View Full Version : Which one would you call home???
I've discovered that being a hiker living in a trail town is a very unique experience. So.......If you could pick one trail town, and where from Georgia to Maine, which one would it be....and why?
Lone Wolf
10-02-2007, 11:54
here. cuz it's the best one. bottom line. no explaining needed
_terrapin_
10-02-2007, 11:58
Hanover, 'cuz it's a college town. So there.
Lone Wolf
10-02-2007, 12:01
Hanover, 'cuz it's a college town. So there.
expensive, crowded, full of snooty people and not very good hiking in the immediate vicinity
_terrapin_
10-02-2007, 12:03
expensive, crowded, full of snooty people and not very good hiking in the immediate vicinity
Expensive, yes. You get what you pay for. ;)
Appalachian Tater
10-02-2007, 12:13
Pearisburg. It's a town on the trail, but not a trail town. Some of the trail towns are a little too small for me.
Old Grouse
10-02-2007, 12:19
At my age you start to ask which town is proximate to the best medical facilities (for the family, of course - not me.)
cannonball
10-02-2007, 12:24
Damascus hands down.
Good outfitter
Multiple lodging options
Great, reasonablly priced breakfast at the D Q
L. wolf, Larry, Wonder, and the rest
oh yeah, Dots.
Bless their hearts but perhaps Boiling Springs could handle a few hikers moving in. I wouldn't pick it as a top choice if I were to move but it has potential.......
Lincoln NH, cause I already live here
Jack Tarlin
10-02-2007, 13:06
Hanover. Great scenery. :rolleyes:
_terrapin_
10-02-2007, 13:07
Lincoln NH, cause I already live here
Best hiking of all choices given so far. Not quite on-the-trail though. And no college. (Sorry, that's my wife's main criterion. We've had this discussion many times. ;))
I have got to go with Damascus as well for #1 -- Lone Wolf and Gypsy live there. My #2 is Erwin. It's totally different but unique in ways. Of course Hot Springs needs a vote too. I love Monson because it is there. Rangeley maybe. Hanover (Hangover) is always a favorite -- my brother is a Dartmouth graduate. Gee, there are lots of great places.
warraghiyagey
10-02-2007, 13:08
Monson.:) Maybe the only place I've ever been where I've smiled the entire time I've been there - 3 times in the last 16 months.
The people make me feel so welcome and like I belong there. Yes, when I hitch from the trailhead after the 100-mile I feel like I'm not going home, but coming home.
Hanover, 'cuz it's a college town. So there.
I am going to have to move to Hanover at one point.....my Dr's there, but, I get waaaaaaaaaay more then I pay for here. I moved here from a college town, and after 3 months, I dread going back to that.......but that's me. I like being able to live without a car, I have very little stress, great people (loveya LW & Gypsy), and I can leave my apartment and be on trail in a 4 min walk.........love it!
But hey, I've never lived in another trailtown........hence, why I asked. I think that each one could offer something unique:sun
Rangeley, Maine. If that's too far, Gorham. If you want on the trail, I'd take Hot Springs.
I'd have to say Wallingford, Vermont, cuz it's been home for 22 years. But..... there's something special about Boiling Springs, PA. Maybe it’s the swans on Children's Lake and that quaint hometown feel. Damascus is TOO depressed and Hanover is TOO preppy. Hanover IMO does have better food than Damascus:-?
Hanover is good for its Medical Center and Damascus, well, it's a good place to wash your clothes.
Let the games begin.........:banana
MrsGorp
c y'all soon....
Hot Springs. already looking at property in the vicinity
Damascus is 2nd choice for me
warraghiyagey
10-02-2007, 13:35
Boiling Springs eh? Mrs Gorp. The only trail friend that called out my name before I could even see her climbing toward me as I descended the Mahoosuc arm. She sure seems to know what's up on the trail.:)
Medical is hard around here. That's why I"m going to have to move to Hanover in a few years. My ankle doc left philly and moved to dartmoth
Lone Wolf
10-02-2007, 13:37
Nobody likes hikers in Boiling Springs. Not even the ATC. Port Clinton would be better.
RiverWarriorPJ
10-02-2007, 13:42
Damascus.....yeah...DOTs being there helps..lol..
Nobody likes hikers in Boiling Springs. Not even the ATC. Port Clinton would be better.
I don't know Wolf...I've always been welcomed by the ATC in Boiling Springs ('04 and '06). Maybe you were extra surly the day you went through…… but lovable, they just didn’t see the real U.
Port Clinton has NOTHING except a highway, a stinky smoke filled hotel, and a BMW motorcycle shop. Drive by and hope u don't blink or you'd miss it all. You'd definitely need a car to drive yourself away.....fast.
MrsG
_terrapin_
10-02-2007, 13:50
Nobody likes hikers in Boiling Springs. Not even the ATC. Port Clinton would be better.
That's what I'd heard (from folks at WB) before I got there. Not my experience at all. Port Clinton??? You gotta be joking...
Lone Wolf
10-02-2007, 13:53
I don't know Wolf...I've always been welcomed by the ATC in Boiling Springs ('04 and '06). Maybe you were extra surly the day you went through…… but lovable, they just didn’t see the real U.
maybe if i kiss enuf ass i can a article in the ATC mag about something that has nothing to do with hiking. kinda like miss ross. :)
Many great towns along the trail all unique in some way. I have got to agree wearing a smile on my face from the moment I emerged from the Wilderness to the town of Monson. I was out of food and quite hungry. There was a truck waiting at the trailhead to take hikers to town and wosh I was saved. I took a zero day and discovered I have OCD. I did three trips to the laundry.
I used to live in Boiling Springs, right in the old town, and still miss it.
I always had a positive feeling walking around the lake every day - which I had to do, no mail delivery in the heart of town mandates a daily trip to the PO. (Ever wonder why there's a combination lock on the door? I've sure had to go there in the middle of the night to collect my mail...)
I liked the idea of, and often did in my time there, just starting to walk out my front door and heading out up Center Point Knob. In two hiking seasons there I don't think I ever did exactly the same circuit.
Plus, the water's better than where I've lived since too.
Driving the 5 miles into Carlisle just to do laundry kind of stank though, no coin laundry there. There is a college in Carlisle but it's not big enough to really push the ambience into college town mode (I grew up near Ithaca, NY so have some idea of that atmosphere).
I'm surprised no one's mentioned Duncannon though.
The greater Harrisburg area which embraces Boiling Springs and Duncannon has a fair number of job opportunities, I've been able to change jobs and stay in my field. The cost of housing is not as outrageous as other areas closer to the coast.
SGT Rock
10-02-2007, 17:02
I like Hampton, TN. Small, rural, and a pretty spot.
the goat
10-02-2007, 18:08
duncannon.
b/c it has the doyle.
Hmmmm....where to pick.....i think i'd have to pick Erwin or Hampton TN....actually been thinking of going to Johnson City TN which is right near them, but not actually a trail town, although close to it.
so many spots to choose from though....
Johnny Thunder
10-02-2007, 18:10
duncannon.
b/c it has the doyle.
Duncannon because it looks, smells, and sounds like where I went to school. Did I mention that I lived in a frat house...errrr...The Doyle for three years?
Cookerhiker
10-02-2007, 18:21
Norwich, VT because it's in Vermont and it's got the King Arthur Flour Co.
Jim Adams
10-02-2007, 18:24
Glencliff, N.H.......because it has nothing! Close enough to the civilized world, good hiking and some real wilderness but still on the trail.
Monson...second choice.
Gorham...third.
geek
TinAbbey
10-02-2007, 18:48
i choose Monson, cuz its small and seems like good country.
NICKTHEGREEK
10-02-2007, 18:55
Asheville, close enough, good med care, decent food, cheap housing, semi-enlightened populace, right church.
The Solemates
10-02-2007, 19:08
I would live in ANY of them if my career/industry was there!!!
Asheville, close enough, good med care, decent food, cheap housing, semi-enlightened populace, right church.
AMEN! I have to say Brevard, NC because that's where I live and it's definitely close enough too! We also have our own training ground at Pisgah National Forest!:sun
Brevard, Hendersonville and Asheville are all cool!! Loved A-ville when i was down there....
I would like to re-open the Tip Top House on top of Moosilauke just to see if any WB'ers actually hike over mountains rather than typing on keyboards in the valleys. Maybe if I offered free brew and a satellite up-link to WB a few might show up. ;)
Tennessee Viking
10-02-2007, 23:53
I live about 30-45 minutes from both Damascus and Hot Springs. I like Damascus for Trail Days and the Mt Rogers area.
But you really have to drive to Abingdon and Bristol for any off trail entertainment.
But I also like Hot Springs for the French Broad, has a ton of trail and history in the area, and has a more lively atmosphere for young hikers. The bar across from Bluff Mtn Outfitters, BEST BURGERS AROUND.
Tennessee Viking
10-03-2007, 00:06
Hmmmm....where to pick.....i think i'd have to pick Erwin or Hampton TN....actually been thinking of going to Johnson City TN which is right near them, but not actually a trail town, although close to it.
so many spots to choose from though....I wouldn't call Erwin and Hampton exactly trail towns. Kincora and the other hostels are about the only good thing about Hampton. No real liveliness. You really have to go up to Elizabethton to find any good groceries. Too many tourists walk in from Dennis Cove and the Blue Blaze to trash up Laurel Falls. Erwin is good for hostels and groceries. But Erwin can just get too backwards for me. If you drive the backroads to the trailheads, you will understand. A lot of rough people.
Johnson City is only good for Mahonneys, the only large outfitter between Hot Springs and Damascus, which is way too expensive. There is a lot of trail traffic from the college crowd. But it is a good point to shoot all the big TN points: Holston, Iron, Roan, Unaka, and Bald Mtn ranges.
Damascus, No Need To Elaborate, It Just Is.
Anything near Damascus. Or Hot Springs.
Actually, I kinda like where I'm at right now even though most don't consider Luray a "real" trail town. It's minutes from the AT in SNP and in the middle of SNP's 500 miles of trails. We probably get a couple hundred NOBOs and a couple dozen SOBOs visiting Luray each year, plus a lot of section hikers, so maybe we've got something here after all that attracts LD hikers.
Appalachian Tater
10-03-2007, 00:40
Johnson City is only good for Mahonneys, the only large outfitter between Hot Springs and Damascus, which is way too expensive. There is a lot of trail traffic from the college crowd. But it is a good point to shoot all the big TN points: Holston, Iron, Roan, Unaka, and Bald Mtn ranges.
I knew someone who moved to Johnson City for a few years, my understanding is it's a cool place, like the Asheville of Tennessee.
modiyooch
10-03-2007, 08:48
catawba va
btw: Palmerton was a friendly and enjoyable place.
If I didn't get the chance to move and more importantly, work in Damascus, I would have moved to Jim Thorpe, Pa. It's only 10 mins from the road crossing you hitch at for Palmerton, has a rails-to-trail ride, little grocery, lots of history.....TONS of hiking. Very, very nice.
hopefulhiker
10-03-2007, 09:38
I would go for either Hot Springs or Damascus. I like living in the South. Both towns have a lot to offer. I have heard that some people drilling wells near Hot Springs actually hit the Hot water....
I'd go for Gorham, NH. It's got real mountains on its doorstep. Not seep wooded hills! Within a half hour's drive..some of the East's best hiking!
david
the goat
10-03-2007, 10:04
Within a half hour's drive..some of the East's best hiking!
and, some of the east's most congested trails!
Cookerhiker
10-03-2007, 10:07
and, some of the east's most congested trails!
Along with Old Rag in your neighborhood which as you well know, is as congested as any White Mountain trail. But it's still worth it!
I like Damascus for Trail Days and the Mt Rogers area.
But you really have to drive to Abingdon and Bristol for any off trail entertainment.
You just didn't hang around long enough to meet the locals. We keep ourselves pretty damn well entertained. (Without going to the Stateline, thank you very much!):D
the goat
10-03-2007, 15:59
Along with Old Rag in your neighborhood which as you well know, is as congested as any White Mountain trail. But it's still worth it!
nah, actually it's not worth it at all when the trail is packed w/ a bunch of fools who are spending their first day in the woods since they hiked old rag the year before.
the only way to hike old rag for me is when it's:
1.) hot as hell
2.) raining
3.) cold as hell
4.) at night
the pack-sniffers stay home in front of the TV during the above conditions.:cool:
You just didn't hang around long enough to meet the locals. We keep ourselves pretty damn well entertained. (Without going to the Stateline, thank you very much!):D
They're pretty damn funny to watch while they're at it too!;) I've heard some story about a tandom bike........
trekkngirl
10-03-2007, 16:26
Damascus is the only one I have been to and the people there were great..quiet and laid back like I am...:rolleyes:
I do plan on visiting the others in 2009 so we'll see how I feel then...It is funny you ask this question because I have noticed in a lot of the books I have read some of the thru-hikers relocate after their hike..very interesting.:-?
The Solemates
10-03-2007, 16:35
catawba va
i second that! that would probably be my number one choice!
They're pretty damn funny to watch while they're at it too!;) I've heard some story about a tandom bike........
Tandem bike, Dr. G at the helm, wearing short-shorts & a half-shirt football jersey. I only wrecked twice that night.
Lone Wolf
10-03-2007, 16:41
I live about 30-45 minutes from both Damascus and Hot Springs. I like Damascus for Trail Days and the Mt Rogers area.
But you really have to drive to Abingdon and Bristol for any off trail entertainment.
But I also like Hot Springs for the French Broad, has a ton of trail and history in the area, and has a more lively atmosphere for young hikers. The bar across from Bluff Mtn Outfitters, BEST BURGERS AROUND.
The only time Damascus sucks is DURING Trail Days.
Miss Janet
10-03-2007, 16:57
Erwin is still the only "Trailtown" I can seriously consider home... and it has been home most of my life. I do consider moving "shop" to another trail town but it would be different.
I agree whole heartedly that we are a little behind the time here... ok, backwards to some degree. I keep hoping that the influence of Asheville on one side and Johnson City on the other will make a difference someday. I don't want us to get any larger but I would dearly love to see us use the things that we have a lot better. It would be nice to have a little more of a music, art and cultural "SCENE". We have very talented country, old time and bluegrass musicians and NO WHERE for them to play. We have wonderful artists and crafts people and one show a year for them to show their work. We have beautiful downtown streets, well cared for homes and lawns and a real southern charm. Maybe if some of YOU moved here we could jump start some changes to make Erwin a much more interesting town!
I do know this, I honestly would not have lived here for the past 10 years without being involved with the AT hikers. I promised my children that we would stay here for their school years but I would have gone crazy without the constant parade of diverse, interesting, intelligent and wonderful people that have hiked through our lives. I have often said that what Erwin lacked in cultural diversity I was blessed with because you all brought me the world!
Suches, Ga. Such as it is.
But seriously, Hot Springs or Damascus, not in town but in the vicinity.
Jim Adams
10-03-2007, 20:56
I have often said that what Erwin lacked in cultural diversity I was blessed with because you all brought me the world!
That is really nice! Thanks Janet but I'm sure that you have helped shape alot of other peoples worlds through your heart!
Thanks again.:sun
geek
Blissful
10-03-2007, 21:03
Glad someone else mentioned, it but I was very surprised with Palmerton, PA. At the jailhouse hostel, everything was within a block radius (laundry, IGA, diner, library, even a clothing store where Paul B got some shorts) . And we strolled in there to be greeted with cups of cold lemonade. Everyone was very nice. The main thing is getting in and out of the place, which is a headache.
Gorham is probably my favorite. Everyone there was super. We got a hitch in two minutes flat from the trailhead, we had the lady from the motel help get rides for Paul Bunyan and for us back to the trailhead, the shuttle bus driver to Wal Mart was very friendly and alerted his replacement that I needed a ride back to town. The town is spread out but it's great and used to hikers.
Lone Wolf
10-03-2007, 21:08
Glad someone else mentioned, it but I was very surprised with Palmerton, PA. At the jailhouse hostel, everything was within a block radius (laundry, IGA, diner, library, even a clothing store where Paul B got some shorts) . And we strolled in there to be greeted with cups of cold lemonade. Everyone was very nice. The main thing is getting in and out of the place, which is a headache.
Gorham is probably my favorite. Everyone there was super. We got a hitch in two minutes flat from the trailhead, we had the lady from the motel help get rides for Paul Bunyan and for us back to the trailhead, the shuttle bus driver to Wal Mart was very friendly and alerted his replacement that I needed a ride back to town. The town is spread out but it's great and used to hikers.
you would like to LIVE there?
you would like to LIVE there?
Sure, why not? :D
Tennessee Viking
10-03-2007, 23:33
I knew someone who moved to Johnson City for a few years, my understanding is it's a cool place, like the Asheville of Tennessee.
ROTFL...Only if you knew. Personally, I would love to live in Asheville. It is really the metro heart of the Blue Ridge. It is lively area for young people.
I have been a native of Johnson City and Kingsport for 29 yrs, and also some school time living in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Iowa. Trust me...If it wasn't for the trail, I would live elsewhere.
Damascus. Felt like home every time we've been there.
Asheville, even Bristol and Abingdon are to Urban fro me now. I've only lived in Damascus for a little bit....but I"m spoiled now. I don't ever want to live in the concrete world again
Blissful
10-04-2007, 20:48
you would like to LIVE there?
I thought this was a question as to whether a town felt like home to hikers, not if I would live there (?). But Palmerton was like home in that the people were friendly and it had what I needed. I'm not much on the scenery but the town was nice for hikers who need a bit of home stuff (like laundry, Internet, groceries and a smile). Gorham? I liked the town very much. Great scenery too. But I'm happy where I'm at. Besides, I hate winter and VA winters are mild, usually.
warraghiyagey
10-04-2007, 20:52
Monson. Monson. Monson.:) :) :)
Blissful
10-04-2007, 20:55
Monson. Monson. Monson.:) :) :)
Hey, my brother in law lives in Canandiagua (I'll probably spell it wrong). His name is Curt Nehring-Bliss. He teaches at a nearby college.
warraghiyagey
10-04-2007, 20:59
Hey, my brother in law lives in Canandiagua (I'll probably spell it wrong). His name is Curt Nehring-Bliss. He teaches at a nearby college.
Either a Rochester College or Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua. By the way you were so close on the spelling. You get an A.:)
It's actually where I trained to go on the trail, in the Bristol Mountains. Very pretty place.
_terrapin_
10-04-2007, 21:07
Especially High Tor.
High Torr (http://www.terrapinphoto.com/hi_torr_again.html). Nice place. But those hills in the Finger Lakes top out at 1000' or so. We skied at Bristol for years and years. Folks in Rachacha think it's a big mountain. :rolleyes: I dunno, I'd rather ski Swain, or even Hunt Hollow.
warraghiyagey
10-04-2007, 21:10
Well I never claimed it was the Appalchian Trail but it is beautiful in it's own right. High Tor is a great climb on an evening after work. Interesting that you guys know of these places.:)
Palmerton might not be too bad a choice for someone wanting to not be in one of the big cities but close enough to visit for a day. Nearby Allentown's economy is much improved since Billy Joel wrote a song about it. Moving there is the wrong direction for my general preferences, I'd rather go towards Canandaigua myself, but for the trouble getting income to travel and pay heat and taxes from (which is why I no longer live in upstate NY).
Maybe Waynesboro VA area, my wife's company has a facility near there I try to egg her to transfer to. Another place I'm surprised no one's mentioned yet in this thread.
_terrapin_
10-05-2007, 09:30
Waynesboro? Hmm. Looked kinda depressed to this camper. But that's the trouble with a lot of trail towns. There's just not a lot happening. Look around the towns for young people (other than hikers.) You don't see many.
Blissful
10-05-2007, 11:53
Look around the towns for young people (other than hikers.) You don't see many.
Wonder what they're up to? :-?
That's why we got involved in BSA and a Teen adventure group in our church (we're leading a day hike this Sunday actually). We hate seeing kids just sitting around and not getting outdoors. So many are overweight too. We don't want them vegging out like us oldie moldies in front of a computer - or their X Box. :) Get out there and take a hike! And maybe they will one day hike the whole AT - sure hope so. That would be great.
Back to my keyboard...
_terrapin_
10-05-2007, 12:05
Blissful, my point was that kids growing up in these towns just want to leave as soon as they're old enough to do so. Kids vegging out in front of computers... that's a different problem, and happens in all sorts of towns, large and small.
Maybe not so much want to leave as almost have to to find work. I grew up in a corner of the federally defined Appalachian region where an education was much easier to get than a job. I left at age 28 after getting my 2nd bachelor's degree -- after all my associates from high school had already moved out of state. I'd say about less than half wanted "more excitement" and the other bit more than half just wanted jobs. Recently my mom compared the high school graduates' pictures in the paper with her last class picture before she retired from teaching 1st grade 11 years before. Most of the missing moved with their families to NC or GA, she said, wonder if she felt lucky that I was only 4 hr. away. But now the Governor's wife hosted a "summit" on the problem so it will surely be fixed :) : http://www.cortlandstandard.net/articles/09182007n.html
I'd live in a town close to the mountains, but access to many ammenities (a major airport, an active job market, major university and a great library). A major trail is only ~45 minutes or so away. Mild climate most of the year in town; even the winters in the mountains are usually sunny and dry.
The town would have a great group of people in my age bracket, have great places to grab a pint for post-hiking as well. When hiking is not an option, the mountains would fill up with snow for skiing.
When you can't drive 45 minutes or so away, there would be an excellent network of trails within minutes of your home. And where you can travel almost everywhere by bike paths.
A town like this can be a litte more expensive, but if you live relatively frugally, it is worth it. Why pay to drive or fly to a place when you live in it all year 'round?
And this place would be Boulder, CO. :D
OK..since it is AT related, I'd say New Hampshire or Vermont. I love the Whites and Vermont. I'm a New England boy afterall!
Just a Hiker
10-09-2007, 15:59
Hanover. Great scenery. :rolleyes:
I just hiked a stretch from Hanover to Bennington......and I saw some "great scenery" all over Hanover when I got off the bus! :D
Pennsylvania Rose
10-09-2007, 16:14
Anywhere from Damascus south. I was born in the north, but I've fallen in love with the good and bad of the land and people of the southern Appalachians.
Anyplace you can get a drink with liquor. :D
The food is great at the Port Clinton hotel.
Nobody likes hikers in Boiling Springs. Not even the ATC. Port Clinton would be better.
Anyplace you can get a drink with liquor. :D
Well, looks like the south is shot for you.....unless of course you have a fondness of Gaitlenburg:D
Cookerhiker
10-10-2007, 12:56
The food is great at the Port Clinton hotel.
I've never seen such a large portion of fries.
_terrapin_
10-10-2007, 12:59
I've never seen such a large portion of fries.
Ditto that. The portions of everything were enormous. Unfortunately I still had 8.5 more miles to hike that day. :cool:
Possum Bill
10-31-2007, 22:11
ROTFL...Only if you knew. Personally, I would love to live in Asheville. It is really the metro heart of the Blue Ridge. It is lively area for young people.
I have been a native of Johnson City and Kingsport for 29 yrs, and also some school time living in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Iowa. Trust me...If it wasn't for the trail, I would live elsewhere.
Ah, I don't think Johnson City is that bad Ben. I've been here 15 years, and I agree it's not even close to an "Asheville of Tennessee", but I think it's a fairly progressive place with lots to do for a small city, plus we're within close proximity to some of the best hiking in the east IMO. At least for me, and with raising a family, it's a good place.
I also lived in Erwin for two years, and continue to currently work not far from there. It's a nice town too, but Damascus has my vote hands down... simply a beautiful place, quaint, with wonderful and very friendly people. And if you want a little more diversity, culture, or just somewhere to go out to eat, Abingdon is an awesome historic town only a few miles up the road.
Damascus has my vote hands down... simply a beautiful place, quaint, with wonderful and very friendly people. And if you want a little more diversity, culture, or just somewhere to go out to eat, Abingdon is an awesome historic town only a few miles up the road.
In one respect I was amazed by the diversity in Damascus... one store there sold 42 different varieties of chewing tobacco on my first visit (maybe 8-9 yr ago now), certainly more than I ever dreamed existed.
My first choice is right here in Damascus. This is the most unique town I have ever lived in. If I were not here I would probably be living in Hot Springs or Duncannon.
I plan on staying here til the day I die, or when I have enough money I plan on buying a place right on the trail or very near it and cut a blue blaze to my house.........
whitefoot_hp
11-01-2007, 11:56
Dahlonega is the best trailtown becuase it is the true beginning of the AT so there. if anyone does not agree i will come take your food as you begin your thru...
i haven't been to all the trail towns, but from the towns i've been to, damascus would be high on my list, its such a laid back town, boling springs, a beautiful town that needs friendlier people living there, erwin, i would be at ms janets everyday for breakfast.
but pretty much any trail town would require a major career change for me, so it will probably be out of the question till i'm rich (lol) and can retire to open a hostel or something like that.
some of yall mentioned port clinton, i couldn't ever live there, i'd get sick every time i saw the cabela's, its too big.
I would go with
1) Gorham, NH all the facilities and close to high mountains
2) Rangely, ME only cause it is so beautiful but it is a bit far from trail
3) Hanover, NH trail goes right through it, college town, pretty nice scenery!
4) Hot Springs, NC trail goes right through town and some fine restaurants and also Elmer's Sunny Bank Inn. That was one sweet hostel!
david
I'd give my eye teeth to live in a place like Damascus. Ya'll that live there are truly blessed.
briarpatch
11-01-2007, 20:23
As Info and Ed Director for the GATC, I got a letter a couple of years ago from a gentleman who was retiring. He wrote that he had heard of Springer Mountain, Georgia and wanted to know about housing, jobs, stores, etc. I wrote back explaining that Springer was in national forest and suggested that he contact the Chamber of Commerces in Blue Ridge, Ellijay, and Dahlonega for local information. Then I wrote a letter for fun. Here is the fun letter that I didn’t send:
Dear Mr. XXXXXXXXXX,
Thanks for your inquiry into retiring to Springer Mountain. I’ll answer your questions as best as I can. Springer Mountain is located in the lovely North Georgia hills, about 7 miles from Ellijay, and 15 or so from Dahlonega. Coincidentally, its also 7 miles from the closest paved road, store, and medical facility. It has no permanent residents, but has one “semi-permanent” resident in the form of a caretaker, who lives on the mountain from February till May each year. The caretaker has the only job directly on the mountain, but a number of people earn money by ferrying transients to Springer. There is a very large transient population, with somewhere between 1500 and 2000 individuals temporarily living on the mountain for a night or two in March and April. The rest of the year, only a few people are there overnight. In the middle of the week in July, you can pretty much have the place to yourself.
Housing is available in a large three sided shelter with a sleeping loft. The housing is free, but only available on a first-come first-serve basis. If the shelter is full, there is a large field where the transient population frequently camps overnight. And there are two mouldering privies available for your use.
I know this sounds kind of primitive, but that’s a large part of its appeal. And the transients! Well, they are some of the nicest people you ever want to meet. Its like they have formed a community for themselves. Of course, most of them have adopted assumed identities for one reason or another. In fact, I’ve known some of them for years, but still don’t know their real names. But they will go out of their way to help someone who is new to the group. Just don’t plan on them sticking around for long. They all seem to be migrating north to some place called Katahdin. Some of them are headed there directly from Springer, while others take years to get there. The ones who have made it Katahdin gather with the others at meetings called “Rucks”. These events are a sight to behold.
If you are still interested in retiring to Springer, we interview for the caretaker position every December. Take care and ………
Enjoy your hike,
Briarpatch
GATC Volunteer
North Woodstock, because it beats livin' in Lincoln. Just kidding chad.
Really because of the hiking, skiing, people who hike, people who ski and the rest. Hanover is close if I wan't a cultured trail town, Ben & Jerry's or The Big Apple Circus.
If I had to relocate I'd say Damascus or Quinttown NH.
warraghiyagey
11-01-2007, 20:35
North Woodstock, because it beats livin' in Lincoln. Just kidding chad.
Really because of the hiking, skiing, people who hike, people who ski and the rest. Hanover is close if I wan't a cultured trail town, Ben & Jerry's or The Big Apple Circus.
If I had to relocate I'd say Damascus or Quinttown NH.
You mentioned the postitives of North Woodstock without mentioning Blister Sister? For shame.:p
You mentioned the postitives of North Woodstock without mentioning Blister Sister? For shame.:p
We haven't met yet.
I'll mention Chet, his hostel is a great addtion to the area. He's an old friend too:
boling springs, a beautiful town that needs friendlier people living there
Hmm, as a former B.S. village resident (as already mentioned in this thread up above, note also I didn't grow up there, don't live there now, no need to not offend...) I'm curious as to what factors generate this apparently common perception.
Not as a thru-hiker, but as a resident I felt more welcomed by the front-porch-sitting local folks probably than anywhere else I've lived. We'd probably have moved back there except the commute is too long for my wife.
I'm still in the local maintaining club http://geocities.com/cvatclub/ and we recently posted the thru-hiker's FAQ to Boiling Springs.
There is one prominently situated local establishment I went to once and won't patronize again, it is mentioned very carefully in the FAQ, so I wonder if it's why the area is seemingly unfriendly - but I'll let you folks tell me.
Unionville, NY. Friendliest town on the trail. Where else can you do laundry and shower for free at the Mayors house. Butch the town greater will drive you anywhere you want. There is a nice general store right in the middle of town. And they let you camp out in the town park. The best treatment I received anywhere on the trail during my 07 thru hike.
My second favorite is Uncly Johnnys. I know it is a hostel and not a town but it has everything you could ever ask for in a town or hostel (laundry, outfitter, bunk house, cabins, clean showers, shuttle etc.). The only thing he needs to complete his perfect hostel would be food resupply, and he takes you to the store.
My vote is STILL Damascus..........
Damascus sounds like my kind of town. I doubt the locals would agree, but I doubt they would care, and that would work for me. :)
Which one would I call home? Damascus, of course, because I live here. My second choice would be Telluride, Colorado, but I don't think that's on the AT.
Just a Hiker
11-11-2007, 18:43
I would love to live in a trail town, but it's hard to say which one. I would like to find a place where I could ride my bike everywhere and I could leave my house and walk right to the trail.
Just Jim
Cookerhiker
11-11-2007, 18:47
I would love to live in a trail town, but it's hard to say which one. I would like to find a place where I could ride my bike everywhere and I could leave my house and walk right to the trail.
Just Jim
Damascus fits your bill. You can cycle all around town plus all the way to Abingdon for large-town needs.
sloopjonboswell
11-11-2007, 18:47
general aesthetics- boiling springs, hanover, bennington, great barrington
friendliness- damascus, erwin, pearisburg, waynesboro, duncannon
helen georgia gets a terrible rep on the trail but its got most everything a hiker could ask for. plus booze.
Just a Hiker
11-11-2007, 18:56
Damascus fits your bill. You can cycle all around town plus all the way to Abingdon for large-town needs.
If I could find a rental property there, I would probably give it a go. Damascus is also close to my favorite VA Hospital (Mountain Home) in Johnson City, Tn, and I could hike year round, unlike here in Maine. Who knows what 2008 might bring.:D
Just Jim
What's so good about Damascus besides the trail running thru town? Nothing to do and nowhere to work.
New York City is a great trail town. Only 34 miles from the AT with tons to do!! Best food too!
Lone Wolf
11-11-2007, 19:39
What's so good about Damascus besides the trail running thru town? Nothing to do and nowhere to work.
If you weren't such a purist when you came through here 1 time you'd see what the area has. What do you like to DO? There's plenty of work 30 miles or less from Damascus. NYC totally blows
Damascus is a great place to visit, and probably a great place to live. Presently, it seems to be experiencing unintended consequences from fast growth. It sure ain't the place I found my first visit there in the early '90s. As the US economy slides backward again, that growth will probably slow as well and Damascus' movers and shakers can get a better handle on things.
If it's a choice between NYC and Damascus, it's not even close IMHO. It's gotta be Damascus.
Just a Hiker
11-11-2007, 19:51
What's so good about Damascus besides the trail running thru town? Nothing to do and nowhere to work.
New York City is a great trail town. Only 34 miles from the AT with tons to do!! Best food too!
I agree about the food, but I would have to live at the Port Authority.....NYC is more than my budget will allow. :D
What's so good about Damascus besides the trail running thru town? Nothing to do and nowhere to work.
New York City is a great trail town. Only 34 miles from the AT with tons to do!! Best food too!
What's good? Please review http://www.damascus.org/activities.html
Jobs? My youngest daughter and new husband just moved here from Johannesburg, South Africa (very large city), fell in love with Damascus, found jobs, and are looking for a house. It can be done.
New York? I've lived on 22nd St., E 92nd, Battery Park, a few other places. I love the city, and need to go back for an urban fix at times. But try walking down the street in Manhattan and speaking to everyone you meet.
The big city's not for everyone, but I love being able to walk everywhere, no need for cars. Great transportation. Great food, music, museum, sporting events, anything really. And I live a few blocks from Prospect Park with miles of trails-you won't find dozens of hotties running and biking in Damascus:)
Nearly Normal
11-11-2007, 22:25
Damascus or Hot Springs?
Which ever is further from Walmart would be my choice.
Nearly Normal
Just a Hiker
11-11-2007, 22:34
Damascus or Hot Springs?
Which ever is further from Walmart would be my choice.
Nearly Normal
I lose 100 IQ points every time I walk into WalMart! I get so traumatized when I walk in there, I sometimes I can't even remember why I am there to begin with. I have to pin a shopping list to my jacket like a 5 year old. :( I have recently switched to the old IGA grocery store here in Bangor for my food, and I am much happier, and I blackout less often!!:D
Just Jim
Cookerhiker
11-11-2007, 22:37
Damascus or Hot Springs?
Which ever is further from Walmart would be my choice.
Nearly Normal
I like your criteria:) .
The Desperado
11-11-2007, 23:46
Hot Springs or Hanover
Nightwalker
11-12-2007, 01:03
But try walking down the street in Manhattan and speaking to everyone you meet.
I've done that. Most of tjem grin nervously and hello me right back. Also South Detroit (Dearborn) Michigan. People will be friendly if they get a chance. Sometimes you have to make the first move.
BTW, the folks that I met around the Port Authority are some of the most friendly around, inMy limted experience. Second only to the Mainers up near Monson and Baxter/Abol Bridge.
The folks in Boston weren't that nice, but they weren't really mean either. I come across as a bit of an odd-ball, and people react differently to those in different places. My wife says that I'm her "divining rod." People that immediately react badly to me on first meet aren't worth her knowing. Right or wrong, you gotta love that kind of support from a wife/BFFL.
If you weren't such a purist when you came through here 1 time you'd see what the area has. What do you like to DO? There's plenty of work 30 miles or less from Damascus. NYC totally blows
I only drive 20 mins. to work. Took me a LOT longer in Philly. Also, the rent is half the price. Best part? Damascus is blocked on 3 sides by national forest/recreation area. It really can't get much bigger. The fact that the other night, I was able to leave work, and within 15 mins. of getting home, I was pitching a tent at Backbone with some buddies.....just cool:D
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-12-2007, 01:54
What's so good about Damascus besides the trail running thru town? Nothing to do and nowhere to work.
New York City is a great trail town. Only 34 miles from the AT with tons to do!! Best food too!
If you weren't such a purist when you came through here 1 time you'd see what the area has. What do you like to DO? There's plenty of work 30 miles or less from Damascus. NYC totally blows
I only drive 20 mins. to work. Took me a LOT longer in Philly. Also, the rent is half the price. Best part? Damascus is blocked on 3 sides by national forest/recreation area. It really can't get much bigger. The fact that the other night, I was able to leave work, and within 15 mins. of getting home, I was pitching a tent at Backbone with some buddies.....just cool:DThis Dino lived near NYC many years ago. Have to go with LW on this - living near NYC was awful. Sure there are lots of entertainment options, food options, civilization options and they are available 24/7, but they come at the price of your sanity, spiritual health and over-all well-being IMO. Give me a town like Damascus or Hot Springs any day - the slower pace, the friendliness of the people, the willingness to ban together and to help one another (well, most of the people :rolleyes:). Damascus has LW, Wonder, Larry the phone guy :D, Local, forest on 3 sides and both the AT & the Virginia Creeper. This gives Damascus an edge over Hot Springs IMO.
The Dinos spent several days on a non-hiking mini-vacation in Damascus a bit over a year ago - where else can you go pet wild ponies (Grayson Highlands State Park); get an outfitter like SunDog to rent you a bike and haul you up WhiteTop mountain for a 17 mile ride (that just wow'ed this Dino who isn't much of a fan of biking); hike the entire width of the AT multiple times :D; hobnob with the likes of LW, Wonder & TOW; and dine at such a diverse group of sittings - everything from the Old Mill to Dot's (which had entertainment in the form of a family feud while we were there :eek:)?
I lived in Warwick, NY for 14 years. It's a little visited trail town. Most hikers go into Vernon or Greenwood Lake. It was nice being within 15 minutes of 7-8 trailheads.
Lone Wolf
11-12-2007, 09:14
I lived in Warwick, NY for 14 years. It's a little visited trail town. Most hikers go into Vernon or Greenwood Lake. It was nice being within 15 minutes of 7-8 trailheads.
me a gypsy spent 3 nites there back in 2000 on our flip=flop. had thanksgiving dinner at the big inn there. nice little town
Nearly Normal
11-21-2007, 04:51
Hot Springs. already looking at property in the vicinity
Damascus is 2nd choice for me
http://www.city-data.com/city/Hot-Springs-North-Carolina.html
http://www.city-data.com/city/Damascus-Virginia.html
http://www.city-data.com/city/Hot-Springs-North-Carolina.html
http://www.city-data.com/city/Damascus-Virginia.html
They look like twins. What river is that running through Hot Springs?
Lone Wolf
11-21-2007, 11:46
They look like twins. What river is that running through Hot Springs?
The French Broad.
Flush2wice
11-21-2007, 11:51
They look like twins. What river is that running through Hot Springs?
The French Broad is the big one but Spring Creek flows through town too.
Phlashlite
11-21-2007, 12:11
I really liked Dalton Mass. and Killington Vermont. We were looking for a town while we hiked and these stood out. Also Boiling Springs and Gorham. Alas we ended up moving to CA northern (great hiking here, but the prices WOW). We met nice people in every town so the choices are hard.
The French Broad.
Decent Rafting. THere is a hiker/river rat clean-up the day before Trail Fest every year. A really good time, and a great way to give back while you're hiking
i would love to in Damascus, or Hot Springs...just not sure if i could do what I do for a living in either one of those places....
Flush2wice
11-21-2007, 12:49
i would love to in Damascus, or Hot Springs...just not sure if i could do what I do for a living in either one of those places....
You could open a hostel or an outfitters store.
Lone Wolf
11-21-2007, 12:51
i would love to in Damascus, or Hot Springs...just not sure if i could do what I do for a living in either one of those places....
no but Abingdon, Bristol and Johnson City aren't far away
Lone Wolf
11-21-2007, 12:52
You could open a hostel or an outfitters store.
not in those 2 towns. a losing proposition
how far is Johnson City from damascus? there is a possibility of moving there...
Lone Wolf
11-21-2007, 12:54
how far is Johnson City from damascus? there is a possibility of moving there...
1 hour. Mostly interstate driving
Flush2wice
11-21-2007, 12:56
how far is Johnson City from damascus? there is a possibility of moving there...
Maybe an hour. Johnson City is easy access to the trail from Erwin all the way to Watauga Lake.
Cool! I know Johnson City is easy access to the trail, just didn't know it was so close to Damascus! That makes me want to relocate there even more! Trail, Damascus and Asheville all close by...that would make me happy!
Lone Wolf
11-21-2007, 13:01
Cool! I know Johnson City is easy access to the trail, just didn't know it was so close to Damascus! That makes me want to relocate there even more! Trail, Damascus and Asheville all close by...that would make me happy!
Asheville is 2hrs 10mins from my front door. we go often for music
sixhusbands
11-21-2007, 13:02
Gorham NH. was the best for us , but now that Wilfreds is closed ,I am leaning to Boiling Springs. I sure miss Jack and Chris at Wilfreds.. does anyone know when the closed and why?
Yeah, I lived close to Asheville until Aug this year, then moved back up here to NH...didn't realize how much I liked that whole area of the south until I left it!! There is lots of good music there!
Sleepy the Arab
11-22-2007, 01:20
Gorham NH. was the best for us , but now that Wilfreds is closed ,I am leaning to Boiling Springs. I sure miss Jack and Chris at Wilfreds.. does anyone know when the closed and why?
It closed about four years ago, and most likely because everyone realized the food was terrible. The bigger loss was Welch's closure two years ago. The Sunday buffets are still missed, and there really isn't any good place for breakfast in Gorham anymore.
Expensive, yes. You get what you pay for. ;)The scenery at the coffee shop is always good, even (maybe especially) when it's nipply out!
I'd definitely have to pick Hot Springs. It's in my beautiful native North Carolina, right on the French Broad, the Trail runs right through town, plenty close to other places like Asheville, Johnson City and Knoxville. Earning a living could be an issue, but by trade I'm a nurse, so a quick drive up to Newport, TN and there's a hospital there to work at. I have friends that own a campground in Hot Springs (http://www.creekridgecamping.com/), too, so maybe leave nursing and invest in the campgound and work there too. I could get used to that. :D
leeki pole
12-03-2007, 17:11
I like Hampton, TN. Small, rural, and a pretty spot.
Agree, Sarge but Townsend ain't bad either.
Ditto that. The portions of everything [at the Port Clinton Hotel] were enormous. Unfortunately I still had 8.5 more miles to hike that day. :cool:
So did I. Somehow, it just didn't happen...... :D Ahhhh, 75 cent Yuenglings......
warraghiyagey
12-03-2007, 20:17
...... :D Ahhhh, 75 cent Yuenglings......
What??? Where?????
I'd definitely have to pick Hot Springs. It's in my beautiful native North Carolina, right on the French Broad, the Trail runs right through town, plenty close to other places like Asheville, Johnson City and Knoxville. Earning a living could be an issue, but by trade I'm a nurse, so a quick drive up to Newport, TN and there's a hospital there to work at. I have friends that own a campground in Hot Springs (http://www.creekridgecamping.com/), too, so maybe leave nursing and invest in the campgound and work there too. I could get used to that. :D
Please fire the evil mullet master at the gate. He's is just plain mean:(
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bearpaw
...... :D Ahhhh, 75 cent Yuenglings......
What??? Where?????
On my 99 thru-hike, the Port Clinton Hotel Bar offerred 75 Cent 7 oz Yuenglings. Yeah, it wasn't a full 12 oz, but at 75 cents, who cares? I had 3 or 4 with my Philly cheesesteak and gravy-covered fries. Then I had 3 or 4 more to get back on the trail. Somewhere in there, my motivation to hike further dwindled before the need for 5 or 6 MORE Yuengling and another Philly Cheesesteak and fries for dinner.
Not saying that I would want to LIVE in Port Clinton necessarily, but it was one of my favorite town stops.
As for what trail town I would want to live in, probably Erwin.
I'm actually hedging the bet a little bit by moving to the Maryville/Townsend area next year. Great access to the Smokies, the AT, the Cumberland Trail, the BMT, and NO Gatlinburg congestion or tourist traps.
warraghiyagey
12-03-2007, 20:37
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bearpaw
...... :D Ahhhh, 75 cent Yuenglings......
On my 99 thru-hike, the Port Clinton Hotel Bar offerred 75 Cent 7 oz Yuenglings. Yeah, it wasn't a full 12 oz, but at 75 cents, who cares? I had 3 or 4 with my Philly cheesesteak and gravy-covered fries. Then I had 3 or 4 more to get back on the trail. Somewhere in there, my motivation to hike further dwindled before the need for 5 or 6 MORE Yuengling and another Philly Cheesesteak and fries for dinner.
Not saying that I would want to LIVE in Port Clinton necessarily, but it was one of my favorite town stops.
Hmmmm. . . a 99 thru hiker with all of 70 posts and mmeories of 75 cnet yuenglings. Sounds like somebody is itching to get back on the trail??
:)
Please fire the evil mullet master at the gate. He's is just plain mean:(That dude is at Hot Springs Campground and he's a total jerk. The last time I was there a couple weeks ago with my hiking partner Doc, we decided since he practically works on the AT that he needs a trail name. Doc has dubbed him Slim-Fast. :D For the record, if you want a hiker-friendly place to stay, see Keith & Melissa at Creekridge Camping (http://www.creekridgecamping.com/) and they'll get you all squared away. I took a couple thru's there last spring and Keith even gave them a "Thru-hiker rate" to stay there. They're great folks and very hiker friendly. That dude at Hot springs campground is nobody friendly. But then again, if I was that doggone ugly, I probably wouldn't be the nicest person in the world either.
Hmmmm. . . a 99 thru hiker with all of 70 posts and mmeories of 75 cnet yuenglings. Sounds like somebody is itching to get back on the trail??
:)
Nah, I just got tired of the overly analytical folks on BPL and the restrictive postings on PBF, so I started spending more time here.
BUT, I teach, so I hike longish trails MOST summers. 2008, I intend to thru-hike the BMT, Bartram Trail, and Foothills Trail.
2009 will probably be a 450-mile combination of the Tahoe Rim Trail, Tahoe-to-Yosemite Trail, and John Muir Trail.
2010 is tentatively the Long Trail with maybe a short traverse of the Whites and then an AT section from Caratunk to Katahdin.
But I can't wait to move from Nashville to eastern Tennessee. Great hiking and plenty of trail yet to build.
Now if I won the lottery, I would LOVE to do a southbound AT thru-hike, with a healthy amount of blue-blazing, including the BMT from Davenport Gap to Springer. It would be a refreshing change of theme from '99 when I was a stubborn purist.
warraghiyagey
12-03-2007, 20:53
Nah, I just got tired of the overly analytical folks on BPL and the restrictive postings on PBF, so I started spending more time here.
BUT, I teach, so I hike longish trails MOST summers. 2008, I intend to thru-hike the BMT, Bartram Trail, and Foothills Trail.
2009 will probably be a 450-mile combination of the Tahoe Rim Trail, Tahoe-to-Yosemite Trail, and John Muir Trail.
2010 is tentatively the Long Trail with maybe a short traverse of the Whites and then an AT section from Caratunk to Katahdin.
But I can't wait to move from Nashville to eastern Tennessee. Great hiking and plenty of trail yet to build.
Now if I won the lottery, I would LOVE to do a southbound AT thru-hike, with a healthy amount of blue-blazing, including the BMT from Davenport Gap to Springer. It would be a refreshing change of theme from '99 when I was a stubborn purist.
Sounds like your grass is quite green. Speaking of Blue Blazes, do you have the Gulf Haggas loop in your sights? Spectacular.
Sounds like your grass is quite green. Speaking of Blue Blazes, do you have the Gulf Haggas loop in your sights? Spectacular.
I'm pondering that on the 2010 Caratunk to Katahdin section. If for some reason I didn't move this summer, this trek bumps to the front of the queue for me. Between the LT and this route, it would make a GREAT summer's walk.