Have you hiked any of the Appalachian Trail? Why did you do it? A graduate student in the Recreation and Tourism Studies Department at Old Dominion University would like to know why! She is conducting an exploratory study on the motivations and benefits of hiking the AT. The purpose of the study is to better understand why people hike the AT, and ultimately to attract more supporters and volunteers in order to acquire funding for continued maintenance of the footpath, and preservation and protection of its surrounding corridor lands. You can visit this website to participate in the survey. Results of the study will be shared with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and with local clubs such as the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC). Please give her your thoughts!