Appalachian Trail Community

The Town of Round Hill was officially designated an Appalachian Trail Community on June 15, 2019. The Appalachian Trail Community program is designed to recognize communities that promote and protect the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Towns along the A.T.’s corridor are considered assets by all that use the A.T., and many of these towns act as good friends and neighbors to the Trail. The program serves to assist communities with sustainable economic development through tourism and outdoor recreation while preserving and protecting the A.T.

Round Hill is perfectly located between two Appalachian Trail visitor centers. Bears Den is located 5 miles to the west and the Blackburn Center is located five miles to the north. If a visitor wanted to visit both places on the same day, they would have to drive through Round Hill’s Central Commercial District.

Round Hill considers the Appalachian Trail as one of its most unique assets and views the trail as an excellent opportunity to boost the local economy. The 2017 Comprehensive Plan set forth the goal to promote environmental stewardship as a mechanism to increase community viability, economic health, and sense of place in Round Hill. The Town Council wants to continue to increase connections between Round Hill and the Appalachian Trail Community™ network to promote community awareness and increase knowledge of the trail as a local asset through the following strategy:

Continue to support the Round Hill Outdoors committee as the designated Round Hill Appalachian Trail Advisory Committee who is comprised of volunteers and trail supporters.

Include the Appalachian Trail in Town marketing and provide educational materials at the Town Office.

Increase dialogue with county officials about the importance of the Appalachian Trail to Round Hill.

Encourage local residents to volunteer at the Bears Den and Blackburn Trail Centers.

Educate residents on the benefits of membership in the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Maintain a partnership with Round Hill Elementary School and other local schools to encourage teachers and students to take part in Trail to Every Classroom (TTEC)

Incorporate Outdoors & Nature Tourism as well as Environmental Stewardship into the Town Marketing & Economic Development Programs