The American Perimeter Trail Conference (APTC) is an effort to create a 12,000-mile continuous loop that circumnavigates the continental U.S. One might think that you can use google maps to plot a route around the country but to know if that route is feasible, someone has to put boots on the ground and walk it.
That is where Rue McKenrick comes in, he is doing advanced scouting and finding out what works and what doesn’t work. Although the proposed route uses existing trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the Appalachian Trail (AT), and parts of the North Country Trail, many parts of the proposed route are undeveloped as a trail. Parts of the proposed route currently rely on private roads and unmarked footpaths.
Enter the APTC, a grassroots 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to conservation and community. It’s a community of motivated people who would like to make a formal trial that circumnavigates the continental United States. It will take decades of hard work and political action to bring the dream of the American Permiter Trail to life.
The project’s goals are:
- Create a protected corridor available for recreational use roughly tracing the contiguous United States.
- Create a more connected America, bring outdoor recreation within reach of more communities.
- Connect people to public lands.
The American Perimeter Trail seeks to connect the land, resources, people, and communities. It strives to encourage conservation efforts through recreation, allowing all people and generations to experience the diversity of the contiguous United States.
Rue McKenrick ~ Executive Director
The APTC Board of Directors
Rue McKenrick is the Executive Director and a professional backpacker, triple crowner, and founder of the APT. He is currently out on the first scout and official hike of the APT.
Leilah Grace is the Vice President and she manages all of the social media, emails, fundraising, public relations, scheduling, and logistics.
Suzanne is the Secretary and the lead for the state of Connecticut Chapter of the APT. She is also a hiker and avid explorer.
Yvette is the Treasurer and part of the Search & Rescue team in New Mexico. She is also a hiker and backpacker.
How to Become an APTC Member
Membership to the American Perimeter Trail Conference (APTC) includes full access to the members portal, members-only events, early registration to events, and discounted registration to APTC events.
All members will have a 1 time, 10% discount in the store, and early access to sales and other merchandise.
Membership includes a members-only video address from Rue McKenrick every month, and a downloadable, printable certificate with the APTC logo and your name. All APTC members that join in the first 6 months are founding members of the organization and will be noted as such in the records and publications.
