by Anna Lee Zanetti

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.

For 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.

About Friends of the Smokies

For more than 20 years, Friends of the Smokies has raised over $47 million to help maintain Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a crown jewel of the national park system, including the establishment of the Trails Forever endowment to improve Smoky Mountain hiking trails in perpetuity.

About Nantahala Brewing Co.

Located in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala Brewing artfully brews award-winning, craft beer made with fresh hops, whole grains and clean, crisp Great Smoky Mountain water, from one of the purest, protected watersheds on the planet. Nantahala Brewing Co. was founded in early 2009 and brewery operations and distribution began nearly a year later in May of 2010.

Nantahala Brewing Company is located at 61 Depot St, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713.