View Full Version : AT Corridor Favorite Radio Stations
I have always been a big fan of 88.7 WNCW, but I was wondering about other hikers favorite radio stations that are easily received on the AT. WNCW is available in the GA., N.C., and Tenn.( maybe southern Va.) sections of the trail. The tower is located on Clingmans Peak ( not to be confused with Clingmans Dome) in the Black Mountain Range right next to Mt. Mitchell. WNCW is a public station that broadcasts a wide range of music 24/7. Good stuff. Anyone have any other noteworthy stations that can be tuned in while on the AT? :sun
I listened to that station last yr on Max Patch..what a night that was stars galore, cool comfortable evening and bluegrass music
I know that many hikers here would like to escape all outside influences while in the woods, but my wife and I both suffer from tinnitus. We often need help to sleep when out in the woods when it is very quiet. Sometimes I need the earphones to get settled in.
There was a station in Pearisburg (actually The Narrows, a suburb) that played all first generation Rock 'n Roll. The best oldies station I ever heard, but I prefer the sound of bluegrass at night - and the smell of napalm in the morning. :D I can't help myself, it's late!
I remember the Hanover area having great Oldies and Country stations. The younger hikers will like the Dartmouth College Station(s) there. One of the best areas along the AT for Radio entertainment. I also liked the BlueGrass Music I picked up in different places along the trail.
Kevin A. Boyce
06-15-2006, 12:26
Up here in this area one of the best stations, and it is an independent one at that, is WKZE. They used to actually be in Sharon CT not far from the trail, but moved to Red Hook NY, decent coverage from the East side of the Hudson to the Great Barrington area and little north.
A pretty eclecic mix, some syndicated shows later at night, but really good mix of almost everything during the day. Definately leans to the indie scene, but nothing to obscure or unaccessible, I usually leave their live feed on during the day at work on the 'puter and don't fell like I hear the same stuff or get bored.
Plus like I said, they are an independent station, not some branch of some corporate radio syndicate...
Catch you on the trail...
Kevin
Moon Monster
06-15-2006, 17:46
By far, my favorite is WNCW, which has a few translators which is why it is in range over so much of the AT. The last station on my list below was the only thing my dying radio could get as I approached Katahdin. It was only local for part of the day; it was a Clear Channel station the rest.
So many high powered stations that come in well in the mountains are Clear Channel or Radio One garbage. Some of these stations below come in for litterally just a few hours as you walk along the AT. Thankfully, some of the best, like WNCW, have multiple frequencies in multiple locations.
I listen to an eclectic mix of music. No genre turns me off. But, almost without fail, I wind up only listening to independent radio stations low on the dial. They are the only ones whose DJs program unique playlists based on what they like and what is requested rather than what Hollywood is marketing at the moment.
Here's my rankings:
1. WNCW 88.7, 92.9 (Boone, NC), 100.3 (Charlotte, NC)
2. WXPN 88.5 (Philadelphia), 88.1 (Harrisburg, PA), 104.9 (Lehigh Valley, PA)
3. WNRN 91.1 (Charlottesville, VA), 88.1 (Staunton/Waynesboro), 89.9 (Amherst)
4. WFMU 91.1 (Jersey City, NJ)
5. WSHC 89.7 (Sheperdstown, WVa)
6. WSYC 88.7 (Shippensburg, PA)
7. WSYY 94.9 (Millinocket, ME)
TN_Hiker
06-15-2006, 17:49
Might be getting off topic here.....why type of radio do you carry? How much does it weigh and how long will the batteries last?
Might be getting off topic here.....why type of radio do you carry? How much does it weigh and how long will the batteries last?
Sony SRF-M37V TV/WEATHER/FM/AM WALKMAN digital clock/tuner
1 AAA battery
weight 5 oz low battery indicator/ presets/ setting lock (keeps from accidental turn on or channel change when on) The 1 Battery lasts a long time.
uses earphones or mini speaker(purchased separately)
WNCW and WXPN out of Philly are very similar. XPN produces World Cafe which WNCW airs in the evenings. Forget the Lehigh Valley signal on Blue Mountain in PA, go with 88.5 instead. Delaware Water Gap and north you get pretty much the same on WNTI (91.9) in NJ.
Best radio experience on AT for me was a clear, cool August night on top Bigelow listening to the public radio show Echoes out of Waterville (91.3) or Presque Isle (106.1). It was the perfect music to view the stars.
Chef2000
06-15-2006, 18:50
Warning my musical taste are rock n roll
Any station down south that carries "The John Boy and Billy Big Show" The number one morning show in the south.
In April I found a new one in Atlanta 97. something, one of these NO DEE JAY stations.
IN Jersey you can pick up most of the NY stations, In the Berkshires PIX 106 out of Albany
Maine has some good ones to include The Blimp 102.9, In 2000 the station on Surgaloaf had good music
expenditioner
06-16-2006, 11:24
A good source of information concerning radio stations along the AT is:
www.radio-locator.com.Just (http://www.radio-locator.com.Just) type in the name of the town.or the zip code for the area,and there is all kinds of facts about the station.
Sony SRF-M37V TV/WEATHER/FM/AM WALKMAN digital clock/tuner
1 AAA battery
weight 5 oz low battery indicator/ presets/ setting lock (keeps from accidental turn on or channel change when on) The 1 Battery lasts a long time.
uses earphones or mini speaker(purchased separately)
On my scale it weighed 3.8 oz including earphones. Not the ones that came with it.
On my scale it weighed 3.8 oz including earphones. Not the ones that came with it.
I kinda guessed, but did you include the battery?
I kinda guessed, but did you include the battery?
hmmm, just
I kinda guessed, but did you include the battery?
grrr, hit enter to soon..yes it did include the battery
Moon Monster
06-18-2006, 20:28
I'm greatful for "World Cafe" syndication. Several East Coast stations carry it, including some otherwise classical public radio stations. Another great program is "Sounds Eclectic" out of KCRW. WNCW has carried it in the past.
The Maine rock station broadcast from Sugarloaf is freakin' powerful. For me, it came in crystal clear for at least half the AT in the state.
I have an Aiwa AM/FM that with generic earbuds weighs 2.5 oz. My Sandisk 2GB mp3/FM with earbuds weighs 2.125 oz. Both run on a single AAA.