleback and the Mahoosucs.

 

 

 

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Last updated - 8/3/10 10:06 PM
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Maine Appalachian Trail Club - P.O. Box 283, Augusta, ME 04332-0283