View Full Version : getting to trail towns
downes911
05-23-2009, 23:10
I also am a newbie to the hiking way of life, but am anxious to get started. I am a touring cyclist (not pro), so most of my ultra light gear will cross over, so i think I am gear ready.
But I was unclear on how you get from the trail to the trail towns to re supply, do shuttles run or do you need to schedule them. Or hike or hitch, I noticed some towns are anywhere from 20 to 30m away. will appreciate any input from those in the know.
Planning a thru hike next March.
Lone Wolf
05-24-2009, 00:55
hitch hike. it's the way it's done
stranger
05-24-2009, 23:14
Most hikers hitch in but once in town it's usually fairly easy to arrange a shuttle out, either for free or just a few bucks each if you can get a few people together. Some places like Gatlinburg are much easier to hitch into than say hitch out of, so shuttles do help.
Slo-go'en
05-24-2009, 23:46
Its rare you have to go 20 or 30 miles off the trail to a town. Most are a lot closer than that. Many are with in walking distance and some you walk right through. Getting a ride into town is generally easy. However, getting back out of town, especially in the morning if you do a overnight stay, can be fustrating.
Thou shalt not travel farther from the AT than thou art willing to walk back to it.
Save for a few places in Maine, it shouldn't be necessary to travel more than a hour's walk from the AT to resupply. Posts pointing out those exceptions can be expected shortly.
fiddlehead
05-25-2009, 00:28
There are some towns that have a blue blaze into towns.
Monson ME, and Gorham NH used to be right on the trail and the trails still exists that goes to and from them.
There may be other towns like this but these are the two that come to my mind right away.
When that is the case, i prefer to take the old AT and walk in and out. (Gorham can be a tough hitch sometimes getting back to the trail.)
downes911
05-26-2009, 00:11
Thanks for the info, I think not knowing the layout is a little scarey, just trying to know as much as possible. But sometimes it can be a downfall, life is an adventure - figure it out along the way!!!
The Mechanical Man
05-26-2009, 00:52
Yes, shuttles do run, and you have to call and schedule them.
The A.T. Shuttle List (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/atf/cf/{B8A229E6-1CDC-41B7-A615-2D5911950E45}/AT Shuttle List WEB 5-4-09.pdf) (PDF) is a directory of shuttle service providers and public transportation along the Trail.
or click,.... http://www.appalachiantrail.org/atf/cf/%7BB8A229E6-1CDC-41B7-A615-2D5911950E45%7D/AT%20Shuttle%20List%20WEB%205-4-09.pdf