Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club, a nonprofit organization with more than 90,000 members, promotes the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers, and trails of the Northeast. We believe that the mountains and rivers have an intrinsic worth and also provide recreational opportunity, spiritual renewal, and ecological and economic health for the region. We encourage people to enjoy and appreciate the natural world because we believe that successful conservation depends on this experience.

The Maine Chapter of the AMC was founded in 1956 as the Portland chapter. Today, the Chapter has more than 3,500 members and is active throughout the state of Maine. It advocates strong conservation efforts within Maine and offers its members a full range of programs and activities.