Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace, a term that resonates through the world of outdoor adventurers, is a conservation ethic that encourages all of us to minimize our impacts on the natural world when participating in outdoor activities. The Leave No Trace principles serve as a guide to promote responsible outdoor recreation, intending to safeguard our natural spaces for future generations.

Understanding and embracing the principles of Leave No Trace is not only about conservation, but it’s also about respect — respect for nature, wildlife, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts. To help you explore with integrity, we’ll delve into the seven principles of Leave No Trace.

1: Plan Ahead and Prepare

Planning ahead is vital to limit your impact on nature. Learn about the area you’re visiting before setting off. Understand its regulations. Be ready for extreme weather and emergencies. Effective planning ensures a safe journey. It also protects natural resources.

2: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Always stick to established trails and campsites. Camp 200 feet away from lakes and rivers to protect them. Off-trail? Choose durable surfaces like rocks or gravel. Avoid vegetation or muddy terrain.

3: Dispose of Waste Properly

“Pack it in, pack it out” is a simple, powerful concept. All trash and litter should leave with you. Use designated areas for human waste. If none exist, dig a small hole 200 feet away from water sources.

4: Leave What You Find

Preserve the joy of discovery for others. Don’t pick flowers or move rocks. Don’t disturb historical or cultural artifacts. Leave the environment as you found it.

5: Minimize Campfire Impact

Campfires can cause lasting impacts. If you need a fire, use established fire rings. Keep fires small. Only burn sticks that can be broken by hand. Always make sure the fire is completely out before you leave.

6: Respect Wildlife

Wildlife watching can be thrilling. But remember, we’re guests in their home. Observe from a distance. Never feed them. Feeding wildlife hurts their health and alters their behaviors.

7: Be Considerate of Other Visitors

We share the outdoors with others. Respect this by keeping noise levels down. Yield to other hikers on the trail. Treat others with courtesy and respect.

By embracing these principles, we protect our natural environments. We ensure that future explorers can enjoy vibrant, living landscapes. So venture with care and consideration. Through our actions, we preserve the integrity of our wild spaces. We also inspire others to do the same.

It’s all about outdoor adventures that leave no mark.

Appalachian Trail Festival in The Gap 2023

Appalachian Trail Festival in The Gap 2023

We’re thrilled to announce the Appalachian Trail Festival’s return. It’s back, and it’s better!

Why Celebrate the A.T.?

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190-mile footpath, spanning over 14 states. We in Western Loudoun are fortunate. We have this breathtaking beauty right in our backyard.

In 2019, we celebrated a special event. It was Round Hill’s official recognition as an A.T. Community. Today, we have more exciting news. We’re bringing the festival back in 2023. But this time, we’re growing and collaborating with Hillsboro.

Festival Details

We’re teaming up with Hillsboro, another A.T. Community. Together, we will host the festival at a new venue. The Gap Stage and Old Stone School in Hillsboro, VA, will be our location.

So, clear your schedules on June 10th. Join us in celebrating the Great Outdoors and the A.T. in its entirety.

Activities for the Entire Family

The festival this year is bigger and better. It’s packed with activities, performances, exhibitions, and enlightening talks. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect on Saturday, June 10th:

Festival Opening

The festival kicks off at 10:45 a.m. on The Gap Stage. Here, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy will recognize Hillsboro as an A.T. Community.

Festival Grounds Activities

From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., there will be plenty to do and see. Enjoy a variety of food, music, and trail talks. You can also engage with local hiking and environmental groups.

Art Exhibition

There will be a ‘Wild Beauty’ exhibition at the Old Stone School auditorium. The art show will feature seven artists inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Raffle Tent

Drop by our raffle tent for a chance to win exciting prizes. Buy a T-shirt or raffle tickets to support the festival.

Children’s Activities

Kids can enjoy fun-filled activities from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They can indulge in nature crafts, pony rides, and more.

Live Performances and Hiking Talks

Enjoy live music performances by popular bands. Listen to tales from seasoned hikers. Learn about yoga for hikers and explore nature printing. Get gourmet camp stove cooking tips too.

After Party

Don’t forget the after-party from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy more music, food, drinks, and fun times.

So, whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone looking for a fun, community event, the festival is the place to be. Come and join us in celebrating the Appalachian Trail and the Great Outdoors!

For more information, check out the festival website.

See you there!