Appalachian Trail Conservancy Launches Free Hiker Ferry Across Nolichucky River

This past Monday, March 17, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) introduced a free, daily ferry service to transport hikers across the Nolichucky River near the former site of the Chestoa Pike Bridge (AT northbound mile 344.6 near Erwin, TN). Operated in partnership with Wahoo’s Adventure Nolichucky, the ferry will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily through June 15, providing an official crossing route for Appalachian Trail hikers this spring.

The new service — made possible by donations to the ATC’s Appalachian Trail Resiliency Fund — marks the second time a ferry has been officially recognized as part of the Appalachian Trail, joining the long-established Kennebec River ferry.

“The amazing outpouring of support for the AT following Hurricane Helene has fueled cleanup efforts that have reopened more than 400 miles of the trail quicker than we ever imagined,” said Franklin Tate, ATC Regional Director. “While there’s still much work to do to repair and restore Trail features and habitat and to fully reconnect the AT, including rebuilding the Chestoa Pike Bridge, we are grateful to everyone who donated and made this service possible to help 2025 hikers safely hike through the AT Community of Erwin and Unicoi County.”

Terry, owner of Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel, remarked that the ferry “is a win, win, win! A win for local economics because the Erwin/Unicoi rafting industry was decimated by Helene, and this throws them a lifeline. A win for hikers by providing a great experience on the AT and an adventure across the Nolichucky River. And a win for safety because it gives hikers a safe route that avoids the hazards of an extended road walk.” 

While the ATC’s website also notes that a previously announced road detour around the washout remains available outside of the ferry’s operating hours, the ferry itself offers a more consistent and integrated solution during its period of operation and will be counted as the official route of the AT.

A rope-cutting event was held on the banks of the Nolichucky River to launch the new A.T. hiker ferry service on March 17. Representatives from Unicoi County, the ATC, Uncle Johnny’s Hostel, Wahoo Adventure, and the Town of Erwin were in attendance. Photo by Valerie Bradley.

For thru-hikers, the introduction of the ferry route promises several benefits. It simplifies navigation across a historically challenging river crossing and enhances safety by providing a predictable and regulated method of transit during the spring season. This development is especially significant for hikers facing disruptions along the trail due to washouts or adverse weather conditions.

By integrating this temporary ferry service into the official trail route, the ATC aims to streamline logistics and reduce uncertainties for hikers, ensuring that, even when traditional road access is compromised, a reliable crossing is available. The initiative reflects a broader effort by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to invest in resiliency measures that support both the continuity and the overall hiking experience on the trail.

“The Appalachian Trail is a vital part of Erwin’s identity and economy, and we are proud to support efforts that enhance the experience for hikers passing through our community,” said Michael Baker, Town of Erwin Alderman. “This ferry service not only provides a safe and reliable crossing of the Nolichucky River but also reaffirms our town’s commitment to welcoming and assisting outdoor enthusiasts.”

For more detailed information and resources on navigating sections of the trail impacted by recent challenges, hikers are encouraged to visit the ATC’s Hurricane Helene updates page.

Featured image: A hiker crosses the now-destroyed Chestoa Bridge in 2019. Photo: Brian Kavanagh