A question about Trail magic. I'd like to give back before ever getting

[Coffee Rules!]

I have a question regarding where would be a good place to set up to do some Trail magic, and maybe about the logistics involved. This forum seemed like the best for it, but if there's a better one, please let me know and I'll post there.
Some of you may have seen my post on here, and that I'm really looking hard at doing a thru hike in 2014. I currently work overseas and I'm home sporadically on vacation. I don't have dates yet, but I'm looking at being home again in late September.
I was wondering if some of you could suggest places that might be likely around then to find a fair number of hikers. I would think by then that the middle of the Trail would be pretty quiet, so near either end would be best. At least that's my best guess. For me, from where I live, near the southern end would be easier, but from what I gather there are fewer SOBO's than NOBO's most of the time.
Along with that, what kind of logistical nightmare am I looking at? I'd love to do some cooking and provide a good meal. I won't say money is no object, but I can spend a nickel or two. However, I don't want to spend a truckload of cash on stuff I have no place to store. I wouldn't mind leaving it behind with someone who's a regular Trail angel, but if there are other possibilities, I'm all ears. Maybe getting together with a regular angel and piggybacking with me providing the food and such.
Also, along with the food, what would be something nice I could have for people to take with them? Something small and light obviously, as I don't want to load folks down. Anything that people often run out of and think, "****, I wish I had more of that?"
There's no guarantee this will happen. It's just in the early thinking stages. I don't mind giving up a few days of my vacation for this, but at the same time I have things I want to do and will have to deconflict scheduling.
TL;DR - I need some suggestions for a Trail magic location in late September.

[rockdancer]

September is a tough month since the NoBo hikers are done with NH and are in Maine racing to the finish. If you can help up there the hikers would love it since they are sincerely in need of it. They are achy, tired, worried about finishing and there will be a lot of people to help. I like to base myself in Stratton to do the most good.

Southbound the hikers won't be accumulating much until the weather is getting cold. Try Bob Peoples at Kincora in Hampton, TN around November. The hikers will pile up at his place if anywhere. I've been there at Thanksgiving time and found them coming in 5 at a time. By that time there is snow occasionally and the hikers are more interested in hosteling it than staying outdoors every night. Bob is also a great guy and can answer any question you have about the trail. If you stay there a few days he'll rope you into doing some small amount of trailwork as well I'm sure.

[Coffee Rules!]

Thanks for the input. I'm really hoping for September though, possibly early October. I don't mind heading north (and I really figured that'd be the most likely option), but something in NC/TN/GA would be best for me, living in NC. I'll keep kicking the idea around, and get more heavily into it once I know more on my vacation dates. I just figured I'd start asking early to get as much input as possible.

[Cookerhiker]

SOBOs are too few and spread-out to have much in the way of a hiker feed. And for late September, you'd still have to travel north from NC - probably northern Virginia.

For NOBOs, late September means Maine near Katahdin. There already is a hiker fest in mid-September: http://www.trailsendfestival.org/ Perhaps you could help with this festival - you'll get to know some locals as well as many 2012 thruhikers.

[WIAPilot]

Pretty amazing what you are doing!!

[Coffee Rules!]

Cooker, that's what I was afraid of, maybe even looking for confirmation of, regarding NOBO and SOBO. I have no problem going into Virginia. Should've listed it with the others. I'll check out that festival you mentioned. Thank you!

WIAPilot, thanks. I've done some reading, and I'm following (on YouTube) four current thru's who are posting vids when they can. It just seems like an incredible atmosphere and really good folks. And on a selfish note I think I'd have a lot of fun at it.

[WingedMonkey]

I'm sure you can find a local trail club that needs more help than feeding a bunch of hikers.

[DavidNH]

just from my experience, the most important aspect of trail magic isn't so much the food served but the spirit with which it is given. I remember one instance in Maine where the people where camping out and it was the last day they were doing "trail magic" and almost seemed put out.

[Coffee Rules!]

I'm sure you can find a local trail club that needs more help than feeding a bunch of hikers.

I'm sure I can, but that's what I'd like to do. Not trying to be a jerk, just stating fact.

[Coffee Rules!]

DavidNH, there definitely wouldn't be any negativity here. I think it'd be really enjoyable. I have plenty of time to look into it, and if this fall doesn't work out, there's always next year. I plan to stay overseas through next year and want to thru in '14. I'll have a couple vacations next year as well.

[WIAPilot]

I'm sure I can, but that's what I'd like to do. Not trying to be a jerk, just stating fact.

Trust me, you are not the one being a jerk! It never ceases to amaze me how some hikers can be so ungrateful toward trail magic. If they feel they are being held up, all they have to do is politely thank the trail angel and say they need to meet up with someone or get to a certain spot and thanks but no thanks. Honestly? I think that the majority of hikers will greatly appreciate what you are doing! Trail Angels rock!

[moldy]

Deep Gap North Carolina. You drive up a dirt road about 6 miles. It's just South of Standing Indian Shelter. One way to draw a better crowd is to walk up to the shelter in the evening(.9) and invite any hikers either to breakfast or dinner. The other thing to do is to go into Franklin and talk to the folks at Budget Inn and hang a note about your feed. Also the outfitter might be a good spot too. Another good place for a note is Rock Gap shelter which is near the road at Standing Indian Campground. If approaching hikers know where you are set up they will plan to visit. Deep Gap is a good spot because it's a couple of days from any re-supply spots. Later in September is better for catching South bounders, it's about 90 miles north os Springer. You will probably get more section hikers than Thru's. The AT goes 10 feet from the parking lot which will be empty. It's a good place to sleep in your truck.

[Mags]

I'm sure you can find a local trail club that needs more help than feeding a bunch of hikers.

That's what I was thinking, too. :) Trail work is an awesome way to give back. At least on projects I've done, you get fed well and there is usually beer! (Exception: I did a youth project once with a friend who was a crew leader. They served Ben and Jerry ice cream and root beer floats. Cool....)

[perrymk]

Just about any time of year around here (Tallahassee, FL) there are people standing on the side of the road with signs that read "hungry". I don't suppose they'd turn down a meal and if it's good karma you're after I can't see how it would hurt.

If you're intent on helping hikers in particular, there's nothing wrong with that either.

[Coffee Rules!]

Just about any time of year around here (Tallahassee, FL) there are people standing on the side of the road with signs that read "hungry". I don't suppose they'd turn down a meal and if it's good karma you're after I can't see how it would hurt.

If you're intent on helping hikers in particular, there's nothing wrong with that either.

Yeah, y'know, I posted a question about trail magic on the AT, on a hiking website all because I wanted to feed homeless people in Florida. I'm glad you picked up on that. Most people would've missed the subtle clues and made suggestions about how I could do trail magic on the AT. Joke's on them!

[Sarcasm the elf]

Just about any time of year around here (Tallahassee, FL) there are people standing on the side of the road with signs that read "hungry". I don't suppose they'd turn down a meal and if it's good karma you're after I can't see how it would hurt. If you're intent on helping hikers in particular, there's nothing wrong with that either.
Yeah, y'know, I posted a question about trail magic on the AT, on a hiking website all because I wanted to feed homeless people in Florida. I'm glad you picked up on that. Most people would've missed the subtle clues and made suggestions about how I could do trail magic on the AT. Joke's on them!I think that he was subtly trying to remind you that givin free meals to people who are on vacation ain't the most efficient way to benefit humanity. Nothing wrong with it of that's what you want to do, but there are many others that are more deserving.

[WIAPilot]

Yeah, y'know, I posted a question about trail magic on the AT, on a hiking website all because I wanted to feed homeless people in Florida. I'm glad you picked up on that. Most people would've missed the subtle clues and made suggestions about how I could do trail magic on the AT. Joke's on them!

Amen and amen! LOL Totally agree! It's YOUR time and money and if you want to help tired, hungry hikers who may need a little lift with some food - God Bless Ya! Who are others to tell you what you "should" be spending your energy on?? I just think that takes some nerve. And if you really want to get down to it, the people in impoverished countries could probably use the money more than the homeless in the US! This guy has asked about trail magic. If others want to spend their energy on other causes - great! But otherwise, this guy is just trying to get suggestions on Trail Magic.

Tikcuf: What you may not realize about this site is that if one person says "black" - then another will automatically say "white." And then there will be the countless shades of gray opinions offered as well. My advice is to just accept the advice that you find useful.

And honestly? There are a lot of hikers who are going to appreciate what you do. I wouldn't necessarily notify a hotel or equipment store if you are interested in helping the hikers on the trail. Otherwise, you will probably get a "free-for-all." I totally get where you are coming from. I wish that I didn't live so far from the AT.

[Coffee Rules!]

I think that he was subtly trying to remind you that givin free meals to people who are on vacation ain't the most efficient way to benefit humanity. Nothing wrong with it of that's what you want to do, but there are many others that are more deserving.

Considering that neither of you know diddly squat about me (be glad I'm not too familiar with this site and what is acceptable or that would be a bit uglier language) or what I do in the way of charity, it's really not your place to inform me of how to be of better service to my fellow man. My entire damned life has been dedicated to serving. I spent 13 years in the United States Marine Corps, and have been a firefighter for nearly 30 years in both volunteer and career capacities, along with both volunteer work and charitable donations. So yeah, kiss my lily white...

[jakedatc]

I think that he was subtly trying to remind you that givin free meals to people who are on vacation ain't the most efficient way to benefit humanity. Nothing wrong with it of that's what you want to do, but there are many others that are more deserving.

+1 it's not magic.. it's a cook out. and doing it in a time and place where people don't really need it is even more self serving.

[Coffee Rules!]

Thank you, WIA.

If I may ask, does your screen name mean what it appears to mean to a military veteran's eye?

[Coffee Rules!]

+1 it's not magic.. it's a cook out. and doing it in a time and place where people don't really need it is even more self serving.

Jumpin' Jesus on a pogo stick! I thought reddit was bad. Sheesh! I can see I'm going to have to bite my tongue around here to avoid alienating people.

[jakedatc]

You and WIA will get along quite nicely, don't worry.

it still boggles my mind that people think that hikers need to have a cookout for them along the trail. Even more so that they think it is trail magic. self proclaimed trail magic is BS in my opinion.

what do people carry food in their packs for if it's going to be a buffet from georgia to PA? (notice when the hard part starts the feed spots suddenly turn off, welcome to the real trail eh? ) i wonder if someone started with the bubble how far they could get without carrying any food at all...

[WIAPilot]

+1 it's not magic.. it's a cook out. and doing it in a time and place where people don't really need it is even more self serving.

It is comments just like this that are exactly what I am talking about. Trail Magic is not "self serving." Do people feel good when they do things for others? You betcha. But then there are *** who sit on their tails and do nothing but criticize the very people who are trying to do something nice for hikers. Can for once we just answer trail magic questions without having an entire debate? God knows I don't see how anyone would want to do trail magic after reading some of the comments I have seen on this site before.

[lemon b]

My experience in Ma. is that NB thru hikers would just as soon be left alone. We hace the Cabin at Goose Pond and Dalton anyway. SB are usually up for an orange or the like.

[Coffee Rules!]

it still boggles my mind that people think that hikers need to have a cookout for them along the trail. Even more so that they think it is trail magic. self proclaimed trail magic is BS in my opinion.

Funny thing...everything I've seen has HIKERS referring to it as trail magic, not the people doing it. I know, I'm a noob here and haven't hiked the AT, so what do I know, right? I'm just capable of READING and comprehending.

Don't worry though, jerk--err I mean jake. A**holes like you won't stop me. I spent 20 years married to the devil's mother. Well, if the devil existed she'd have been his mother. Thanks for trying though.

[jakedatc]

It is comments just like this that are exactly what I am talking about. Trail Magic is not "self serving." Do people feel good when they do things for others? You betcha. But then there are *** who sit on their tails and do nothing but criticize the very people who are trying to do something nice for hikers. Can for once we just answer trail magic questions without having an entire debate? God knows I don't see how anyone would want to do trail magic after reading some of the comments I have seen on this site before.

It is UNNECESSARY though. People are hiking, in the woods. they should be carrying enough food to make it to the next resupply stop. If they wanted to go from GA to ME and eat fast food they could drive rt 95.

"Of the approximate 636,000 individuals who are homeless [on a given night] in America, nearly 4 in 10 are unsheltered (living in the streets, cars, abandoned buildings, or other places not intended for human habitation)." http://cflhomeless.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/the-state-of-homelessness-in-america-2012/


go bring a pile of food to the homeless shelter or walk around the city park early in the morning with breakfast..

Do people walk around Vegas and give people snacks between casinos? or along the sand at Mrytle beach?

[WIAPilot]

It is UNNECESSARY though. People are hiking, in the woods. they should be carrying enough food to make it to the next resupply stop. If they wanted to go from GA to ME and eat fast food they could drive rt 95.

"Of the approximate 636,000 individuals who are homeless [on a given night] in America, nearly 4 in 10 are unsheltered (living in the streets, cars, abandoned buildings, or other places not intended for human habitation)." http://cflhomeless.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/the-state-of-homelessness-in-america-2012/


go bring a pile of food to the homeless shelter or walk around the city park early in the morning with breakfast..

Do people walk around Vegas and give people snacks between casinos? or along the sand at Mrytle beach?

Fine, Jake. YOU help the homeless. I actually am a major contributor to a shelter in Danville, but this is not what this guy was asking. (NOT crowing, just stating a fact that I believe in this cause as well!!) I am sure that many hikers genuinely appreciate trail magic. I know that I will. The fact is that it isn't your place to tell someone who asks a question what they SHOULD be doing with their time/money. If you want to help the homeless - great. And when was the last time that you hiked the AT in a thru?

[Sarcasm the elf]

Considering that neither of you know diddly squat about me (be glad I'm not too familiar with this site and what is acceptable or that would be a bit uglier language) or what I do in the way of charity, it's really not your place to inform me of how to be of better service to my fellow man. My entire damned life has been dedicated to serving. I spent 13 years in the United States Marine Corps, and have been a firefighter for nearly 30 years in both volunteer and career capacities, along with both volunteer work and charitable donations. So yeah, kiss my lily white...First off, take a deep breath, nothing on this site is worth getting stressed out about. Second, do whatever you want. Neither myself nor anybody else wants to stop you from going out and feeding some hikers. If your intention is to go out and meet some folks, give them some food, have a conversation and have a good time then go for it. Third, please also understand that nothing I said was meant as a personal attack and I really doubt that anyone else meant to either.

[Mags]

Perfectly find to have a difference of opinion...but please keep the name calling to Private Messaging (PMs). :)

[perrymk]

I think that he was subtly trying to remind you that givin free meals to people who are on vacation ain't the most efficient way to benefit humanity. Nothing wrong with it of that's what you want to do, but there are many others that are more deserving.

Actually, I wasn't considering who is more deserving. I just figured the OP was on a tight schedule and might appreciate some additional ideas for spreading good. I was wrong. I'll move on now.

[perrymk]

If we are to accept what has been stated, that most people have or should have adequate food, we can also consider what hikers need/want that they might not have. I suggest a shuttle. I suspect that even if a hiker has money he/she would appreciate a ride for a few miles to town, and then back again.

[perrymk]

I was supposed to move on. My mistake. Sorry.

[Coffee Rules!]

First off, take a deep breath, nothing on this site is worth getting stressed out about. Second, do whatever you want. Neither myself nor anybody else wants to stop you from going out and feeding some hikers. If your intention is to go out and meet some folks, give them some food, have a conversation and have a good time then go for it. Third, please also understand that nothing I said was meant as a personal attack and I really doubt that anyone else meant to either.

First, no deep breathing needed. I'm not stressed. Neither am I going to let some clown (referring to Jerk, not you) blather on playing buzzkill without a response.

Second, I shall do exactly that.

Third, I didn't take your comments that way. Parts of them were unnecessary, but mehh. Jerk, on the other hand, well, screw him. I don't care how he did or didn't mean it, as people of that ilk aren't worth sorting such issues out.

[Coffee Rules!]

I suggest a shuttle. I suspect that even if a hiker has money he/she would appreciate a ride for a few miles to town, and then back again.

Hmmm...now there's a thought. Thanks.

[Coffee Rules!]

Perfectly find to have a difference of opinion...but please keep the name calling to Private Messaging (PMs). :)

I'll apologize to you, and not just because I'm guessing the red might mean you're a moderator. Sincerely, I'm sorry. Is a spanking out of the question? **Wiggles eyebrows while hoping "Mags" is something short for Maggie and not a dude who writes for a magazine or believes in lots of extra ammunition**

[Pedaling Fool]

Perfectly find to have a difference of opinion...but please keep the name calling to Private Messaging (PMs). :)Exactly why I keep my PM box filled, so I don't have to deal with immature people that get all flustered over stupid issues that really don't amount to squat.

I'm all against "trail magic" and love to discuss it, as well as other things, but I just don't get why people take these things so personally :confused: It's why we can't talk politics on here, which is another subject I love to talk about, but people are just so damn immature...

[Sailing_Faith]

I think it is a nice thing you are considering doing, and I hope it works out well for everyone.

There IS a difference between what is being proposed here, and feeding the homeless. To get out and hike the trail is something most everyone on this site should understand....

Many of the words written on this site go to support the idea of a through hike... many give selflessly of their time to help people they do not know to achieve their goal. Maybe a hiker feed crosses some line in your view... like somehow carrying someones pack for them... providing one meal on 2000+ miles of trail is hardly going to make it too easy for folks.

Whatever you think about the idea, it seems to me to make sense to at least be cool with someone who wants to 'give back' in this way even if you don't agree.

Peace,

[Mags]

I'll apologize to you, and not just because I'm guessing the red might mean you're a moderator. Sincerely, I'm sorry. Is a spanking out of the question? **Wiggles eyebrows while hoping "Mags" is something short for Maggie and not a dude who writes for a magazine or believes in lots of extra ammunition**

Mags is short for MAGnanti. I'm a short, bald, hairy Italian-looking guy I'm afraid....

In any case, it's all good. Differences of opinion are good, but name calling? Not so much. :)

(As for the ammunition...check this out http://www.pmags.com/pmags-is-not-an-ammo-dealer )

[Coffee Rules!]

Mags is short for MAGnanti. I'm a short, bald, hairy Italian-looking guy I'm afraid....

**Vomits** :p

Oh, dude, the link...I'm dyin'!

[weary]

There's no harm in folks vicariously experiencing the trail by putting on feeds for folks engaged in six month vacations on the Appalachian Trail. I even enjoyed the occasional "trail magic" I ran into during my long walk in 1993.

But the best way to "give back to the trail" is to join a worktrip, sign up to be a trail maintainer, or just send a a check to ATC, or one of the local maintaining clubs.

[Coffee Rules!]

join a worktrip, sign up to be a trail maintainer, or just send a a check to ATC, or one of the local maintaining clubs.

Work trip: I work in Iraq. I get vacations every 4-6 months. I'm not going to pay to do hard labor as part of my two weeks at home. Nothing against hard labor, just not doing it on vaction.

2. Maintainer: I can't be a trail maintainer, as the swim/drive would be somewhat time consuming and I get 24 hours off every third day.

3. Check: Great idea but I don't discuss specifics of charitable donations.

THIS is what I can do and want to try to do. A one time, possibly two day thing. In the future, perhaps there'll be something more. This is now.

[max patch]

But the best way to "give back to the trail" is to join a worktrip, sign up to be a trail maintainer, or just send a a check to ATC, or one of the local maintaining clubs.

Exactly. Buying lunch for someone who can afford a 6 month vacation ain't "giving back" anything to the trail.

[T-Rx]

Tickuf do your trail magic and enjoy it. I think some people may fail to recognize that sometimes the joy can be in the serving of others. It appears from your background that you know this premise well. I have not done a thru hike and I am only a lowly weekend/ vacation section hiker that hopes to attempt a thru hike in 2015. So this is just my own humble opinion. Regardless of the responses you may receive from some individuals on this site, it is a great place to learn about the AT from those that have a vast amount of experience and knowledge. But just like life in general you have to learn to tell the difference between the truth and the BS.

[atmilkman]

Just about any time of year around here (Tallahassee, FL) there are people standing on the side of the road with signs that read "hungry". I don't suppose they'd turn down a meal and if it's good karma you're after I can't see how it would hurt.

If you're intent on helping hikers in particular, there's nothing wrong with that either.
I wonder if these are some of the same "hungry" group that "will work for food" down in Palm Beach County in the winter that when the work is proposed all of the sudden it's I can't use a shovel, I can't climb a ladder, I can't use a rake, I don't do windows. But, if you give me some change I'll show you how I can go over to the Mobil gas station and really work on a 16oz. tall boy.

[Cookerhiker]

They're not mutually exclusive - I've maintained a trail section and served on trail crews but also once served 17 thruhikers at Gathland SP in MD, one of whom has posted on this thread. I didn't look at it as "Magic" but it was unexpected and unpublicized so I guess some of the hikers considered it such. As I've said often on WB, "Trail Magic" encompasses much more than hiker feeds.

I venture to say that given a choice, most hikers - thru and otherwise - would prefer a nicely-cleared and well-signed trail over food. And I certainly appreciated the kind words I received from hikers who came along while I was weedwacking or trimming. Every single one said something.

[Canyonero]

I agree that the best way to give back is to help maintain the trail or donate to the ATC, but I've stumbled across a cooler of Snapple on a 95 degree day in northern Virginia and was quite appreciative of those who left it there. Do whatever you want to do. There will certainly be people who will appreciate it.

[rocketsocks]

Wow,I sure missed a hot thread today,awesome rants and raves,cool.Funniest post/link today,Mags getting called a tree hugger LOL.Paul I sure hoped you have kept in touch with your new friends from Kentucky,they seem like some real nice fine upstanding in touch sons of B------.And they may not hug a tree,kinda funny,cause when the S--t hits the fan,they'll be looking for one to hide behind,(Doh)hope there's still one around for them to do so:rolleyes:.LOL

[Digger'02]

Work trip: I work in Iraq. I get vacations every 4-6 months. I'm not going to pay to do hard labor as part of my two weeks at home. Nothing against hard labor, just not doing it on vaction.

2. Maintainer: I can't be a trail maintainer, as the swim/drive would be somewhat time consuming and I get 24 hours off every third day.

3. Check: Great idea but I don't discuss specifics of charitable donations.

THIS is what I can do and want to try to do. A one time, possibly two day thing. In the future, perhaps there'll be something more. This is now.

Thanks for you're service and interest in the A.T. Glad to see that you have thick skin, I mean I'm sure that Iraq is bad...but whiteblaze! Schwew!

There's a lot tied up in the trail magic thing, many do it, many love it and for a lot of folks its the primary way they engage with the culture surrounding the A.T. so in that respect; its awesome. We just lost one of the great Trail Angles out there in Desperado so I'm glad that you're here.

Be informed that there is a legit downside to Trail magic as well-as with all things. If i'm getting too preachy or reviewing something that you already know please don't take it as an insult. The A.T. is of course "a footpath for those who seek fellowship with the wilderness", and well, a big cook-out ain't really wilderness. The rub is that in truth, a very small part of the A.T. is "wilderness" as Bob Marshall or Aldo Leopold would have described it (although there are 25 Federally designated Wilderness areas along the footpath, but we'll get to that). As a result, we're dealing with the illusion of wilderness and that illusion is important to maintain, not for thru-hikers so much but rather to protect what is possible given the intrinsic value of the corridor itself (which is what attracted thru-hikers in the beginning).

While you're Trail-Magic operation will likely be limited to awesome burgers and "knockin back a few Ice-cold coca-colas" (see raising Arizona) when you pile your operation onto all the other trail magic operations out there, that illusion is ransacked like a Tennessee quarterback, and that's why people are a little ruffled. They aren't against hungry people getting burgers, they are worried that since there are already so many Trail Magic stops that good people such as yourself are going to have to go further and further into the backcountry to find their own spot to be involved with the A.T. and that changes the face of the whole trail.

Don't worry though, some Trail Magic dudes from a church in Indiana saved my butt and nursed me back to health during my thru-hike and I might have bailed if not for them so I came prepared with a solution. Namely this: be aware of the legitimate concerns surrounding trail Magic when picking your spot and planning your operation. The ATC has a policy on Trail Magic (check the link below, bottom of the list) that can help. Pick a town perhaps like Hot Springs NC, where that illusion of wilderness is already toast but where hikers are still hungry.

And when you're done serving our country in the military, think about coming to serve on a trail crew. You still get 3 hots and a cot, but no one is shooting at you. The scenery is nice too.


http://www.appalachiantrail.org/what-we-do/trail-management-support/volunteer_toolkit/trail-management-policies

[rocketsocks]

I have a question regarding where would be a good place to set up to do some Trail magic, and maybe about the logistics involved. This forum seemed like the best for it, but if there's a better one, please let me know and I'll post there.
Some of you may have seen my post on here, and that I'm really looking hard at doing a thru hike in 2014. I currently work overseas and I'm home sporadically on vacation. I don't have dates yet, but I'm looking at being home again in late September.
I was wondering if some of you could suggest places that might be likely around then to find a fair number of hikers. I would think by then that the middle of the Trail would be pretty quiet, so near either end would be best. At least that's my best guess. For me, from where I live, near the southern end would be easier, but from what I gather there are fewer SOBO's than NOBO's most of the time.
Along with that, what kind of logistical nightmare am I looking at? I'd love to do some cooking and provide a good meal. I won't say money is no object, but I can spend a nickel or two. However, I don't want to spend a truckload of cash on stuff I have no place to store. I wouldn't mind leaving it behind with someone who's a regular Trail angel, but if there are other possibilities, I'm all ears. Maybe getting together with a regular angel and piggybacking with me providing the food and such.
Also, along with the food, what would be something nice I could have for people to take with them? Something small and light obviously, as I don't want to load folks down. Anything that people often run out of and think, "****, I wish I had more of that?"
There's no guarantee this will happen. It's just in the early thinking stages. I don't mind giving up a few days of my vacation for this, but at the same time I have things I want to do and will have to deconflict scheduling.
TL;DR - I need some suggestions for a Trail magic location in late September.Tikcuf,You just happend to pick one of the hottest topics here at WB,if you care too,read back on other "Trail Magic threads for some insite into this Perennially Thorny Issue,and yes thank you for your service and:welcome to White Blaze.:)

not a fan of the whole trail magic thing,but won't turn down ice cream on a hot day either.;)

[Coffee Rules!]

Digger, thanks for both the kind words and the information. First, allow me to clear up waters I may have muddied. I'm no longer in the military. I got out in 1996. I'm one of the many overpaid contractors working for Uncle Sam here. I don't want to bogart the credit that belongs to our warriors.

I get what you mean about the wilderness or the illusion thereof. I definitely wasn't thinking of getting deep in the backcountry. More like a crossing, trailhead, something. That's part of the information I was looking for, suggestions such as that, along with general areas of the trail to look at.

For me, my interest in the Trail isn't so much the one with nature thing or the escape to the wilderness. It's the whole environment of it that appeals. The hiking, being out there in the woods, the people, the culture, the experience. One of the current thru's I'm following on YouTube is Fatherman. I just started yesterday and am trying to get all caught up watching them. I just watched #35 of his, and even though they aren't on the Trail in this video, it kind of sums up what I'm looking for. He found this awesome group of people that just click together, and they're having a blast. Their overall attitude is, or seems to be, it's about the experience, not just racking up the miles. Sure, I'll want to move on down the road, but at the same time I don't want to be thinkng, "Oh *****, I need to get back out there" and blow off a perfectly cool experience or miss meeting someone who'll add more to my life and my trip than another mile will. Make sense?


Anyway, here's the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVUd__VJHIs&feature=relmfu

[moldy]

Thank you for doing this. If you are a thru-hiker you will take good trail magic over nice wether any time. Most trail clubs and other friends of the trail outfits don't give a crap about thru-hikers. This web page is home to many "friends of the one legged seagull" type groups who will pretend to speak for thru-hikers. They don't. That is why you will never even hear about some trail club that asks the thru-hikers opinion of anything. They never take a survey or poll designed for thru-hikers. They will tell you whats good for hikers. Even the Appalachian Long Distance Hiking Association ignore anything the thru-hikers say. The hikers have a different slant on many things including trail magic. If anyone were to ask the thru-hikers about numerous issues and ways to improve the hike along the entire trail they would get a completely different picture from asking the trail clubs. Ask a thru-hiker about, blazing, shelters, signage, trail routing, picnic tables, trash cans, water sources, trail magic and a dozen more issues and you will get a much different perspective. Most thru-hikers are like grunts on the ground, they just shut up and keep moving. Sempre Fi

[MyName1sMud]

Very nice of you!

Glad to see there is still good people in the world.

[jakedatc]

Very nice of you!

Glad to see there is still good people in the world.

So the trail workers, care takers, ridge runners, park service employees, SAR volunteers that are out there every day are what?

people who impact the trail all the time get so little credit and someone that brings a few burgers gets hailed like a freaking hero?


i guess i will never understand it. Maybe i just have a more western outlook on things and like the idea of the PCT, CDT that is about the hiking and not about a traveling frat party.

[Coffee Rules!]

Rocket -- Yeah, you're tellin' me! I thought rocket fuel was volatile. It's nothing compared to this topic!

I'll admit I was lazy and didn't search for old topics, although I thought about it and decided that for what I'm looking for it probably might not help, since I'm looking for time/location specific suggestions as opposed to general conversation/debate. It seemed unlikely that there'd be another thread from someone looking to do something in late September and wondering where would be good to catch groups of hikers rather than one or two over a day or two.

[Digger'02]

You tapped a vein didn't you? That's the cool thing about the A.T., it's got something that you can only get here and its made up of all kinds of folks. Even the pureist who is out strictly for the feel of the woods; the guy who avoids shelters like the plague and rolls right past you without a nod still adds the the broader culture that so many of us need to pump into our blood like a drug. Being out there is something special.

As a result though; 1) the buzz attracts all sorts of maniacs, hair-brained schemers and two-bit weekend warriors and 2) the folks who have been jabbin' the vein for a while need it so bad that they do not want anyone around who may compromise their fix (this includes primadonna thru-hikers) -hence the hostility. While there are many cool thru-hikers, there are also a whole gang of folks I would categorize as "butternecks", "goofers", "nincompoops", "degenerates", "wasteoids", and "knuckleheads". These folks often pound Budweiser (which I love) for the duration of their hike (often limited to 500 miles), trash up the place and then never set foot on the A.T. again. THOUSANDS of people do this every year and the trail wears the damage on its sleeve. So here's another suggestion: don't take no crap off no thru-hiker cause they can dish it out. Don't go into this thinking that their life is hard because it aint---just about everyone on here would give their middle nut to switch places with them.

Finally, remember that while I encourage you wholeheartedly to get involved with the AT community-the A.T. doesn't need trail angels. They are great and I love them, but the AT would be OK without them. What the AT needs is advocates, maintainers and volunteers.... but there's a connection there right? Why would you be willing to bust your remaining 2 nuts for something that you are not vested in, that you haven't come to love? So like I said, go get vested up to your eyeballs-just 1) do it in a place that makes sense from a broader Trail protection perspective and 2) (this one may sting...) don't think you'll be doing everyone out there a big favor, most of these kids on the trail need tough love more than they need a burger cooked with love. That said, there will be some good, tired, hungry people out there who need a trail angel. They just might be more rare than you think.

I hope I get a chance to share a burger with you some time.

[RED-DOG]

Hi Bro i think its a really cool thing your doing, The SOBO thru's try to summit Springer by early November to around thanksgiving, Cause i give shuttles to them around the Winding Stair Gap N.C area if i can,but in September or october i would go around the Roan MT Tennesse Area and set up, but what would really be great is if you could wait until November, and have somthing on Springer MT as they summit now that would be true trail magic. RED-DOG ( Flip-Flop 96 & GA-ME 06 & GA-ME 2012 ):dance

[rocketsocks]

Rocket -- Yeah, you're tellin' me! I thought rocket fuel was volatile. It's nothing compared to this topic!

I'll admit I was lazy and didn't search for old topics, although I thought about it and decided that for what I'm looking for it probably might not help, since I'm looking for time/location specific suggestions as opposed to general conversation/debate. It seemed unlikely that there'd be another thread from someone looking to do something in late September and wondering where would be good to catch groups of hikers rather than one or two over a day or two.In a nut shell,some don't care for the term "trail magic",because that always referd to some unforseen act of kindness,some thing out of the blue,not a planed hiker feed and then others maintain it is an act of kindness,hiker feeds,it's all very complex.:rolleyes:

[Coffee Rules!]

RED DOG that would be pretty cool, your last suggestion, but if I manage this I'll really be looking at late September. It meshes with other things I want to hit on the vacation. If things work out as planned, the first weekend home I'll be in Sharpsburg MD, for a battlefield tour. I may drop down to Harper's Ferry after that and stop in at the ATC to see if they can give me a feel for where/when/how many folks have passed recently, etc. Thanks for your input!

[Coffee Rules!]

In a nut shell,some don't care for the term "trail magic",because that always referd to some unforseen act of kindness,some thing out of the blue,not a planed hiker feed and then others maintain it is an act of kindness,hiker feeds,it's all very complex.:rolleyes:

Yeah, I see that. Old sticks-in-the-mud who don't want anyone to broaden their definition of a word. Screw them. I've done a fair amount of reading on this and it seems like the term is largely accepted to mean anything including feeds. Frankly I don't care if we call it a funky left-handed whirlygig, I'm going to do what I'd like to do. It's scary that some of these folks are as protective of their pretty little phrase as the fundies are in hiding their hate behind semantics over their definition of marriage.

Ahh well. It's time for this kid to get some shuteye. Good night, all. To the cool folks, have a wonderful night. To the Negative Nancy types, bless your hearts.

[rocketsocks]

Yeah, I see that. Old sticks-in-the-mud who don't want anyone to broaden their definition of a word. Screw them. I've done a fair amount of reading on this and it seems like the term is largely accepted to mean anything including feeds. Frankly I don't care if we call it a funky left-handed whirlygig, I'm going to do what I'd like to do. It's scary that some of these folks are as protective of their pretty little phrase as the fundies are in hiding their hate behind semantics over their definition of marriage.

Ahh well. It's time for this kid to get some shuteye. Good night, all. To the cool folks, have a wonderful night. To the Negative Nancy types, bless your hearts.Alrighy then,catch you later,signed
Negative Nancy;):sun

[Coffee Rules!]

No, you're not an NN.

[rocketsocks]

No,but I play one on White Blaze:D.


And yes,I've been in that arguement before,no longer care,it's all good!

PS what are you serving?I'm free for diner on Tuesdays

[Don H]

I thrued last year and was always grateful for the magic along the way. So many times people went out of their way to help me, maybe it was a ride to town or a cooler of cold soda, it was always appreciated. It was a great part of the experience to me.

Yesterday I was in southern PA on the trail just south of Tumbling Run set up on the road crossing with burgers, cokes and snacks. Met over a dozen thru-hikers and I really enjoyed their company and helping them out a little. Just my way of paying it forward.

[WIAPilot]

LOL Rocket, you'd have to travel to Iraq to have dinner with Tikcuf! And as long as we are placing orders, "I'll have a Diet Dr. Pepper for Trail Magic 2013, please!" Good to have you aboard.

[WIAPilot]

I thrued last year and was always grateful for the magic along the way. So many times people went out of their way to help me, maybe it was a ride to town or a cooler of cold soda, it was always appreciated. It was a great part of the experience to me.

Yesterday I was in southern PA on the trail just south of Tumbling Run set up on the road crossing with burgers, cokes and snacks. Met over a dozen thru-hikers and I really enjoyed their company and helping them out a little. Just my way of paying it forward.

You absolutely rock, Don H! That was so kind of you! I am sure that not one of them said, "Trail Magic, again??! Do I have to eat another burger or cold drink?? Can't you feed the homeless?!" I would venture to guess that every single one of them appreciated it!

[max patch]

Shame that no one has brought up the position of the ATC re trail feeds.

The ATC does not want people to do trail feeds...they would prefer people do maintenance or contribute to the ATC or local club. Recognizing that "angels" are gonna do what they're gonna do, they go on to say that if you feel you "must" do a feed then do it OFF THE TRAIL itself and DO NOT ADVERTISE the existence of the feed.

[Don H]

I timed it to meet a buddy who I met last year hiking who had some medical issues and had to get off the trail in TN. He's back this year and I've been getting texts from him on how he's doing. The smile on his face when he saw me (or maybe it was the grill with burgers?) was priceless!

[max patch]

^^^

Above post Wingfoot approved. :)

[Don H]

I wouldn't consider cooking burgers for a a dozen hikers over 3 hours a hiker feed.
I was set up in a parking area and took all of our trash, the hikers trash and trash left by others.
Also no one passed up on the offer claiming to be against trail magic. Everyone was very thankful and appreciative.

[Don H]

I think the ATCs problem with trail magic is that some people leave stuff on the trail and never come back to pick up the trash.

[atmilkman]

No,but I play one on White Blaze:D.


And yes,I've been in that arguement before,no longer care,it's all good!

PS what are you serving?I'm free for diner on Tuesdays
Don't forget - if you were born on the cusp and you are thru-hiking every third tuesday you have to ask for a gear evaluation.

[WIAPilot]

I think the ATCs problem with trail magic is that some people leave stuff on the trail and never come back to pick up the trash.

Rocket started the song, Sign. Sign. Everywhere a Sign the other night. That 's how I feel about the ATC in this respect. (And yes, I am a member and I fervently believe in supporting them.) But the day that I listen to a group tell me that I can't do something nice for others won't ever happen if I am acting responsibly and carting out all trash, etc. HYOH and be your own person!

[rickb]

I think the ATCs problem with trail magic is that some people leave stuff on the trail and never come back to pick up the trash.

Some just think its ****ing wierd that grown men (not referring to the OP here) would load up their pickup and spend a great deal of time driving from trailhead to trail head passing out food to thru hikers.

Why do they think that? Becuase it is ****ing wierd.

Not worth mentioning when there is one or two or ten ****ing wierd actors out ther, but they seem to be multiplying,

Thats why an innocent comment and good natured thought like that from the OP can generate some of the responses it did,

[jakedatc]

I'm just glad i live up north. 1500 miles weeds out the partiers and frat boys. The Whites will beat down the unprepared and no amount of cheeseburgers is going to help your legs.


From the ATC:

"“TRAIL MAGIC” ALONG THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Issue: The evolution of “Trail Magic” from small spontaneous acts of kindness to larger and
increasingly common planned social events, such as multi-day hiker “feeds,” and the
appropriateness of leaving unattended food and drink along the A.T.

Background: Spontaneous acts of generosity and hospitality provided by “Trail Angels” are one
of the A.T.’s hallmarks. "Trail magic" can be a wonderful thing when done in ways that is not
harmful to trail resources, wildlife, or the experience of hikers. However, there is a growing
concern in the A.T. community that Trail Magic is evolving in ways that are inconsistent with
the intended “Trail Experience” defined by the ATC’s Board of Managers:

“The sum of opportunities that are available for those walking the Appalachian Trail to interact
with the wild, scenic, pastoral, cultural, and natural elements of the environment of the
Appalachian Trail, unfettered and unimpeded by competing sights or sounds and in as direct and
intimate a manner as possible.”

"Limit the number and size of events and locate them in developed, off-trail areas with paved,
graveled, or grassy surfaces. Remember that some people come to the Trail to get away from
crowds and are seeking an opportunity for solitude and contemplation."


"Forego advertising. Publicizing a “feed” in advance can lead to clumping of thru-hikers,
causing overcrowded conditions at shelters and campsites. Billboards are for highways.
Advertising – even non-commercial – is prohibited on the A.T. to preserve its wilderness
character


So WIApilot, keep fighting me on this but YOU are in the wrong in accordance to the ATC and it's board members.

[Skinny Rooster]

These threads always follow the same predictable path. :(

[WIAPilot]

There is a big difference between calling someone, who has just that day joined WB, "self-serving" and stating that the ATC has concerns over trail magic. I guess that is the difference (one of many) between us. I examine the rules and if they make sense, I follow them. But unless they are legal laws and not simply suggestions, I'm not going to be a baaaackpacker. I grew up in the 70's and I will always be a rebel at heart. QUESTION AUTHORITY!!

[max patch]

There is a big difference between calling someone, who has just that day joined WB, "self-serving" and stating that the ATC has concerns over trail magic. I guess that is the difference (one of many) between us. I examine the rules and if they make sense, I follow them. But unless they are legal laws and not simply suggestions, I'm not going to be a baaaackpacker. I grew up in the 70's and I will always be a rebel at heart. QUESTION AUTHORITY!!

And you think you know whats better for the AT than than ATC because......

[Pedaling Fool]

These trail feeds will continue to happen because hiking the trail is no longer about getting back to nature. It's just a fact of life, sad, but true. The more the ATC attempts to control this, the worse it'll get. The people are entitled, sad but true.

[WIAPilot]

Oh just give it a rest. I live 1800 miles from the AT and I haven't done a frickin' thing to the trail except to financially contribute to help maintain it. And when I do my thru next year, I will act responsibly and practice LNT and cart out trash, etc. But I totally believe in trail magic when it is done responsibly so yeah. Take away my ATC Membership! :cool:

[Lone Wolf]

And you think you know whats better for the AT than than ATC because......

she/he/it hasn't hiked on the AT yet and knows the AT from the internet? i'm guessin

[Cookerhiker]

Yeah, I see that. Old sticks-in-the-mud who don't want anyone to broaden their definition of a word. Screw them. I've done a fair amount of reading on this and it seems like the term is largely accepted to mean anything including feeds. Frankly I don't care if we call it a funky left-handed whirlygig, I'm going to do what I'd like to do. It's scary that some of these folks are as protective of their pretty little phrase as the fundies are in hiding their hate behind semantics over their definition of marriage...

Actually, it's not the broadening of the word, it's the narrowing. Meeting and providing food to hikers is not one-and-the-same as Trail Magic; rather, it's a subset. But it seems lots of people have "narrowed" Trail Magic in a reductionist way to consist solely of feeding hikers and leaving stuff in a cooler. As much as I support and admire the ATC, they got it wrong by addressing the problems of unattended litter in the woods as "Trail Magic" - one of the topics at a biennial conference was "Let's do Trail Magic in a responsible way."

There are other WB threads on what's the best Trail Magic received by hikers in their experience. Mine: section hiking all of Maine in '05, I lost the tip of a trekking pole in the mud on my first day; didn't even realize it until I was too far gone. Resigned myself to using one pole. Top of Success Mountain, a young thruhiker hands it to me "is this yours?" Talk about a needle in a haystack! Trail Magic! Many decades earlier, I lost a camera, left it in a shelter. I left a note in the next shelter, a hiker going the opposite direction read the note, found the camera, mailed it to me. You think that wasn't "magical?"

Rides have been mentioned. Beyond "routine" hitchhiking, I've had riders drive many miles out of their way to take me to wherever I was going including a few times on last year's Colorado Trail hike.

The point is that there's much that comprises the wonderful phenomenon that we label Trail Magic. Let's not narrow it to one thing.

[WIAPilot]

You know, the LNT concept is pretty universal. I think most popular trails share this in common and the ATC isn't so different from a lot of groups. But this debate is getting real old so HYOH and good night...

[Pedaling Fool]

The point is that there's much that comprises the wonderful phenomenon that we label Trail Magic. Let's not narrow it to one thing. Good post, but it's already pretty much used to describe only one thing, i.e. Trail Feeds. The term trail magic is used all the time and almost always associated with trail feeds. The original concept of Trail Magic is pretty much lost, or at least has taken a back seat to the new and improved concept of getting free food and drinks.

[jakedatc]

You know, the LNT concept is pretty universal. I think most popular trails share this in common and the ATC isn't so different from a lot of groups. But this debate is getting real old so HYOH and good night...

Perhaps you need a refresher course


Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
http://lnt.org/learn/principle-1


Many people come to the outdoors to listen to nature............. Also keep in mind that the feeling of solitude, especially in open areas, is enhanced when group size is small, contacts are infrequent and behavior is unobtrusive

http://lnt.org/learn/principle-7

[Alligator]

Thread rebooted (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?85583-A-question-about-Trail-magic-I-d-like-to-give-back-before-ever-getting-REBOOT-IN-SF) in Straight Forward.