Trail Magic

[chknfngrs]

Definitely best practice to tend to whatever you put out there.

I was no more than 50 yards from it, fwiw

[Bronk]

When you've just hiked 5, 10, 15, 20 miles and you get to the trailhead and there is free food, soda, beer, etc, few people who walk up on that happenstance will think its a bad idea. Matter of fact, you could probably go just about anywhere, hiking related or not and there will always be someone glad to take advantage of it. But there are also a lot of internet campers that want to philosophize about it.

[Malto]

I'm a trail maintainer as well on the NET and I'm as concerned about trash on the trails as you are.

Then you are already doing the best trail magic you can do. thank you.

[The Kisco Kid]

Then you are already doing the best trail magic you can do. thank you.

I second that!

[Gambit McCrae]

Find a stretch of trail that is in drought, and bring gallons of water to a nearest TH. I would much rather have water when I need it then a cookout when I have food I have been carrying for days in my backpack. Not saying I am going to turn down those 2 hot dogs but water is one of my favorite trail magics

-Water
-Assortment of medicals like leuko tape wrapped around a lighter about 10 times.
-Wet wipes/ TP replacement
-A battery charging station
-Maybe if you are stationed close to a town you could solicit a ride to hikers into town when you pack up at the end of the day

[rocketsocks]

Find a stretch of trail that is in drought, and bring gallons of water to a nearest TH. I would much rather have water when I need it then a cookout when I have food I have been carrying for days in my backpack. Not saying I am going to turn down those 2 hot dogs but water is one of my favorite trail magics

-Water
-Assortment of medicals like leuko tape wrapped around a lighter about 10 times.
-Wet wipes/ TP replacement
-A battery charging station
-Maybe if you are stationed close to a town you could solicit a ride to hikers into town when you pack up at the end of the day

This is some of the best advice I’ve heard on the situa...matter!

[Starchild]

It has been somewhat mentioned but plan your location carefully and time it correctly. Use the weather to your advantage. If it's raining for a few days hikers will tend to group at towns, then go when the weather breaks. If you have a section with limited shelters, hikers will tend to be there, so you can time yoru feed to their crossing if your road.

[Highland Goat]

i'm a thru-hiker and not a fan of big, organized feeds

Agreed.

You might consider offering rides to hikers. Many people would appreciate help picking up a mail drop in Danby, or a lift to the Price Chopper in Manchester Center. I prefer Bennington to Manchester or Williamstown, but I suspect I am in the minority.

[Digger'02]

Having section hiked from New Jersey to Katahdin over the past several years, I really enjoyed the good will of people along the way. Trail angels and trail magic always helped to make the hike more memorable.

That being said, this year, I'd like to pay that forward and plan on setting up a small hiker feed in Southern Vermont for a day in August . I'm looking for any advice that other who have done this could give me about what to serve, good locations in Southern Vermont, how many people to expect, etc. Anything that you think might be helpful.
Thanks, Eureka.

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If you are really interested in paying it forward check out the Konnarock Trail Crew.