Appreciating the AT

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: March 2024

With early spring comes an interest and motivation to hit the many beautiful trails offered to us all throughout the region. In fact, residents and visitors alike are gifted with hiking opportunities ranging from easy, stroll-worthy paths to generous workouts to challenging adventures. And all three levels are presented on a trail that has international acclaim: the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT).

The 100-year-old (in 2025) public footpath runs from Georgia to Maine and passes right through Macon County. In fact, Franklin, just down the mountain from Highlands and Cashiers, is noted as an official AT Trail Community, due to it being one of the first stops on a south-to-north thru-hikers route. Thousands from all over the world, not just in the United States, begin at the starting point at Springer Mountain in Georgia, and by the time they get to the first main town, Franklin, 100 miles in, they either have their “trail legs” or they do not.

Some give up at this point, but thousands keep going, or at least section hike a bit more – with plans to finish additional sections as their schedules allow. The thru-hikers must commit several months of time off from work and families, organize logistical support along the way in terms of supplies, and allot significant finances in order to achieve the finishing goal: Mt. Katahdin, in Maine.

Each spring, beginning in March, Franklin rolls out the red carpet – so to speak – by welcoming hikers with free meals in some spots, celebrations, rides to town and back to trail, supplies, and much more. Outdoor shops in Highlands, Cashiers, and Franklin help equip local hikers interested in trekking the AT, as well as those passing through the area.

The AT sections in our area offer plenty for the senses, such as water features, from trickling creeks and flowing springs, to small to large waterfalls. Plus, there are vistas galore, as well as dense rhododendron and mountain laurel forests and spans of towering, mature hardwoods. Hikers are almost certain, no matter the time of year, to witness bizarre shaped and vibrantly hued mushrooms.

For individuals not wanting to commit to a section or thru-hiker, getting onto the AT is easy for a few hours for a day hike. Here are some suggestions:

– Park at Winding Stair on Hwy. 64 and hike south, toward Georgia, or north, toward Maine – for as long as one desires.

– Park one vehicle at Standing Indian Campground’s Rock Gap lot and another at the Winding Stair lot on Hwy. 64 and hike over the mountain, about a 4-mile hike.

– Park one vehicle at Wayah Bald and another at Tellico Bald and hike the 7 miles in between; or backpack to one bald and spend the night and return the next day.

These hikes and more are listed on AllTrails. And, fortunately for hikers, the AT is well marked with white blazes. Plus, bringing up your location on the GaiaGPS app shows exactly where you are hiking.

The best part about hiking the AT in the spring is that the trail is heavy laden with serious section and thru-hikers bent on meeting their goals. And they are hungry, due to their bodies burning hundreds and even thousands of calories daily. Thus, carrying what is called “trail magic” in a backpack and handing it out elicits smiles, fascinating conversations, and gratefulness. Easily make up small bags – plastic or paper – of trail magic by adding healthy treats such as dried fruit, nuts, meat sticks, and protein bars, as well as some fun sugary candies. AT hikers are thrilled to meet “trail ambassadors” and are more than willing to share where they are from, their plans, and their reasons for being on the trail. Everyone has a story to tell, and day hikers benefit from these interesting tales.

Interested in being a regular on the trail to help keep it cleared, clean, and supported for posterity? Look into joining the Nantahala Hiking Club, responsible for maintaining an AT section that runs through Macon County: 58.6 miles from Bly Gap at the Georgia/North Carolina border to the Nantahala Outdoor Center on the Nantahala River at Wesser.

Pick up AT maps at most visitor centers, outdoor stores, and some local retails stores and breweries.

The AT is an amazing resource to appreciate and enjoy! Happy hiking!