You didn't do what I told you. Not on Mega Bus. Two trips from Indianapolis to Atlanta that take 10.5 hrs for $30 each. From Indianapolis to Chattanooga 8 hrs 45 mins for a damn cheap $20 one way. I dare you to show me public transportation from Indy to TN for less than that! If you want financially cheaper you're talking free. I don't do free. You didn't ask for free! I told you Mega Bus is more a LD efficient minded commuter bus line that if you're going to the states they run doesn't get any cheaper that I know. Heck, at those travel times and fares it gives you flexibility in spending money and time elsewhere on travel.
Make sure you're researching the correct Dalton in the correct state because I think G Hound runs to several towns called Dalton i.e.: Dalton GA, Dalton Mass...
You're closing(selling?) your house? Frugal is one thing. What you're suggesting is something else.
Indianapolis to Atlanta on SW Airlines $128....
Greyhound's only $30 but tempting to get 'er done in one day....
Miguelon
Let me throw out another idea...cycle to Amicalola. It'll save your feet.
(Am I only one who thinks this thread is humorous?)
If you are really considering this. You could consider riding a bit further down to Dalton GA, and jump on the Pinhoti Trail going east then BMT back to the first AT crossing or Springer.
But about the number of bus transfer you would do, you could simply fly into Atlanta > MARTA to North Springs > take a shuttle to Springer/Amicalola.
Last edited by Tennessee Viking; 02-06-2017 at 11:16.
''Tennessee Viking'
Mountains to Sea Trail Hiker & Maintainer
Former TEHCC (AT) Maintainer
Riding on a bus for 16 hours is tolerable, but 22 hours isn't? If 6 extra hours of bus travel is intolerable, why isn't the first 16 hours intolerable? Seriously, fly or bus or train and then shuttle to as close to the trail as you can get. If $80 on transport is going to make or break your hiking budget, it's already likely broken.
"That's the thing about possum innards - they's just as good the second day." - Jed Clampett
Saying the same.
$30 10.5 hr NO TRANSFERS NECESSARY from Indy to Atlanta on Mega Bus. $2.50 Marta right down the street(I walk there) from where Mega Bus ends in Atlanta to N. Springs station on the Red Line. $85 for the Thru-hiker package from the Hiker Hostel that includes pick up at N Springs Station to Dahlonega, GA, overnight stay in the bunk room, advice from two of the most plugged in AT Hostel Owners that know the AT, AT hikers, etc, B-fast, and next morning ride to Amicalola Falls SP Approach Trail or Springer Mt Parking Lot.
All in, locked and loaded from Indy delivered to the Amicalola Falls SP door step for less than $120.
Unless you fortunately bump into someone traveling from Indy to AFSP(good luck with that) that's alot of hassles diverted pre hike. ENJOY the first day on the trail. Most need the rest and advice for the NOBO Approach Tr start.
I truly get that hitchin from Indy to AF SP can be part of the adventure but if you're complaining about travel times hitchin is a VERY IFFY TIME CONSUMING approach to save money given that situation in Feb.
Want to be frugal on a longer AT hike don't go into towns as much. Get in early morn, get your stuff dun, and get out. Don't stay overnight! Want to be frugal don't stay at hotels/motels especially solo. Share a room if you must. Stay at cheaper Hostels in a bunk room and DO NOT BE A MOOCH! Use AT lean-to's as your hotel/motel stay!
Being frugal overall by knowing where it makes more sense to spend some to have a better experience can also be a frugal approach. It's similar to some folks UL philosophy- every item in the kit doesn't have to be the most light option.
The best item I spent money on was the train ticket and ride to Springer Mountain..
Second AYCE Break Fasts
At some point I'd recommend taking the bus to Atlanta, then the furthest Marta north (cited in Dogwood's post) then hitch from there. Hitching from an OTP Atlanta spot should be easier than hitching from Chattanooga. I say this as a Chattanooga native. Either way, it's good to practice those hitching skills. I'd say it's pretty doable to get there in a day or two but you may find yourself "camping" overnight on the side of the highway or in someone's yard.