About the Pine Mountain Trail Association
The Pine Mountain Trail Association, Inc. (PMTA) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization ((IRS 509(a)(2) status). Donations made to the PMTA are fully tax deductible under Section 170.). The association was founded in 1975 by Mr. D. Neal Wickham. The purpose of this organization is to enhance, preserve and promote the Pine Mountain Trail and the connecting loop trails within FDR State Park . It is an organization with an active Board of Directors and a growing membership of over 500.
All of the operating and administrative expenses for the PMTA are obtained from membership dues and contributions. There is no paid staff. All the work is done by volunteers.
Goals of the Pine Mountain Trail Association
- Maintaining and expanding the existing 43 miles of trail.
- Promoting the outdoors and hiking.
- Preserving the environment and wilderness.
PMTA Accomplishments
- Fully maintained all the trail miles through the tireless volunteers efforts of its members.
- Created 43 miles of trail which are designed for maximum enjoyment with many varied points of interest and a few steep grades.
- 1995 recipient of the Department of Natural Resources Best Volunteer of the Year award.
- Featured in Southern Living, Backpacker, Sports Illustrated Women magazines and numerous newspapers.
- Lauded in many hiking guidebooks as one of the finest hiking trails in the Southeast.
- Provided and placed all the wooden direction/information signs at the trailheads and intersections. Three of the four trailhead information bulletin boards have been built by the PMTA and all maintained by the PMTA.
- Sought out and gained approval for FDR State Park to have five parking areas along GA 190 paved, which benefit the thousands of hikers each year who visit the trail