HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. (AP) The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has launched a voluntary registrationsystem for people attempting to hike the entiretrail.

The conservancy says the goal is to protect the 2,185-mile-long trail from overcrowding. Overcrowding can result in trampled vegetation, an accumulation of trash and unsanitary conditions.Regional director Morgan Sommerville says in a recent news release that hikers need to spread out along the trail.Sommerville says the conservancy hopes the registration system will allow thru-hikers to know in advance when overcrowding will occur and then adjust the start date of their hike.Thru-hikers can register online at

www.appalachiantrail.org/thruhikeregistration.The conservancy says the system doesn't guarantee spaces along the trail and it's not a substitute for any required permits.The trail runs from Georgia to Maine.