Friends of the Smokies

Nantahala Brewing Company celebrates the giving season with a little Trail Magic to Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Friends of the Smokies recently received a generous donation from Nantahala Brewing for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Smokies Ridgerunner program. The Ridgerunner program works to protect resources and enhance the hiking experience along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).

Since 2012, Nantahala Brewing and their patrons have supported the Ridgerunner program by donating a portion of sales of their limited release Trail Magic Ales. Named for the random acts of kindness hikers may encounter along the length of the A.T., Nantahala Brewing’s award-winning Trail Magic Ales have provided important support for this special program in America’s most visited national park.

For more than 15 years, the Ridgerunner program has recruited caretakers who hike and camp along high-use sections of the A.T. The ridgerunners create a quality trail experience by educating backpackers and day hikers, checking backcountry permits and steward the trail by picking up trash and managing the backcountry privy’s. Through support from Friends of the Smokies, the Ridgerunners’ presence in the Smokies has made a significant impact on the Park’s ability to manage and protect over 71 miles of the A.T. within GSMNP.

With annual support from Friends of the Smokies for $37,000, the Ridgerunner program will continue to preserve and protect the A.T. in GSMNP. The program would not be successful without the generous funding and support from individuals, nonprofits and local businesses like Nantahala Brewing Company. More information about how individuals, groups, and businesses can help protect the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and other aspects of the Park, visit www.friendsofthesmokies.org or call (828) 452-0720.