looking for shuttle--troutdale

[Alex Bingham]

Hi--I'm planning on meeting up with my son who is thru-hiking the AT. We're planning to hike together Sat, April 17-Tues, April 20th. He wants to meet up around White Top and end at Troutdale. I'd like to leave my car in Troutdale and get a ride back to White Top. I have a couple of questions, though. First, what's a good trail crossing near White Top to meet my son? If it's late in the afternoon and we choose to start Sunday, are there any places to stay the night nearby? Second, how can I find out about getting a ride? I've tried the "AT Shuttles and Public Transportation" on Appalachian Trail Conservancy, but haven't located anyone near enough to give me a ride for <$90. Can anyone there help me? Thanks, Alex

[rambunny]

Call Jerry's kitchen in Troutdale-276-6773010.As far as staying somewhere-you might drive back to Damascus or Abingdon. Mt Rodgers is your only other shuttle option that i know of-276-475-5416

[ShelterLeopard]

Definitely call Jerry- I was just at his restaurant the other day, we was very nice, and provides good rates for shuttles. (And has really, really good chocolate cake in the restaurant)

[SawnieRobertson]

Hi--I'm planning on meeting up with my son who is thru-hiking the AT. We're planning to hike together Sat, April 17-Tues, April 20th. He wants to meet up around White Top and end at Troutdale. I'd like to leave my car in Troutdale and get a ride back to White Top. I have a couple of questions, though. First, what's a good trail crossing near White Top to meet my son? If it's late in the afternoon and we choose to start Sunday, are there any places to stay the night nearby? Second, how can I find out about getting a ride? I've tried the "AT Shuttles and Public Transportation" on Appalachian Trail Conservancy, but haven't located anyone near enough to give me a ride for <$90. Can anyone there help me? Thanks, Alex

Hmmmm. I live 9 miles from Troutdale and am listed by ATC as a shuttler. Have you contacted me? As for where to meet, I'd suggest BBuzzard Rock. The Baptist hostel accommodates overnight hikers. Grayson Highlands State Park has a great campground. There is also Fox Creek Inn at Troutdale, Peggy Sexton's B&B at Sugar Grove, and numerous motels at Marion. Hope you have a good time. The weather is being favorable.--Kinnickinic

[ShelterLeopard]

Kinnickinic! Thank you for the shuttle the other day!

[Alex Bingham]

Kinnickinic--is that name from Firesign Theater? They had a character, Nick Danger, who was referred to by that nickname. Anyway, my plans have changed a bit. I'm now meeting my son in Damascus and joining him to the White Top area. I'd like to leave my car at the Elk Garden parking lot about 3.5 miles from White Top and get a shuttle back to Damascus late Sat afternoon the 17th (I fly into Charlotte at 1:00 PM and then need to get a rental car and drive up to White Top. Are you available for that? If so, can you give me a ballpark figure for expense? Thanks, Alex

[Lone Wolf]

Kinnickinic--is that name from Firesign Theater? They had a character, Nick Danger, who was referred to by that nickname. Anyway, my plans have changed a bit. I'm now meeting my son in Damascus and joining him to the White Top area. I'd like to leave my car at the Elk Garden parking lot about 3.5 miles from White Top and get a shuttle back to Damascus late Sat afternoon the 17th (I fly into Charlotte at 1:00 PM and then need to get a rental car and drive up to White Top. Are you available for that? If so, can you give me a ballpark figure for expense? Thanks, Alex

just be advised there were quite a few vehicle break-ins at the Elk Garden parking lot last year at this time. you might want to consider leaving your vehicle in Damascus and you and your son get a shuttle and hike SOBO back to town. i wouldn't pay more than $30 for the two of you. i ask $25 but will be out of town

[Jeff]

LW, Have there also been break-in's at the Massie Gap lot?

[Lone Wolf]

LW, Have there also been break-in's at the Massie Gap lot?

i've never heard of any break -ins there

[Alex Bingham]

Thanks, that's helpful