Your Guide to the 44th ALDHA Gathering in Gettysburg
The countdown has begun.
In just a few weeks, long-distance hikers, section hikers, trail volunteers, trail organizations, authors, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country will gather in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for the 44th ALDHA Gathering.
Held October 9-12, 2026, at Gettysburg College, this annual celebration of hiking culture brings together old friends, new faces, trail legends, and future adventurers for a weekend of learning, storytelling, community, and fun. Gettysburg is located just a short drive from the Appalachian Trail and provides a memorable setting for one of ALDHA’s most beloved traditions.
Whether you’re a veteran thru-hiker, a section hiker planning your next miles, or someone still dreaming of taking that first long-distance journey, there’s something waiting for you in Gettysburg.
Event Details
- When: October 9-12, 2026 (Columbus Day Weekend)
- Where: Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
- Registration Fee: $40 for the entire weekend
- Camping: Included with registration
Click to see the daily schedule (tentative)
Featured Evening Speakers
This year’s Gathering features three outstanding presenters whose experiences span the Appalachian Trail, international expeditions, outdoor history, and lifelong adventure.
Friday Evening: Derick Lugo
Derick Lugo’s hiking journey is one of the most inspiring in recent trail history. A Brooklyn native and self-described unlikely backpacker, Lugo had never spent a night camping before stepping onto the Appalachian Trail in 2012. He went on to complete the entire trail and later became a Triple Crown hiker. His story has inspired countless people to believe that long-distance hiking is possible regardless of background or prior experience.
Saturday Evening: J.R. Harris
Explorer J.R. Harris has spent decades traveling some of the world’s most remote landscapes. This summer he returned to Greenland to trace the history of the Inuit explorers who helped Robert Peary and Matthew Henson reach the North Pole. Harris will share stories from a lifetime of wilderness exploration and discuss his latest Arctic journey.
Sunday Evening: Leonard Adkins
Author, photographer, historian, and five-time Appalachian Trail thru-hiker Leonard Adkins closes the weekend with a special presentation featuring rare and historic images from the Appalachian Trail’s past. His presentation celebrates the people, places, and stories that have shaped the trail over the last century.
More Than 40 Workshops and Forums
One of the highlights of every Gathering is the opportunity to learn from experienced hikers, authors, trail maintainers, outdoor educators, and conservation leaders.
Where to Hike Next
- Pacific Crest Trail
- Continental Divide Trail
- John Muir Trail
- Mountains-to-Sea Trail
- Benton MacKaye Trail
- Cohos Trail
- New England National Scenic Trail
- International Appalachian Trail
- Backpacking in Michigan
- Hiking in Peru, Chile, Nepal, and Alaska
On the Trail
- Women’s safety and security
- Navigation and compass skills
- First aid and mental health
- Electronics on the trail
- Section-hiking strategies
- Day-hiking the Appalachian Trail
- Wildflowers of the Appalachian Trail
- Building an alcohol stove
- Trail stories and lessons learned
Past, Present and Future
- Minorities on the trail
- The Centennial of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
- The Next 100 Years of the ATC
- The History of the Appalachian Trail Museum
- Women Pioneers of the Appalachian Trail
- The Evolution of Thru-Hiking
- The Future of ALDHA
Annual Photo Contest Returns
Bring your favorite trail photos and take part in the Earl Shaffer Memorial Photo Contest. Gathering attendees may submit up to five printed photos for judging and prizes.
Contest Categories
- Beauty and Grandeur of the Appalachian Trail
- Beauty and Grandeur of Any Other Trail
- Flora and Fauna
- Humor
- Community
Photos will be accepted beginning Friday afternoon, voting will take place on Saturday, and winners will be announced during Sunday’s business meeting. Contestants must be registered for the Gathering.
Explore Gettysburg’s Historic Battlefield
Former ALDHA coordinator Henry Edwards will lead a guided three-mile hike through portions of the Gettysburg Battlefield on Saturday afternoon. Participants will visit several notable locations connected to the famous 1863 battle, including the field of Pickett’s Charge and the National Cemetery where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.
Sign-up information will be available at ALDHA Central during the weekend.
Visit the Appalachian Trail Museum
Gathering attendees are encouraged to stop by the Appalachian Trail Museum at Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
An open house will be held on Thursday prior to the Gathering, and the museum will remain open throughout the weekend. Following the Gathering, volunteers are invited to participate in a work trip at nearby Ironmasters Mansion Hostel.
Overnight accommodations and dinner will be provided for volunteers participating in the work trip.
Important: Buy Meal Tickets Before September 28
Meal tickets must be purchased in advance.
Gettysburg College’s dining center will not accept cash or credit cards. All meal tickets must be purchased through ALDHA before September 28.
- Breakfast: $11
- Lunch: $16
- Dinner: $17
The dining hall is directly across the street from the main Gathering venue and consistently ranks among the nation’s best campus dining facilities.
Camping and Accommodations
Camping is included with your Gathering registration.
The camping area is located a short distance from Gettysburg College and includes portable toilets. Campers should plan to follow a “Drive It In, Drive It Out” approach, as no trash service will be available. A designated area will be available for evening campfires.
If you plan to use a hammock, be aware that there are very few trees in the camping area and you should bring a freestanding hammock setup.
Hiker Fair, Trail Organizations, and Authors
The Hiker Fair will once again bring together authors, trail organizations, vendors, and hiking enthusiasts from around the country.
The fair will be located in the College Union Building and is free for registered attendees who reserve a table in advance.
Need a Ride?
ALDHA’s Facebook group includes a Ride Board where attendees can coordinate carpools, share travel costs, and help fellow hikers reach Gettysburg.
Getting There
Gettysburg College is easily accessible by car and is within driving distance of several major transportation hubs.
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
Attendees arriving by train can connect through Amtrak service into Harrisburg.
We Can’t Wait to See You in Gettysburg
Every ALDHA Gathering is unique. The presentations change, the stories evolve, and new friendships are formed around campfires, workshops, meal tables, and trail conversations.
What never changes is the sense of community that comes from bringing together people who love long-distance hiking.
We’ll see you in Gettysburg this October.
Download a special edition of The Long Distance Hiker (Contains maps and more details)
Workshop Presenters & Hiker Fair Vendors
Our signup forms are now available.