View Full Version : Do you live near the trail?
Just out of curiosity, what percentage of our members live in trail states, and what part of the trail?
Jack Tarlin
01-15-2003, 15:48
The Trailhead that goes North out of Hanover is a 3 minute walk from my house; kind of convenient when one get tired of what passes for civilization in these parts. I think Lone Wolf has me beat, tho, as the trail in Damascus is about 30 paces from his front door.
Lone Wolf
01-15-2003, 15:53
I live about 50 yards from the AT here in Damascus.
PushingDaisies
01-15-2003, 17:26
I may live east of the Mississippi, but just barely! :D
14 miles from Swift Run Gap in Shenandoah NP
Not as close as LW or BJ but the trail is about a mile via road and 1/4 mile bushwack up the western slopes of Bear Mtn in Wallingford, Vt.
Cin
I'm jealous. I have to drive at least 2 hours to hit the trail.
DEbW,
I too, drive just under 2 hours from the trail. Living in the Atlanta area I can be to any section in GA within two hours. I am so excited that the thru-season is here.
It is so much fun to go and watch the aspiring thru-hikers leave Springer and to go to Neals Gap and watch what is being packed to be mailed home.
Last year I watch a guy pull a pair of 2+pound ski goggles out of his pack to mail back, and while I was laughing he pulled out a metal claw hammer. I have since learned that hammers are commonly found on the trail at the start.
RagingHampster
01-16-2003, 09:43
I live 20 minutes east of the trail in Greenfield Massachusetts. I live in the Pioneer Valley at the foot of the Berkshires.
Waterbuffalo
01-16-2003, 09:49
I'm also Like Happy I'm north of Atlanta about 1.5hrs south of Springer.
Youngblood
01-16-2003, 09:50
I live in the northeast suburbs of Atlanta in Doraville, Georgia. I am probably more familiar with the highways in north Georgia than I am around Atlanta.
Youngblood
slabfoot
01-16-2003, 10:08
about a 30 minute drive to duncannon, pa
smokymtnsteve
01-16-2003, 11:47
Atlanta...Ne corner...easy access to Ga 400 and I85...US441...springer ...woody gap, neels's gap,unicoi gap,
dicks creek gap, franklin NC, winding stair gap, Noc, New found gap , davenport gap Fontana..within 2-3 hours!...
I think this means that were getting to many and too BIG of roads and developement in these areas... Hwy 28 running from wesser over to fontana used to be a slow go..but the road builders are now extending US 74 a divided four lane,,limited access type "smokymtn freeway" all the way to stecoah gap.....
it's not being officailly called a extension of US 74 expressway but that's what it is... they call it just a widening of hwy 28...Land surrounding fontana lake is being sold to the second home builder's market...this area is starting to really grow...the view shed off the smokies will be filling up more and more light from houses esp the one the the big security lights...
back on the western end of the park and large tract of land has been put into a conservation trust..land along the foothills parkway road..wish I had a link..
this extension out of bryson city ...probably to hook up the everproposed new trans mtn road..there has been talk forever about building a new road across the smokies in the western end of the park...and the talks are beginning again...this was a road that was defeated in the 60's ....lead by harvey broome...SAVE THE SMOKIES Hike...the road builders are clamoring agian today..soon we may have a addtional road crossing in the western end of the park...just think you could go real light up shuckstack out of fontana...resupplly at the new road crossing and head across the top of the smokies ridge just like lighting on a limb...sounds great doesn't it!
Dan Bowen
01-16-2003, 16:42
I live 20 mins from Kent ,CT.
Footslogger
01-16-2003, 17:36
Use to ...lived in Marietta about an hour or so south of Springer. Relocated to Wyoming this year so getting to the trail is bit more tricky !!
Kerosene
01-17-2003, 19:37
I used to live a few hours from the mid-Atlantic section of the AT (DWG to Lee, MA), but I moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan after college, making it 8.5 hours to the nearest AT crossing near the Washington Monument outside of Hagerstown, MD. Kind of makes it tough to get to and from the trailheads with all the 1-2 week stints I'm doing, especially since I've done the center section from Buena Vista, VA to the Whites. It's about 11 hours to Springer and well over 14 to Katahdin if I go through Canada. Not that I've spent much time looking at routes and drive times!
Streamweaver
01-18-2003, 00:43
Im about 2 hours from both the pen mar area at the MD-PA border and where the Potomac crosses the MD-WVA border which isnt to bad but I sure wouldnt mind living within a few miles of the AT!! Streamweaver
I live in Lincoln New Hampshire, about 7 miles from Kinsman Notch and 7 miles from Franconia Notch. I can see the summit of Moosilauke from my bedroom window.
5/2/04 I just moved into the center of North Woodstock. My view of Moosilauke is gone but I can now see bits of the Franconias (and the roof of The Cascade Lodge!) I'm now less than five miles from the trail.
steve hiker
08-13-2003, 12:14
I live two blocks east of the Mississippi. Have to drive at least 10 hours to hike in the Appalachians. Start to feel better as soon as I get past Birmingham, the population changes and I-59 starts climbing up .......
TJ aka Teej
08-13-2003, 14:01
Pretty close, on the MA/NH state line. We're in Old Orchard Beach, ME most of the summer. Only a morning's drive from the AT anywhere from MA to Katahdin. I like it when old threads pop up again :O)
asmtroop3
08-13-2003, 14:33
2 hours as well Deb.
Mini-Mosey
08-13-2003, 18:20
I'm actually quite close to a number of AT trailheads--those in Maryland; WV(I'm only about a half hour from Harpers' Ferry); northern Virginia(SNP is about 2 hours' away; the Northern Virginia trailheads are closer);and not real far from some southern Pennsylvanian trailheads.
ga>me>ak
08-14-2003, 11:46
10 to 12 long stinkin @!x#@$% hours to the AT.
MedicineMan
08-23-2003, 01:05
As I type I am 2.5 miles from Hughes Gap, just before the climb up Roan Mountain.
squirrel bait
08-23-2003, 20:08
.......the outer banks of n.c. Birthplace of flight and ya need one to get to the trail from here.
I live 15 miles south of Dayton (the real birthplace of aviation) and it takes me about 4 1/2 hours to drive to Pearisburg; which is , by the way, exactly what I'm going to do next saturday. :banana
I'm about 4 hours from the Smokey Mountains. Nashville area. Great hiking all through this state.
tlbj6142
08-24-2003, 15:15
Originally posted by Lugnut
I live 15 miles south of Dayton (the real birthplace of aviation) and it takes me about 4 1/2 hours to drive to PearisburgDo you own a jet? 4.5 hours from Dayton to Pearisburg, VA? You must work at WPAFB.:D
I just checked the mileage. It is nearly 300 miles. Guess it probably does take me longer than 4 1/2 hours.! Never really timed it but guess-timated relative to the time to Damascus. I'm still going even if it does take me longer than I realized. :o
tlbj6142
08-24-2003, 23:07
It took us 6.5 hours (including a meal and fuel stop) to reach Lone Wolf's house in Damascus, VA from Columbus back in May for Trail Days. We were doing 75+ where/when ever we could. WV just sucks for driving. Too many hills and tight turns.
I assume your route will be slightly different than ours (maybe via RT35 and into WV).
Right. I take 35 to the WV (it's mostly finished now) then an older road (still 35) to 64 then pick up the WV turnpike. It's innerstate , or four lane, from there on if you are going to Pearisburg. If I'm going to Damascus I take 91 off I-81. I really can make it to Damascus in less than 6 hours but I've never been to Lone Wolfs house! Can't do it all. :)
tlbj6142
08-25-2003, 09:41
Originally posted by Lugnut
but I've never been to Lone Wolfs house!If you have driven through Damascus, you have driven past Lone Wolf's house. I won't give away the secret location of his den, otherwise masses of hobo wannabes would show up knockin' at his door.
He is a real nice guy, despite his sometimes grumpy online persona.:D
Virginian
08-25-2003, 21:59
I live in the Calf Mountain Shelter. Rocky Top sold it to me last year. Hey,wait a minute?
warren doyle
09-09-2003, 12:38
My wife (Terry), my Dad (Warren Sr.) and I now live in a rental home just one mile below Doll Flats in the shadow of Hump Mt.
I also own a home .3 mile from the trail just past the one-room schoolhouse near the I-81 trail crossing at Atkins/Groseclose in southern Virginia.
banjolady
09-12-2003, 00:53
I live about 20 minutes away from the AT in Harriman State Park in NY state. it is really beautiful and convenient for NYC people as well. we have a hiking group focused on harriman and surrounding local hikes-my 3 dogs go on all the hikes with me.
we recently visited the lemon squeezer and the big crossroads wooden sign where the AT meets the Long path in NY. url for my group is below. let us know if you are passing through this way.
Susan
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/harrimanhike
Kerosene
09-12-2003, 08:49
I did a series of day hikes through central New York in June of last year with my younger brother and aging mother. I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty on both sides of the Hudson River.
Depends which trail crossing - I live 6 miles on route 11 in vermont from the 11/30 trail crossing. The opposite direction than Manchester. Its a straight hitch to the door.
Pedestrian
10-21-2003, 15:13
I live near Dahlonega, GA. From my house it's 7 1/2 miles to Woody Gap and 11 1/2 miles to Neels Gap. It's great to be close but I have a harder time getting in any backpacking because it's just easier to dayhike now. What a problem to have!:)
capehiker
10-21-2003, 21:45
I Grew up near Pine Grove Furnace. I recently lived in NH (about 2 hours from Pinkham Notch), and now I'm even further away (3-4 hours on Cape Cod). I don't like the trend, but I'll make my way back eventually.
beancounter
10-22-2003, 07:38
I live in Hot Springs Arkansas, home of Slick Willie or should I say Sick Willie. Thank God his wife, the evil witch never lived here. Hiking is good here, lots of trails.
steve hiker
10-28-2003, 02:14
Lots of ticks too.
i live in middle Tennessee & 269 miles & 4 hours 58 minutes from Clingmans Dome,TN...(according to Mapquest.com)..probably the closest point to the A.T. from my home. :(
i greatly envy those of you that live so close as you can enjoy a day hike @ your leisure any day or weekend on the Appalachian Trail...
3 months & counting.....
see ya'll UP the trail!
Lone Wolf
02-04-2004, 09:28
Jaybird, there are 2 B&Bs for sale here in Damascus right on the AT. Now is your chance. I actually live 60 yards off the AT not 50. :)
Brushy Sage
02-04-2004, 09:47
I live in Asheville, which is a 30 minute drive to Sams Gap, and around 40 minutes to Hot Springs or Davenport Gap. If I see you at a road crossing, I'll be glad to bring you into the city and take you back!
knightjh
02-04-2004, 10:26
Just out of curiosity, what percentage of our members live in trail states, and what part of the trail?
I live in Hagerstown just about 10 minute drive from the I-70 footbridge for me I"m very very "jealous" of you folks that are 2 - 3 minute (or less) walk to the trail
knightjh
02-04-2004, 10:35
I live in Hagerstown just a 10 minutue drive from the I-70 footbridge crossing I'm very very "jealous" of you folks that can "walk to the trail"
gravityman
02-04-2004, 10:58
Jaybird, there are 2 B&Bs for sale here in Damascus right on the AT. Now is your chance. I actually live 60 yards off the AT not 50. :)
Hey L. Wolf,
How viable is a B&B in Damascus. No one is getting rich off of thruhikers! (except maybe the outfitters :)
Gravity man
Lone Wolf
02-04-2004, 11:11
There a 6 B&Bs here in town and they all do really well. The Creeper Trail is the main draw but the past few years AT hikers have been using B&Bs too. Thousands upon thousands of bikers come to Damascus to ride the Creeper trail. This town is becoming a destination. BTW the 2 B&Bs for sale are The Maples and The Apple House. The owner of The Apple House passed away recently and Russ at The Maples has been ill for a while. Both these places are in excellent shape. Turn key operations.
Brushy Sage
02-04-2004, 15:06
I live in Hagerstown just a 10 minutue drive from the I-70 footbridge crossing I'm very very "jealous" of you folks that can "walk to the trail"
I used to live in Frederick, and that stretch of the AT was "home" for me. Wondering if I met you? Are you with PATC?
cakeman21k
02-04-2004, 15:18
Northern Jersey for me about 35 Min from DWG, but also only 35 min from Hi Point. The beauty of being here is in 3 hours or less I can hit the trail all the way from Pen Mar on the Penn. Maryland border to Souther Mass. makes day hikes and weekendrs easy and fun!!!:sun
i live in NJ about 1 hr 20 min south east of the trail. i lived it CT for 16 yrs 20 min from the trail. i spent 10 yrs in MI and have an interest in that trail that runs thru Wisconson, i think its the ice age trail.
knightjh
02-10-2004, 09:01
I used to live in Frederick, and that stretch of the AT was "home" for me. Wondering if I met you? Are you with PATC?
I just recently gotten into Backpacking and I have not joined PATC (yet) so we have probably not meet
I grew up within 15 miles of Hog Pen Gap and never appreciated it. I now live near Atlanta in the suburb of Marietta and wish I could move back. The only problem is income. My wife and kids resist the urge to become chicken farmers for some reason and my life-long dream of being a Forest Ranger would not provide for my wife and the lifestyle to which she would like to become accustomed.
snowman96
02-10-2004, 16:25
I live north of Dahlonega on HW 60. So Id say I am just a few short miles from the trail.
I live 1 mile from the trail in linden.
mamaspicphotography
02-10-2004, 20:26
I live in Pearisburg about 1 mile from the trail and 1/2 mile from Catholic Church hostel...........from my back door i'm looking directly at Agel's Rest (Pearis Mountain)
I'm about 9 hours by air, roughly 4000 (+) miles from the Georgia trail head. It's okay though, plenty of hikes here to keep me busy in the meantime.
VAMTNHIKER
04-13-2004, 07:52
Being from Virginia Beach, Rockfish Gap is 3.5 hours away... and with my daughter graduating from Virginia Tech, I have continued on to the Blacksburg area many times! My Venture patrol and Venturing Crew have done a number of sections and circuit hikes off the Blue Ridge Parkway and in SNP.
Ramble~On
04-14-2004, 00:47
:banana I live in WNC. Short Drive to Clingman's Dome, Standing Indian, Wayah Bald. I only work four days a week so my pack stays in the trunk.
I too live in WNC. I'm about 35 min. from Newfound Gap, pending on the Floridian traffic. I'm also close to Winding Stair, Standing Indian, Wayah Bald, Tellico Gap, and Fontanna Dam. I love this area and it is what has inspired me to do the trail.
Hood Ornament
05-23-2004, 09:48
Hiking to the east bank of the Mississippi River is part of my training curriculum. I might add hiking across the Mississippi to my program to impove my long hill climbing ability, because all I have now are the overpasses. :)
Pencil Pusher
07-04-2004, 18:17
With an ICBM, I'm only 30 minutes away from the AT.
lilmountaingirl
07-04-2004, 18:28
I grew up 10 minutes from the AT in West Hartford, VT.
Now I'm about 20-30 minutes from Duncannon, PA.
Can't (and don't wanna) get away from it. :)
slatchley
07-04-2004, 18:59
5 minutes in Lakeville, CT
20 minutes in New Fairfield, CT
Yesterday, I took the family for a short AT hike along the Housatonic. My oldest (10) wrote in the Ten Mile River Shelter journal that it is a very pretty area and I couldn't agree more. We ran into 3 people attempting a thru-hike (Meercat, Chiggar, and Moonaduck or something like that :-? ) as well as Ridgerunner Steve-0.
Lone Wolf
07-04-2004, 22:37
I walk or ride my bike on the AT everyday.
Well yeah, since you live in Damascus and the trail goes through the center of town I guess you do! Didn't think anyone would catch that did you? ;)
I'm 15 minutes from the PCT. :confused:
Noo Yawk City , bout 40 miles away as the crow flys.
MizWaterfall
07-16-2004, 07:40
I also live in WNC (Haywood County) and work in Asheville. We are about a 30-minute drive from Clingman's Dome, and it's not far to Hot Springs and other places along the AT.
SGT Rock
07-16-2004, 08:39
Soon I will live near the trail.... :banana
smokymtnsteve
07-16-2004, 08:59
Soon I will live near the trail.... :banana
and when you do I'm going to send a MAIL DROP to your house for when I walk by :bse
SGT Rock
07-16-2004, 09:29
Only if the mail drop is legal :D
I live about 10 minutes from Amicalola Falls State Park, which I can see ouit my front door, and about a half hour's walk from the summit of Mt. Oglethorpe(original Southern Terminus) which I can see out my back door. To get to the Summit of Springer Mtn on FS 42 is a (usually) peacful hours drive into the woods.
Hacksaw
grizzly03
07-16-2004, 09:58
I live in the northern Boston suburbs two hours away from the AT in Franconia Notch, near Lee, Ma. and near Killington, Vt. In fact, I am headed right up to Crawford Notch tonight! (an extra half hour's drive)
It is not a bad thing to be within 3 hours drive of 400 miles of trail!
Griz
Shanollie2003
09-07-2004, 19:02
1/2 hour from Culvers Gap in NJ
I live in Brentwood, which is just south of Nashville. I also own a condo about 12 east of Gatlinburg, which is about 15 miles or so from davenport gap.
200 yards from A.T., Tennessee area.
AbeHikes
03-21-2005, 19:38
Woodstock, GA. About 40 miles from ASP, so about 50 from Springer.
Happypappy
03-22-2005, 19:05
I live only about 4 or 5 miles from the 501 shelter and trailhead. About a mile or so further to the 645 trailhead.
Happypappy
5 hours, 37 minutes 322.01 miles Pearsburg VA:(
hauptman
04-14-2005, 04:13
I live about a 45 minute drive from the trail in pa., but if I head to my families cottage in the poconos I am only a 10 minute drive from the trail!!!
p.s., love those dancing bananas!!!
My son and I spent the night at the Calf Mtn. Shelter last month. We didn't see you but thanks for allowing us in your home! Are you the one who took the shelter register?:-? We live in Central NC, about 4 hours from the trail.
I live in the Calf Mountain Shelter. Rocky Top sold it to me last year. Hey,wait a minute?
I live only about 4 or 5 miles from the 501 shelter and trailhead. About a mile or so further to the 645 trailhead.
Happypappy
i still live in Springfield, TN...about 4 hours from CLINGMANS DOME...& the A.T.!
Hey HAPPY PAPPY...did you hike thru NOC in 2003?????
I think i met you there @ the breakfast bar with "Model T" & "Jigsaw" before we left the trail.
ck out the photo:http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=21077&back=1
We're about 10 - 15 miles from Swatara Gap.
tiamalle
04-15-2005, 13:47
I live 2 miles to winding stairs gap at Franklin,NC Rascal
Cookerhiker
04-15-2005, 15:39
depending on time and day navigating the Washington DC beltway (evening rush hour adds substantial time), one hour takes me 55 miles to the Trail in Maryland where it leaves the C&O Canal beginning the ascent to Weverton Cliffs.
NICKTHEGREEK
06-03-2005, 18:49
Public transport all the way- Metro from Dunn Loring Station in Vienna Va, to Union Station in D.C. Then MARC train from D.C. to Harper's Ferry. About 2 1/2 hours including transfers assuming the homeland defense folks don't assume I'm a terrorist if any fumes from my stove sets off the sniffers in the stations, or think my Komperdells are mini rockets. Paranoia runs deep inside the beltway.
Happypappy
06-03-2005, 20:27
i still live in Springfield, TN...about 4 hours from CLINGMANS DOME...& the A.T.!
Hey HAPPY PAPPY...did you hike thru NOC in 2003?????
I think i met you there @ the breakfast bar with "Model T" & "Jigsaw" before we left the trail.
ck out the photo:http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=21077&back=1
Nope, that was a different one. Apparently, there are a few of us who answer to the same name.
superman
06-03-2005, 22:09
I live about 10 miles from the Dartmouth ski slope which is right next to the AT.
Austin Texas. 1032 miles to Amicalola Falls State Park.
16 hours, 40 minutes drive time.
When I drive my son to school, I get an incredible panorama stretching from Mt. Moosilauke - Lafayette - Garfield - South Twin - Presidentials - all the way to the Mahoosucs. I've done that stretch twice, and it's so good, I'd do it over in a heartbeat.
The trail crosses my driveway :p
Nean:
Wow, I didn't realize until now that you're in Greeneville. We're only about an hour-or so-apart.
Scott
The trail crosses my driveway :p
Well maybe not IN Greeneville, although that is our mailing address. We live in NC but have to walk all the way to TN to get our mail! Stop on by and visit sometime :welcome
Well maybe not IN Greeneville, although that is our mailing address. We live in NC but have to walk all the way to TN to get our mail! Stop on by and visit sometime :welcome
I may just do that in the very near future.......Email me.
Bolivershagnasty
06-05-2005, 02:20
Live about 2 hrs fromm App trail,,,willing to come up to Franklin 64 anytime to pick up.
i live way too far from the trail here in southeastern kansas and me thinks thats going to change soon........ http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_2_106.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZUxdm020YYUS)
Bolivershagnasty
06-05-2005, 22:59
I'm in Greenville SC about 2 hrs from Franklin but I don't mind the drive at all and dont think for a sec about taking off spur of the moment if I get two days in a row.
Tntrekker52
06-28-2005, 23:15
I live about 20 minutes from the trail in Greeneville, Tn
Footslogger
06-29-2005, 10:25
Guess it depends on which trail we're talking about. I'm about 2 hours from the CDT.
'Slogger
AT 2003
Meadow Creek
07-01-2005, 12:30
I grew up a few miles from the AT in SW VA, then lived in Asheville for a few years. Now I'm waaaaay too far away from the green, but I've got the CDT to tide me over, I suppose. :)
I grew up a few miles from the AT in SW VA, then lived in Asheville for a few years. Now I'm waaaaay too far away from the green, but I've got the CDT to tide me over, I suppose. :)
Grand Enchantment Trail (http://www.simblissity.net/grand_enchantment.htm)
Meadow Creek
07-01-2005, 14:38
Thanks, Sly! How is it that I've never heard of this trail? I can't say the destination is all that great (Phoenix, blech!), but I'm liking the looks of that route.
Thanks, Sly! How is it that I've never heard of this trail? I can't say the destination is all that great (Phoenix, blech!), but I'm liking the looks of that route.
It just got invented.
Much like the Hayduke Trail, Blisterfree scoped out the route over a couple years and thru-hiked it this year. My understanding is that it's composed mostly of various trails and forest service roads with decent distances between resupply. He promises to write a guidebook soon. If you have any question just email Brett through his website.
Buckingham
08-11-2005, 00:07
I live in Maryland, but I've never touched the trail here. I always go to PA or NJ to hit the trail. Believe it or not, they're closer to me than the MD section of the trail, it's a 3 hour drive as opposed to a 6 hour drive to get to the trail.
Wow, I used the word trail alot did'nt I?
Frolicking Dinosaurs
08-11-2005, 01:11
I'm about 45 miles from Fontana, about 35 miles from a trail that is a 5 or 6 mile hike to Russell Field or Spence Field, and about 60 miles from where the AT goes under I-40 after leaving the GSMNP.
I live about 100yds off of trail in cheshire MAssachusetts
the goat
09-27-2005, 16:46
i'm about ten minutes from gravel springs in SNP.
The General
09-29-2005, 03:23
Hey Guys you are so lucky, I live in the frozen wastes of North Yorkshire in England though I have some awesome hiking within a couple of hours drive in any direction of my house and should not complain. After Thru Hiking last year I can't wait to cross the pond again wife or divorce willing.
Great Trail, Great People and fantastic experience.
The General
Fly By Mike
09-29-2005, 09:16
Well as amazing as it may seem I live in two places and both are near the AT. I spend most of my time between May and October in Maine on S.Twin Lake with a view of Katahdin from my bed. In winter I'm in Egremont in W. Mass. I like to day hike sections of the trail in MA and ME although my current goal is to hike every peak in Baxter Park more than once. If the weather is good I'm day hiking Katahdin this Saturday.
My son's class at school have hiked a section of the AT in Mass each year. I've been on most of them over 7 years. This year they finish their 8th grade year with the last 30 miles from Dalton to the VT border.
Gray Blazer
09-29-2005, 11:44
Am I the only Floridian answering this poll? If I leave straight from work and drive all night, I can be anywhere on the trail between Roan Mountain and Springer by the next AM. I'll take a nap 5 miles down the trail and then I'm alright. It's worth driving all night!
Kerosene
09-29-2005, 18:57
I live in Maryland, but I've never touched the trail here. I always go to PA or NJ to hit the trail. Believe it or not, they're closer to me than the MD section of the trail, it's a 3 hour drive as opposed to a 6 hour drive to get to the trail.
Wow, I used the word trail alot did'nt I?If you're in Perryville, then it's only 90 minutes to the AT crossing outside of Frederick (depending on traffic of course). It's about 2 hours to Duncannon, and 2.5 hours to Delaware Water Gap. Of course, I drive at a pace similar to my hiking. :D
Auntie Mame
09-29-2005, 23:12
We are 2+ hours to Baxter St. Park and Katahdin, took family hiking there when kids were young. Unbelieveable good fortune.Moved here from MA as soon as college was over.
12hrsN2AT
10-05-2005, 12:44
Am I the only Floridian answering this poll? If I leave straight from work and drive all night, I can be anywhere on the trail between Roan Mountain and Springer by the next AM. I'll take a nap 5 miles down the trail and then I'm alright. It's worth driving all night!
I am in South South Florida and it's 12 Hours North to the AT, hence my forum name. That is 12 hours I don't minding driving.
Almost There
10-05-2005, 12:54
I live just north ATL, and I can be on top of Springer within two hours. The same can be said of Woody Gap, Neels Gap, Unicoi Gap, and Dick's Creek Gap. It's awesome to be so close for training purposes. I'll be up that way this Saturday with the wife!
I'm about 45 miles from Fontana, about 35 miles from a trail that is a 5 or 6 mile hike to Russell Field or Spence Field, and about 60 miles from where the AT goes under I-40 after leaving the GSMNP.
i used to live right across the river from you, near bluegrass lake... now i'm 11 hours away... not many great hikes in the area, but i have yet to go north and explore the ozarks... but thanksgiving is coming, and it might be a good time...
used to take me 45 minutes to get to the head of the middle prong trailhead, past the smokey mountain institute at tremont... i miss it.
I'm 55 miles from the AT crossing at the Long Falls Dam Rd. near Stratton. Whenever we grouse about the "long drive", we try to remember all the rest of the country....!
V8
Another Floridian checking in. 8 hour drive to Neel's Gap, GA. A little less to Springer.
I stay off the Interstates. Too many crazy drivers. A little slower on US 441 (and 129 after Athens), but much calmer!
april2006
10-19-2005, 22:56
I drive about 30-40 minutes to work, so I consider the 3 1/2 hour trip to Pearisburg close. :D
Cookerhiker
02-25-2007, 19:24
depending on time and day navigating the Washington DC beltway (evening rush hour adds substantial time), one hour takes me 55 miles to the Trail in Maryland where it leaves the C&O Canal beginning the ascent to Weverton Cliffs.
Not any more..
So instead of living in a choking metropolitan area, I've moved to the cool mountains of Western Maryland, living in a small town over 2,000' in elevation with mountains on all sides, a 300 mile bike trail a quarter-mile from my home, state and national forests, hiking trails galore less than a half hour away, a 4-season area cold enough for winter sports, pleasantly cool in summer - a great place to live but.....
I'm farther from the AT! Now, the nearest point is the pedestrian bridge over I-70 in Maryland - 85 miles away. And the section I maintain in Shenandoah is a 200 mile drive.
At least I'm closer to the Great Eastern Trail.
Blue Wolf
02-25-2007, 19:31
41 miles to clingmans dome
Baum Trigger
02-25-2007, 19:39
41 miles to clingmans dome
Same here, not to mention close proximity to Nantahalas and Pisgah. Woo Hoo!
4eyedbuzzard
02-25-2007, 20:18
I'm 30 miles north of Franconia Notch, perhaps a little more to Crawford.
hillsidedigger
02-25-2007, 20:47
I'm about 20 miles (as a crow flies) southeast from Big Grassy Ridge in the Roan Highlands.
Mountain Maiden
02-25-2007, 22:04
Couldn't be closer unless I was hiking...
TWO MORE DAYS and I am going to be living ON the AT--in Hot Springs! :banana
Ok--so it's temporary (3 months)--I guess that's cheating, huh?! But, for now, I will take what I can get!
See you there!
:sun
tiamalle
02-26-2007, 00:06
Use to ...lived in Marietta about an hour or so south of Springer. Relocated to Wyoming this year so getting to the trail is bit more tricky !!You will live near Ted Turners out of Atlanta huh.I heard he was trying to buy enough land to walk from Canada to Mexico and walk on his own land all the way.And almost had it done in Wyoming.I live 3 miles to Winding Stair Gap in Franklin,NC
waterboy99
02-26-2007, 11:12
We live in Damascus. It is about 75 feet from our house to the trail. We can see about 4 blazes easly from our front porch. There are 3 thru hikers in our family.
No Belay
03-05-2007, 10:56
My folks and sister live in Damascus. I live 739 miles from the spring pipe next to the stairs coming into Damascus. Sounds like a long ways but it about as close to the bureaucratic east coast that I want to live year round. I don't need a permit for anything and my tax bill doesn't cause cardiac arrest. My dad has to have so many state ,county, and city permit stickers on his car that he had to buy an extra windsheild just to put them on. He carrys it around in the trunk. ;o)
Savor Happy!
3 miles from where trail crosses Hwy 107 near Unicoi, TN
Johnson City TN. Can get to trail in Erwin in about 15 minutes and about 45minutes to my section at Spivey Gap or about an hour to Big Bald to top of my section.
RAT
southpaw95
03-05-2007, 21:40
I live 1.2 miles from the trail on VA624. I can see Dragon's Tooth from our living room window.
About 2.5 hours away... either due west (to the Berkshires) or due north (to the Whites.) I wish I were closer, but then there are other things I'd miss...
Two miles from the trail, just outside of Harpers Ferry.
From Glenside, the closest access to the trail is probably up the Northeast Extension to the Palmerton area, which is about an hour fifteen or so. I figure about 730 miles is within half a day's drive of here, which is about a third of the trail.
Steelhead33
03-11-2007, 20:00
I'm about 2 miles from High Point, NJ.
reddfrog1
03-13-2007, 20:57
I will soon escape the desert here in AZ for the lovely green of eastern TN. Should be within 1.5-2 hours of the trail, depending on who drives :)
Tennessee, Tennessee, ain't no place I'd rather be...
Well, maybe Maui....
Toolshed
03-13-2007, 21:26
18 driving miles away in Eastern PA (about 12 ATCF). From our new house on the hill I can see most of teh entire ridge from DWG all the way to about 20 mile S of the Lehigh river cut at Port Clinton. Nothing like getting up at Dawn and being able to see such a long stretch of trail and the various gaps it traverses. I think it is about 80 miles of ridgeline...Awesome....
Best of two worlds, east tn.in winter and the poconos in summer, both within an hour to trailheads:sun
atmooney
03-28-2007, 10:08
I live a solid 4 minutes by car to the Sharon Mtn. area.
I live about 20 min. to the west of the AT in MD. As a side note, MD really isnt a southern state, it's more of a mid-atlantic state (at least thats how its seen here in western MD, couldn't say how the feel in southern md
Landshark
08-30-2007, 17:37
I am about 10 miles from the trail (11 miles from "Maine Junction" if you include the mile walk from Rt 4). Maybe I have given some of you a lift!
I'm 27.5 driving and 0.7 hiking up a side trail from my A.T. section. But I used to live in Boiling Springs 1/2 block from the lake so alas I'm further now. :(
Although I actually live in New York, I'm 15 minutes from the AT/LT in either Williamstown, MA or Bennington, VT. Hit portions of it regularly, and completed a thru hike of the LT on 8/29.
LIhikers
08-31-2007, 15:52
While I live in New York, a trail state for sure, I'm not close. While I haven't measured the miles it's more a matter of time and money. Living on Long Island means I've got to drive across two bridges with tolls and through part of New York City to get to the AT. If I do the drive early on a Sunday morning, before traffic starts to build, and don't look at the speedometer it takes me about an hour and a half to get to the trail. I guess that's closer than some, buth farther than others.
ChimneySpring
09-05-2007, 10:18
1/4 mile from a section of the Rollercoaster in NoVa. In the winter time I can see the yellow blazes that mark the easement (the trail was relocated some years ago through this stretch) from my back deck.
My hometown is Knoxville, Tn so I have easy access to the first 1/4 of the trail from there. I go to college in Brevard, NC which is a hour from Franklin and an hour and half from Wesser. My parents just moved to Vienna, Va in N. Va so their close to Harper's Ferry, the Shenandoahs and the Rollercoaster. I think I have the best of the Southern AT all very close.
ChimneySpring
09-05-2007, 11:54
Rock, from your 'rents house you're a 1 hour drive to the Snicker's Gap parking area (near Bear's Den), 1 hour 20 mintues from HF, and less than 2 hrs to SNP.
I live about a block and a half from the trail, and my view from work includes whiteblazes and, of course, Dot's Inn
I live about 45 mininets from the trail The closest section is inharriem Park in NYS.
I'm about 2000 miles from the AT. Perhaps a little less.
I am very close to both the Colorado Trail and the CDT. Call it one hour. Close enough where I hiked to a local railhead last year (all the way from Canada), had a steak cooked for me (w/ Fat Tire beer..mm) and was driven back to Boudler on my CDT thru.
Rock, from your 'rents house you're a 1 hour drive to the Snicker's Gap parking area (near Bear's Den), 1 hour 20 mintues from HF, and less than 2 hrs to SNP.
Yeah they like drive out to Snickers Gap then drive to Raven Rocks and watch the sunset.
I live about a block and a half from the trail, and my view from work includes whiteblazes and, of course, Dot's Inn
Tru Dat!:sun
Whiskyjo
09-06-2007, 21:49
From the back porch its a five hour hike to Spence Field in the GSMNP. From the front porch just a tad over five hours.
My house is currently under construction and will be my full time home by the end of the year. It is about a 200 yd bushwhack to the AT from the back door. About 450 yds by trail. I can't wait.
For about 4 years i was anywhere from 1 1/2 hrs to 4hrs from the AT in GA, NC, TN and just into VA.
Now I am anywhere from 1 1/2 hrs to 3hrs from any section in NH and maybe even some areas in VT.
Halfway's Home
09-10-2007, 06:30
I live about 15 minutes away from the halfway point at Pine Grove.
MrSparex
09-10-2007, 08:37
I'm a little over 60 miles from the AT. I'm a little over 30 miles from the MST.
Flush2wice
09-19-2007, 10:17
I live on the south slope of Roan Mt. It's a 10 minute drive to Iron Mt. gap and Hughes gap. Out my back door it's a 3 hour steep bushwack to the observation deck at the rhododendron garden.
Not sure the exact distance I am from the trail but it isn't that far...
I'm stuck in bloody Kentucky these seven years or so, but I grew up in Rome and frequented North Georgia, including a number of visits to Amicalola Falls and, my favorite camping spots, Noontootla Creek, just a hope down the AT from Long Creek Falls and under five miles from Springer.
Ironically my first time on the AT I didn't even know what trail it was.
I hope to make it back to North Georgia some day. I wouldn't mind living in Ellijay, or Dahlonega.
birdygal
09-28-2007, 18:33
I am about 90 min driving to the AT but can get to the Pinhoti trail from my back yard
theRedGiant
03-05-2008, 22:12
I live about 10 minutes from the trail in MD. Makes for a lot a of easy day hikes.
bloodmountainman
03-05-2008, 23:32
Five miles south of Neels Gap and Blood Mountain.
Ya know what is funny??? I'm pretty sure that I voted on this poll before......and said "yes, Mid-atlantic" and I was about 100 ,oles away......now, my apartment is pretty much a blue blaze............................................. .................very cool:sun
Less than an hour, and I can have my feet firmly planted on the AT. I frequently drive through the Lehigh Tunnel on the NE extension of the PA turnpike. When I'm in that tunnel, it's almost like the trail is pulling me straight up through the mountain and saying, "Get up here!"
right now about an hour to an hour and a half....but hopefully soon it will be closer!!!!
hummmmmmmmmmmmm.....lessee.....
NOPE!
still 271 miles from my house (approx 5 hours driving) to Clingmans Dome
fiddlehead
03-06-2008, 07:10
12 hours difference in time zones here in Phuket
But i still managed to get out on 3 hikes in Dec when i was back for a visit.
Fresh snow, get's me out there. ( I think there is one place in Thailand where it snowed once.)
20 minutes from the Doyle
Thoughtful Owl
03-06-2008, 10:45
In less than an hours driving time I can be on the AT at several locations in Central VA. I wish it was like stepping of the porch and onto the trail. Oh well.
I live on the trail in Damascus.
SmokyMtn Hiker
03-06-2008, 20:59
2 hrs to Newfound Gap, 1.5 hrs to I-40 crossing, 1.5 hrs to Hot Springs and 1 hr to crossing of HWY19 at Elk Park & Roan Mtn. Makes for great day hiking or short section hikes.
double j
03-06-2008, 22:02
yep about 45 mins away from damascus and 20 mins from shady valley
WalkingStick75
03-07-2008, 11:13
12 hours SE to VA
12 hours E to VT
Someday closer, much closer!!
I live 2 hours from the trail in northeast PA and the DWG area of NJ.
About 20 min from Springer in Ellijay
half hour north of lehigh gap
I live 10 minutes from Petite's Gap and work 10 minutes from Robinson Gap. LOVE it!
Frau
Ramblin'_Man
03-21-2008, 17:04
half hour north of lehigh gap
I have some really great memories of the Wilkes Barre - Scranton area as a teenager. Used to visit the Clark Summit area quite a bit too. Grew up in South Jersey, but had friends up in those areas.
Now, I'm in the Boston area...about 2 hours from the nearest AT point for me in Lee, Ma.
I live right on the trail.
I have some really great memories of the Wilkes Barre - Scranton area as a teenager. Used to visit the Clark Summit area quite a bit too. Grew up in South Jersey, but had friends up in those areas.
Now, I'm in the Boston area...about 2 hours from the nearest AT point for me in Lee, Ma.
I do like it around here, you have city and country living all in one. AT aint too far and there are a lot of nice hiking trails such as Rickets Glen and the Pinchot Trail.
32 miles from my driveway to the approach trail @ Amicalola.
Mrs Baggins
03-27-2008, 17:49
Used to live in Frederick MD - - minutes from the trail. Now we're in western South Carolina - - hours from the trail. :mad:
Rift Zone
03-27-2008, 19:38
West Coast here... I gotta cross the PCT to get to the AT. No worries, makes my time spent there all the more enjoyable.
sasquatch2014
03-29-2008, 08:10
I wish I could check both boxes. I live on the state line of NY and CT about 5 miles from the trail. Of course the section that I maintain is about a 15 to 20 min drive. It is a true blessing to live so close allows for spur of the moment trail hikes.
About 7 miles from my house to Derrick's Knob Shelter (about 4 as the crow flies).
astrogirl
03-29-2008, 18:58
I live between the Linden/VA55 and Chester Gap/US522 road crossings. My mailing address is Front Royal, VA.
Grumpy Ol' Pops
03-29-2008, 19:06
I'm about 1 1/2 hours from the I-80 bridge crossing from NJ into PA, and the same from the Hudson River crossing in NY.
boarstone
03-29-2008, 19:47
I'm half-way between....about 45 mins. to Monson or 45 mins. to Millenocket, with several 45+ min. shots into the "100 mile wilderness" to hook-up w/the AT thru Katadin Iron Works road or the Jo-Mary road both off Rt. 11.
I'm in central Massachusetts. I can be at several AT trailheads in MA, VT or NH within 2 1/2 hours.
NorthCountryWoods
04-04-2008, 11:58
House is 20 minutes to the LT and 90 minutes to AT.
Camp property actually borders LT land and is a 10 minute walk to trail.
Cookerhiker
12-04-2009, 23:29
Not any more..
So instead of living in a choking metropolitan area, I've moved to the cool mountains of Western Maryland, living in a small town over 2,000' in elevation with mountains on all sides, a 300 mile bike trail a quarter-mile from my home, state and national forests, hiking trails galore less than a half hour away, a 4-season area cold enough for winter sports, pleasantly cool in summer - a great place to live but.....
I'm farther from the AT! Now, the nearest point is the pedestrian bridge over I-70 in Maryland - 85 miles away. And the section I maintain in Shenandoah is a 200 mile drive.
At least I'm closer to the Great Eastern Trail.
Moved again - now over 200 miles from the AT. Hated giving up my maintenance stretch in Shenandoah NP but it's simply too far.
still live 249.8 miles from Clingmans Dome (4 hours & 22 mins drive) from my house (Springfield,TN)
we have many "rolling hills" in Mid-TN that are great for hiking (when i get off my LAZY butt) & good for cycling too!:D
Happy Hikin' Holidays!
p.s. SAD to hear that "APPALACIAN PAGES" is no longer available!
sasquatch2014
12-05-2009, 10:21
I wish I could check both boxes. I live on the state line of NY and CT about 5 miles from the trail. Of course the section that I maintain is about a 15 to 20 min drive. It is a true blessing to live so close allows for spur of the moment trail hikes.
I have a new section that I maintain now which includes the Train stop along the AT in Pawling so now I am about 5 min from my section.
astrogirl
12-05-2009, 17:08
I still live in the same place, just a few miles from the Linden and Chester Gap road crossings.
We've got at about 8" of snow at our house today, and we're at about 1,100 feet. I bet the SNP is really getting it today!
I live about an hour north of Harriem Park. The time is a on a good day if there is no traffic problems at the Harriem Toll Plaza.
Just out of curiosity, what percentage of our members live in trail states, and what part of the trail?
Near for me is 2-1/2 hours by car to western Ma. It's a section which I've done once (and part of it, twice). Nice but not spectacular.
Red River Falls
12-06-2009, 20:40
I live near Pearisburg and can think of at least 6 places I can drive and park and get on the trail within about 20 minutes.
Cookerhiker
12-26-2016, 19:00
Bringing this old poll back to life, I'm now in Rutland, VT, only 9 miles from the AT which is also the Long Trail.
Can't amend my poll vote.
NJ house 113 miles south east of Delaware Water Gap, PA cabin 113 miles northwest of Greenwood lake NY. That's funny, never checked both before. However my cabin is les then 20 miles from the LTA, where it crosses Cannonsville reservoir in NY.
RUNT ''13''
steve_zavocki
12-27-2016, 10:11
Northwest Florida, takes 6.5 hours to GA trail. I can reasonably hike everything South of Damascus on 4 day weekend trips. Jealous of those who are much closer
About 70 minutes to the approach, 90 to Woody or Neel gap for me.
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I live in Williamsburg, Va. I can get to the southern start point of SNP in 2 hours.
earlyriser26
12-28-2016, 14:25
About 45 min. from Rockfish gap in VA
hikehunter
12-28-2016, 14:51
Not at this time , however , we bought some land in October that is about 10 min. drive to the trail in east Tennessee. Plan is to be there full time in a few years.
windlion
12-28-2016, 18:43
5 miles from Blackburn Trail Center in northern Virginia
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AfterParty
12-28-2016, 20:25
Northwest corner of Kansas for now
Riocielo
01-06-2017, 16:49
379 miles from Springer Mountain and coming from an elevation of 9ft above sea level. [emoji4]
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NYC but moving to Vermont in next month or two so it's easier to get to AT and LT. unless I thru hike again this year. [emoji848]
Sarcasm the elf
01-06-2017, 21:44
NYC but moving to Vermont in next month or two so it's easier to get to AT and LT. unless I thru hike again this year. [emoji848]
Wait a second, if You're the 'Lunatic' that has Vonnegut inspired tattoos then I think we met at Little Rock pond shelter back in July. I hope your hike went well!
Hey elf - yeah it's me. Had a great hike last year. HF to Katahdin and HF to Damascus. Probably doing Springer to Damascus in Feb but, like I wrote, might turn it into another thru. Hope all is well and you had a great hike last year. Going up to Greylock in Mass this weekend for some fun winter hiking.
-See you on the trail - you are one of a kind, enjoyed talking to you!
Wait a second, if You're the 'Lunatic' that has Vonnegut inspired tattoos then I think we met at Little Rock pond shelter back in July. I hope your hike went well!