Originally Posted by
MrMRSWalkinghome
First, we would like to take a step back, as we see our post could easily be misinterpreted. Believe us, we appreciate what everyone does to maintain the AT. We go out and volunteer plenty of time in our neck of the woods to trail maintenance and ensuring all areas are clean and cared for. To clarify our statements, we have heard, a number of times, negative feedback from folks that hiked through the whites, mainly due to AMC staffers. That's not to say that maybe these stories were exaggerated, as we only heard their side of it. Additionally the whites are the ONLY part of the entire AT that thru-hikers have to pay to camp out. THAT is what we don't agree with. The huts and the services they provide we have heard are exceptional, especially after a long day hiking, and we can understand fee's for such services. But if we just want to camp out, make our own meals, filter our own water, and maintain our area following LNT standards, we don't think having to spend $8 a night to camp in a designated area to complete a journey in which someone has already made a great financial sacrifice is reasonable. If that is what it is then so be it, and we will prepare for it. And sometimes what is posted on websites is different then what happens in real life, and we were mainly wanting in person feedback. Thank you for your feedback hikerboy, and again, we apologize if you felt disrespected, that was not where we were coming from.