Cheapest way to get to the trail?

[Celeritas]

Trying to spend the least amount possible, seeing as I don't have much. Looking to get to the approach trail sometime at the end of March from CT. I'm considering taking Greyhound just because it's half the price of Amtrak. Then I was considering taking advantage of the Hiker Hostel shuttle from there, but $40 is killing me. I saw in another thread someone mention a cab. Any ideas on how much that might run? Any other ideas? Greatly appreciated!

[Dogwood]

The Greyhound is going to drop U off near the Atlanta Airport, right? U can take another bus line from there to Gainesville Ga or maybe one stop closer by bus to the Approach Trl. Right? Ask questions. Look at a a map. How could U hitch to the Approach Trl. from there? If U get Josh or Leigh Saint or another shuttler at a time when they R picking someone else up from Atlanta or Gainesville maybe U could get in on a group shuttle rate. $40 is killing U? ln the end though, hey, it's going to cost U some money to hike the AT! I hope U have prepared adequate funds for your hike!

[Celeritas]

Well my point is I don't want to spend $40 on a shuttle just to get there when I could be saving that money for food, or emergency gear, or what have you. I can get off in Gainesville and am looking to get from there to Amicalola. I'm looking at coming in on March 29th. Anyone else getting a shuttle from Gainesville then?

[camojack]

Hike.

[Lone Wolf]

Trying to spend the least amount possible, seeing as I don't have much. Looking to get to the approach trail sometime at the end of March from CT. I'm considering taking Greyhound just because it's half the price of Amtrak. Then I was considering taking advantage of the Hiker Hostel shuttle from there, but $40 is killing me. I saw in another thread someone mention a cab. Any ideas on how much that might run? Any other ideas? Greatly appreciated!

hitch hike from the bus station. i've done it

[Celeritas]

hitch hike from the bus station. i've done it

Sounds good. There's going to be two of us though. Hopefully we'll be able to get a ride. I think I'll get some cab company numbers just in case

[Hooch]

You'll pay more taking a cab than you would just biting the bullet and taking a shuttle in the first place. If the shuttle is $40, just split the cost between the two of you. Seems pretty cheap to me.

[Screech]

If you buy your Greyhound ticket 2 weeks in advance it is quite cheap.

To get from Dayton Ohio to Gainesville Georgia will take me 20 hours on a bus next monday(not looking forward to that) but it is only costing me 55 bucks. I am walking/thumbing from the bus station.

[Slo-go'en]

The bus can take you to Gainesville, no need to go to Atlanta. Arrange for the Hiker hostel to pick you up and spend the night there. After a 32 hour bus ride, you will need a day off and a good nights sleep! Money well spent. If you have to pinch pennies on the front end of a thru-hike, you might not make it too far!

[DapperD]

Trying to spend the least amount possible, seeing as I don't have much. Looking to get to the approach trail sometime at the end of March from CT. I'm considering taking Greyhound just because it's half the price of Amtrak. Then I was considering taking advantage of the Hiker Hostel shuttle from there, but $40 is killing me.

No offense, but if you are going to scratch and kick about a $40 shuttle charge, maybe you need to reconsider wether a thru-hike is really in yours and everyone elses best interest. Shuttler's need to make some type of money in order to survive. The price of gas alone today is outragous, let alone wear and tare on their vehicle, and their precious time. I mean seriously, what will you do when you get to the burger joint and your bill is $10 for a burger, fries and a cola?

[Lone Wolf]

No offense, but if you are going to scratch and kick about a $40 shuttle charge, maybe you need to reconsider wether a thru-hike is really in yours and everyone elses best interest. Shuttler's need to make some type of money in order to survive. The price of gas alone today is outragous, let alone wear and tare on their vehicle, and their precious time. I mean seriously, what will you do when you get to the burger joint and your bill is $10 for a burger, fries and a cola?

oh, so you must use a shuttler so they can make $$$? what a crock

[jersey joe]

Agreed...if you don't want to pay for a shuttle and can find a better way around, there is nothing wrong with that.

[Alligator]

Absolutely.

[DapperD]

oh, so you must use a shuttler so they can make $$$? what a crock

He can use any method he wants, including his feet, by why complain about shuttler's fees if he wants to use their services? It cost money to thru-hike, this is something that is in my opinion a necessity, arriving at the trailhead safely,with your gear safe and sound. If you want to save money, then hike there, don't complain about people's fees, or you will sow resentment.

[Lone Wolf]

Agreed...if you don't want to pay for a shuttle and can find a better way around, there is nothing wrong with that.

it's like sayin' since you're gonna hike thru Neel gap you should spend $200 cuz they're there and count on hikers

[Celeritas]

No offense, but if you are going to scratch and kick about a $40 shuttle charge, maybe you need to reconsider wether a thru-hike is really in yours and everyone elses best interest. Shuttler's need to make some type of money in order to survive. The price of gas alone today is outragous, let alone wear and tare on their vehicle, and their precious time. I mean seriously, what will you do when you get to the burger joint and your bill is $10 for a burger, fries and a cola?

I understand this. It's nothing against them or trying to jip them out of money, I'd just rather not spend it if it's not necessary. You could call me "frugal". I currently ride my bike 30 miles/day to work right now to save money. As for the burger, fries, and cola : you won't see me eating that crap so that's no issue.

Hooch: You say split the cost.. Can we do that? Would it only cost us $40 for the ride, or $40 each? I would assume they charge everyone individually. I suppose I can contact Hiker Hostel, but anyone know?

Thanks everyone else for the info so far. Please no more comments on my methods. I'm just trying to save money. What's wrong with that?!

[Celeritas]

He can use any method he wants, including his feet, by why complain about shuttler's fees if he wants to use their services? It cost money to thru-hike, this is something that is in my opinion a necessity, arriving at the trailhead safely,with your gear safe and sound. If you want to save money, then hike there, don't complain about people's fees, or you will sow resentment.

I'm not complaining, just simply trying to avoid it. I'm sure many hikers value their service and I also think it's great, but I don't mind being inconvenienced a little bit if I'm gonna save money. If it were too much of a hassle, I would gladly pay it and you wouldn't hear any complaint.

[Alligator]

It's okay to be frugal. I'd shuttle with my bike 40 miles to save that $40.

In the times I've used shuttlers with a hiking buddy, the cost did not change due to there being two of us. Ask upfront though.

[Lone Wolf]

Thanks everyone else for the info so far. Please no more comments on my methods. I'm just trying to save money. What's wrong with that?!

i remember the days when there were virtually no shuttle services and few hostels. we got by fine. now it seems every road crossing is crawling with "service providers" willing to relieve you of some cash. hitchin' was the way to go.

[kyhipo]

well i have been their and have had the extra cash at times,so just put your thumb out and be positive,ky