For those not yet familiar with our latest fun activity for our 55th season, we have released a new and fairly challenging award entitled the Appalachian Tral Challenge.

The goal is to work ham operators via a QSO on the GERATOL Net, in each of the 14 states through which the trail meanders from Georgia all the way up to Maine.

You can check out the details, log forms, etc. on our website under the AWARDS tab.

As of this update, (11/1/26), Nelson, K1NF has successfully completed the AT Challenge !!! Congrats to Nelson, on being our 1st operator to finish the requirements for the award. Our Awards Manager, Bob – AI4IL has designed an awesome looking certificate, and Nelson will be the first recipient of this award. We know several other ops are getting closer to completing the requirements, so while challenging, it proves the award is attainable this season. If you have not already begun the hunt for the 14 states needed, stop by the net and give it a try. It’s fun to renew acquaintances, while at the same time working to complete this latest award.

Georgia is where the trail begins, or for some, where the trail ends. When first created, it was assumed those who wished to hike the complete trail on foot, would begin in the northern most state, Maine and work their way south to Georgia. Interestingly, most who complete the trail, begin in Georgia and end in Maine.

Below are some interesting facts about the Georgia portion of the trail:

Many folks hike only portions of the trail yearly. As a Boy Scout leader, I recall taking our troop over portions of the trail through VT and NH. We ran into other day hikers, and even a few through hikers, who were approaching the completion of a season long trek from GA all the way to Maine.

The trail is an amazing resource, and we will periodically be posting updates on how operators are proceeding with completing the award, and will also provide fun facts from each of the 14 states where the trail passes.

Stop by the net, at 9PM Eastern daily, on 3.668 and give it a try yourself. Or, if you happen to live along the trail, stop by and put your state out there for those in need. Below are the states ops will need to complete the award. Click on any one of the states for additional details about the trail, as it pertains to each state:

Georgia

North Carolina/Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

Maryland

Pennsylvania

New Jersey

New York

Connecticut

Massachusetts

Vermont

New Hampshire

Maine

73, Kevin N1KL