internet access convenient to the trail?

[skinny minnie]

So I'm wondering if anyone on here can list specific spots on the AT where there is internet access that is especially close in proximity to the trail.

Libraries, internet cafes...anywhere? I'm hoping for at least a few specific places that come to mind and can be pointed out as particularly close/convenient to reach.

(I don't particularly consider yellowblazing a huge effort/inconvenience, but I'm asking on behalf of someone planning to hike the AT on a pretty short timeframe, and I don't want them going out of their way just to email me. But it'd be nice to be able to say "hey, in such and such a town, the library is only 3 miles from the trail, so there's no excuse not to email me!" Wishful thinking, perhaps... but worth a shot!)

[Footslogger]

Libraries are your best bet. Some hostels have internet access but competition for access can get to be a pain ...plus some of them charge a fee for access.

'Slogger

[rafe]

OK, two to start with: the Quality Inn, in Front Royal, and the FreeState Hiker Hostel in Maryland. I wasn't really looking for 'net access... these just happened to be obvious.

[Tennessee Viking]

Internet Cafe in Hampton TN
Number of places in Damascus

[ScottP]

There's either a library, an internet cafe, or a hostel with internet in nearly every town, as well as payphones most places.

[fivel]

In Hanover, NH, the trail goes right through the town and passes lots of yummy places to eat and a square where you can lay down & take a nappy nap. Also, it passes this big white dining hall for Dartmouth students on the left. If I remember correctly, their student center is the next building down that block - this building has computers with internet.

[The Weasel]

If there is a college nearby, that is usually the best choice. It will be quiet, longer hours than many public libraries, and may not have as many filters against sites as public libraries. (I'm not talking about access to porn sites, but there are filters that limit other site access that some libraries use.)

TW

[Cookerhiker]

If you're still relying on the 2007 Companion, I'd like to make one correction regarding Manchester, VT. The on-line Companion states the following:

"Internet access: Spiral Press Café in Northshire Bookstore"

This is only available if you have your own computer which obviously isn't the case for thruhikers. I e-mailed the editors about this so they may have fixed the 2008 Companion which is complete in hard copy format but not on-line yet.

The good news is that there is internet access in Manchester. I don't remember the name, but there's a packaging and mailing store about one block north (right turn from the Trail direction) on Rt. 7. Their e-mail comes with a fee but it's not much and it's more accessible than the Manchester library which is a longer walk and requires reservations - at least it did when I was there this summer.

[Appalachian Tater]

In 2006 that bookstore in Manchester Center had a wall of computers upstairs but no one was using them because all the locals were on their laptops. They got rid of the computers?

The ALDHA guide lists library locations in towns that have maps. All of the libraries along the trail have internet access. At any rate, it's never hard to find. A list would change constantly and really isn't necessary.

[Cookerhiker]

In 2006 that bookstore in Manchester Center had a wall of computers upstairs but no one was using them because all the locals were on their laptops. They got rid of the computers?

Yes they did. When I was there last summer on my LT end-to-ender, I thought I might have missed them so I asked the management. No more computers, just wireless hot spots.

[Appalachian Tater]

Yes they did. When I was there last summer on my LT end-to-ender, I thought I might have missed them so I asked the management. No more computers, just wireless hot spots.

Makes sense--I was the only one using one besides someone who had their laptop in for repair.

[Cookerhiker]

Here's the specifics on Manchester internet access - this is what I e-mailed to the Companion editors:

The Northshire Bookstore (p 202) only has internet access for those who bring their own computer which is obviously not applicable to hikers. However, internet access as well as packing & shipping services is available at I Ship Express, 5018 Maine St. Manchester, VT 05225. (802) 362-1652. Hours: 9:30-5 M-F, 9:30-noon Sat. This is on Rt. 7 about 2 minutes walk north from the Rts 11 & 30 intersection and 5 minutes or less walk from Suttons.

[Lone Wolf]

Here's the specifics on Manchester internet access - this is what I e-mailed to the Companion editors:

The Northshire Bookstore (p 202) only has internet access for those who bring their own computer which is obviously not applicable to hikers. However, internet access as well as packing & shipping services is available at I Ship Express, 5018 Maine St. Manchester, VT 05225. (802) 362-1652. Hours: 9:30-5 M-F, 9:30-noon Sat. This is on Rt. 7 about 2 minutes walk north from the Rts 11 & 30 intersection and 5 minutes or less walk from Suttons.

it's expensive though

[Terry7]

The new Appalachian Pages has places that have the internet listed.

[wrongway_08]

Internet is nice but what places also have a labtop or computer to use?

[Tin Man]

Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff, NH has a Internet PC.

[Ron Haven]

Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff, NH has a Internet PC.

If you are coming into Franklin I have computers for my guest at Budget Inn and Sapphire Inn both.Now 2 at each place wifi wireless internet.In two weeks or less I will be finished installing new laundry facilities at Budget for hikers.I am putting a laundry room in the basement.

[hopefulhiker]

hostel at Neels Gap
Erwin TN, Holiday Inn lobby
Library in Damascus
The hostel in VA, The Grateful Terrapin, I think,
The Road house in Maine

[rafe]

hostel at Neels Gap
Erwin TN, Holiday Inn lobby
Library in Damascus
The hostel in VA, The Grateful Terrapin, I think,
The Road house in Maine

That hostel in VA is "Terrapin Station," between Front Royal and the N. end of SNP. It was closed in '07. Not sure of its status for '08.

[hopefulhiker]

Thank you Terrapin