The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has announced the launch of A.T. CAMP, a website allowing groups of six to 10 hikers to find and register for campsites along the Appalachian Trail.

This system is designed to help groups plan their hikes and to help minimize the amount of crowding at campsites and shelters along the Appalachian Trail, which causes damage to the environment and interrupts the solitude many seek in the backcountry.

Groups will be able to see how many other campers have also registered for these locations and will receive an immediate notification if their group exceeds the quota for campsites they have selected.

At present, A.T. long-distance hikers can register their thru-hikes using the voluntary thru-hiker registration at appalachiantrail.org/thruhikeregistration.

For information or to register an overnight group hike, visitATcamp.org.