Posts
Faces of Hot Springs: Chief of Police, Officer David Shelton
When you emerge from the freedom of the wilderness and step out onto the streets of Hot Springs, NC, you'll soon find yourself back in civilization, a place with laws designed for the good of all. And Officer Shelton is there to enforce such laws and see to it that all people, citizens and visitors alike obey said laws and live in harmony with one another (insomuch as it is possible).
Faces of Hot Springs: Mayor Sidney Harrison
To get insight into the Faces of Hot Springs, it's sometimes best to start at the top. This interview with Sidney Harrison, mayor, was the perfect way to find out how thru-hikers are viewed from a local official's standpoint.
Faces of Hot Springs: Introduction to Hot Springs, NC.
Hot Springs North Carolina is the first true trail town the Appalachian Trail northbound through hikers encounter. This is the story of the many people, or 'Faces' of Hot Springs; who they are and what they think about hikers
The Blackalachian: First Gold-Mouth Rapper to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail
In April of 2017, Daniel White, age 31, of Charlotte NC, trail name "The Blackalachian" , was dropped off at Amicalola Falls State Park to embark on a two month section hike that would inevitably turn into a complete through hike of the Appalachian Trail, where he would become "The first gold-mouth rapper to through hike the Appalachian Trail"
(Mis) Adventures of a Trail Angel in Maine’s Mahoosuc Range
For many northbound through hikers, Maine is like the magical kingdom of their dreams, and that by reaching it, they will somehow be translated into a promised land, flowing with milk and honey. As I was soon to learn, hardly anything could be further from the truth.
Meet The Hostel: Angel’s Rest Hiker Haven, Pearisburg VA
In September or 2016, Doc Peppa, and her spouse, Bam-Bam, opened a hostel at the base of the mountain locals call, "Angels Rest", with the fitting name, "Angels Rest Hiker's Haven". This is the story of how it came to be.
Hiker Feeds: Abhorred by Some, but Mostly Adored
A phenomenon occurs in various places along the Appalachian Trail every spring--especially in the Southern Appalachians--large hiker feeds. Many harbor opinions for and against. This story is dedicated to discovering the truth.
Hikers, Hostels, & Heroes: Spring Breakers in Trouble on Max Patch
On spring break, 8 students from Macalester College, St. Paul MN, headed down south to Hot Springs, NC, where they thought the weather would be warm, to go on a 35 mile backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail, from there to Davenport Gap. What they didn't take into account was that the southern Appalachians weren't quite finished with winter.
Elmer’s Sunnybank Inn and Hostel in Hot Springs, NC
Tucked away in a lonely little section of the Appalachian Trail is the first real trail town the nobo's encounter on their epoch hike. At first glance, Hot Springs may appear as a small, drab little town in the mountains, but when you peel away the tiny town veneer, you'll soon discover a town, rich in heritage, and one of the most historically significant buildings in the area: The Sunnybank Inn and Hostel, know locally as "Elmer's"
Meet The Hostel: Greasy Creek Friendly
Though a story of Greasy Creek Friendly has already been told, it's time to update everyone on recent changes as well as give you a touching insight into the heart and soul of a hostel owner