I used to hustle cigs and TP on the AT ~ the NC/TN line...in the beforetimes.
I'd ask if they wanted a steak or a hotdog & would ask for the trailname on the ride....now we have too many trust-fund housing estates to count and the hikers have more options. Remember the hustlin' hillbillies that worship that Roan and those Highland Cattle. Some o' us local still find solace there.
English Translation: There used to be BOTH a nice steakhouse and a nice hotdog spot nearby so I would give the hungry hiker the option. Now it is difficult to find either option done well.
It is common to take a TRAILNAME when hiking the Appalachian Trail. The market has been gentrified. Remember that the next time you litter. It's still important to some of us.
edit: Happy hikin', y'all! DO NOT JUMP OFF OF ELK FALLS!!!
I am not on the AT currently but humans do be humanin', most of the hostels I've seen are much friendlier than that!
I do live on the Blue Ridge Parkway currently though and sadly I don't think it will be open for prime leaf-season due to Helene but still worth finding the end o' the sidewalk/parkway in 2026, imo. Anyone will give ya a smoke, to boot!
I learned about the concept of "trail names" watching a vid about Geraldine Largay (aka "Inchworm"), the lady who got lost on the Appalachian Trail and eventually died of exposure and starvation
73
u/McCopa 20h ago
I used to hustle cigs and TP on the AT ~ the NC/TN line...in the beforetimes.
I'd ask if they wanted a steak or a hotdog & would ask for the trailname on the ride....now we have too many trust-fund housing estates to count and the hikers have more options. Remember the hustlin' hillbillies that worship that Roan and those Highland Cattle. Some o' us local still find solace there.