About

Appalachian Trail is a union of seasoned and innovative singers, songwriters, and musicians from Northeast Tennessee. Taking their name from the famous Appalachian hiking trail, the group was formed in 1984 — and more than 40 years later, the band is still burning new trails in the bluegrass world. While the lineup has changed over the years, Appalachian Trail has helped cultivate the early careers of artists including Adam Steffey, John Bowman, and Becky Buller.

Known for smooth, polished harmonies and strong original songwriting, the band has toured across the U.S. and internationally — including Ireland, Scotland, and England.

Current members:

Vickie Austin — vocals, bass
Tommy Austin — vocals, mandolin
Shane Austin — vocals, guitar
Ashley Davis-White — vocals, fiddle

About

Appalachian Trail is a union of seasoned and innovative singers, songwriters, and musicians from Northeast Tennessee. Taking their name from the famous Appalachian hiking trail, the group was formed in 1984 — and more than 40 years later, the band is still burning new trails in the bluegrass world. While the lineup has changed over the years, Appalachian Trail has helped cultivate the early careers of artists including Adam Steffey, John Bowman, and Becky Buller.

Known for smooth, polished harmonies and strong original songwriting, the band has toured across the U.S. and internationally — including Ireland, Scotland, and England.

Current members:

Vickie Austin — vocals, bass
Tommy Austin — vocals, mandolin
Shane Austin — vocals, guitar
Ashley Davis-White — vocals, fiddle

Congratulations, Vickie!

Out of over 1100 total applicants, Vickie Austin won 1st Place in the Bluegrass Category in Merlefest's Chris Austin Songwriting Contest! Woohoo! Vickie (accompanied by husband and A T bandmate, Tommy Austin and super talented guitar player, Hunter Patterson) performed a 30 minute set on Saturday at the festival. We are so proud of you Vickie!

Appalachian Trail Has Been Featured...

Merlefest • Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival • Cherokee Bluegrass Festival • Doyle Lawson Bluegrass Festival • Grass Valley CA Bluegrass Festival • Carter Family Fold (Hiltons, VA) • Rhythm & Roots (Bristol, TN/VA) • Song of the Mountains (PBS TV series) • Down Home (Johnson City, TN) • Music on the Square (Jonesborough, TN) • Elizabethton Covered Bridge Festival • Capitol Theatre (Greeneville, TN) • South Carolina State Bluegrass Festival • Horse Pens 40 (AL) Bluegrass Festival • Lamar County (MS) Bluegrass Festival • SPBGMA (Nashville, TN) • IBMA Showcase (Nashville, TN) • Tours in Ireland, England & Scotland

Tommy Austin

Vickie Austin

Tommy Austin

"Charlie Lawson’s Still", co-written with Becky Buller, recorded by The Mark Newton Band
"You Love Me Today", as recorded by Josh Williams
"Pocket Knives and Fiddle Tunes" as recorded by the Daughters of Bluegrass
"A Christmas Tear"- finalist in the Chris Austin Songwriting Competition at Merlefest
"The Master’s Plan"
"Blue’s My Favorite Color"
"Misery in Missouri"
"Katrina"
"Rain"
"Pale Rider"

Vickie Austin

"Country Road"
"Runnin’ Blind"
"Can't Hold On to Much"
"Angels Watching Me" as recorded by Tennessee Bluegrass Band in 2022
"Abraham"

Songwriting Credits

Reviews

Describing the sweet sounds of Appalachian Trail's unique vocal harmonies and rousing instrumentals is easy: smooth, polished, and professional. Listening to those sweet sounds is easier still. ~ R L Rouse

Man, would I like to see this group play in person! Words don’t do this CD justice. You have to hear it. From melody to musicianship, this group has got it all in place. The harmony capabilities are impeccable. The musical talent is just as strong. They also display their song writing abilities. ~ Jason Hooker

While we know that the Appalachian Trail generally runs in a north/south direction, I expect that this CD will bring the band many invitations to perform in the direction of all points on the compass as they continue to build a legion of fans. ~ Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now

Socials:

Press/Media Assets