Hot Springs, NC Profiled

The Knoxville (TN) News Sentinel's 17 February 2008 issue has an article by Linda Lange titled "Expresssways may not lead to Hot Springs, N.C., but trails do" about that A.T. trail town.

There's more to the profile of Hot Springs than the mentions of the Trail, but Lange does say this:

"Hot Springs' heaviest traffic enters on foot. The Appalachian Trail, the 2,189-mile path stretching from Georgia to Maine, goes through the heart of town. In the spring, hundreds of northbound hikers emerge from the mountains and fill the sidewalks of Bridge Street. They refuel before crossing the river and disappearing back into Pisgah National Forest."

And then, later down in the article:

"From mid-March until early June, Appalachian Trail thru-hikers drift over the mountains. 'We might see 10 or 12 in a day in April,' says Wayne Crosby, part-owner of Bluff Mountain Outfitters. Hikers pick up parcels at the Hot Springs Post Office and cross the street to his store. He sells outdoor gear, clothing and groceries, including a large selection of organic foods.

"'Where's Elmer's?' hikers ask as daylight diminishes. They've heard about Elmer Hall's Sunnybank Inn, one of several accommodations that welcome thru-hikers. The town will celebrate its special connection to the AT by holding TrailFest on April 25-26. A chili cook-off, live music and hiker games will entertain crowds."

Other good stuff about food and housing opportunities -- as well as other things to do -- round out the article.