This international exchange aims to foster global collaboration in trail conservation and management. Representing the CMC delegation are President Les Love, Appalachian Trail Supervisor Paul Curtin and Councilor for Communications David Huff. Their mission is to promote sustainable trail practices worldwide and strengthen cultural ties.

The delegation will engage with the teams managing the Shin-Etsu Trail and the Michinoku Coastal Trail. The Shin-Etsu Trail, inspired by the Appalachian Trail, offers a blend of mountain beauty and hiking challenges, while the Michinoku Coastal Trail features stunning coastal landscapes. This exchange underscores CMC’s dedication to trail stewardship, as they share their expertise in trail maintenance, club operations and best practices with their Japanese counterparts.

A highlight of the trip is the planned meeting with Sarah Jones Decker, a CMC member and author of “The Appalachian Trail: Backcountry Shelters, Lean-Tos, and Huts.” Together, they will hike Mount Fuji and experience sunrise at the summit, symbolizing the union of cultural and environmental appreciation.

This visit reciprocates last year’s successful engagement, where representatives from the Shin-Etsu and Michinoku Coastal Trails visited the United States. They collaborated with CMC and explored the Appalachian Trail, sharing insights that enriched both parties’ approaches to trail management.

For further information, updates and insights from this inspiring journey, please follow the Carolina Mountain Club on their official website and social media platforms.