hello everyone,
For a long time now, i guess about the 18 years we've been here, I've had the notion to build a shelter for the hikers that pass by my property. My family and I live about as close as one can live to the trail and have often thought about being more involved with it. I was thinking about ideas for a shelter's design and related concerns. If you, the hiker, could have an input as to how a shelter is located,designed,constructed,positioned and so on what would they be? Also are there any unforeseen issues with a shelter on private land along the AT? Would i be getting into something I'd come to regret? Can I control who uses it? Will it become a party spot for the locals and be trash all the time? I'm located north of the Roan Highlands section of the trail across US19E, about a 20-25 min hike I'm guessing. Is this a good location for a shelter or will it just be passed by due to the distance from other shelters? Can I blue blaze the spot one would turn off the main trail? Should i put it as close as i can to the trail or further away to better monitor it. The further away location has a well,power and a great view does this matter? Another spot I have is more level and has a bigger area for camping, things to consider. I also have a place where people could park about 5 min hike to the trail, is this a good idea? Would I be inviting trouble in the form of some type of liability either from personal injury or property damage? Can I have a "disclaimer" sign to avoid such liabilities that will hold up in court? I'll post more questions and concerns as they come to me. Your thoughts please, thanks