American Backcountry: Where Adventure Begins

It started with a simple vision: to create designs that captured the essence of America’s trails, parks, and outdoor spirit. Frank Hintz had a dream and a car loaded with American Backcountry’s first t-shirt designs. Driving to the Appalachian Trail Conference’s Headquarters, he hoped to find someone who believed in his vision. That someone was Brian King, who not only embraced the designs but encouraged Frank to set up a booth at the annual Appalachian Trail Days festival in Damascus, VA. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of American Backcountry’s journey.

Today, American Backcountry stands as a beloved brand for outdoor enthusiasts, creating unique designs that celebrate iconic destinations and landmarks. What began as a handful of designs has blossomed into a collection inspiring wanderlust while championing sustainable practices like Made in USA REPREVE® Tees. Thanks to your support, we continue to pursue our mission of honoring the natural world we love to explore.

For those venturing onto the Appalachian Trail (AT), the adventure begins in Georgia at Springer Mountain and winds north to Mount Katahdin in Maine, crossing six national parks and 14 states. The journey kicks off near the cascading waters of Amicalola Falls and leads hikers through breathtaking landscapes like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where wildflowers and mountain views abound.

Virginia, known for hosting the longest stretch of the AT, holds a special place in our story. In Damascus, hikers can experience the camaraderie of Trail Days or visit Adventure Damascus-Bike Rental & Shuttle Co. to find American Backcountry designs celebrating the trail. From Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia offers unforgettable vistas that inspire every step.

Further along, the trail leads to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Headquarters. This historic spot motivates hikers as they pass the halfway mark. The trail’s terrain varies from the flat, gentle paths of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park to the rocky ridges of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Each section reveals a new chapter of natural beauty and challenge.

As hikers press on through the northeast, they encounter milestones like Bear Mountain State Park in New York, the highest peaks in Massachusetts, and the inspiring climb up Vermont’s Stratton Mountain—a site that sparked Benton MacKaye’s vision for the Appalachian Trail. The final states, New Hampshire and Maine, test hikers with rugged terrain and steep ascents. The journey culminates on Mount Katahdin, a mile-high peak that marks the trail’s dramatic conclusion.

American Backcountry’s story is much like the Appalachian Trail—a testament to perseverance, passion, and the enduring love of nature. With every step and every design, we honor the spirit of adventure and the beauty of the great outdoors. Here’s to where it all began and the journeys yet to come.