Appalachian Trail Days – Welcome Hikers!
Franklin, NC is the place to rest, regroup, restock, repair (equipment and your body), check in with your loved ones, grab a hot meal and cold brew.
As the first Appalachian Trail Community we welcome thru-hikers in so many ways! At 110 miles on the AT, we are an affordable, authentic mountain town. Here’s just some of the ways we welcome and celebrate all the brave, intrepid souls on the AT.
Free Hiker Shuttle
Free rides to and from the trails (locals may also pick you up for free). Many affordable places to stay. A daily free breakfast. Outfitters will repair and restock your gear. Of course, you can enjoy our international cuisine and our legendary breweries and wine bars.
Some specific details:
The Macon County Transit (MCT) offers FREE pick-ups/drop-offs are at:
- Winding Stair Gap (9:30 am, 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm),
- Rock Gap (9:45 am, 12:45 pm, 3:45 pm)
- In Franklin, meet at the Main St. Gazebo for a ride back to the trailheads (9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm).
Call 828-349-2222 for more MCT information.
Locals Rides to and from the Trail: Locals regularly pick up hikers making their way to and from Franklin. Also, Al Steinman (aka Sherpa Al) will pick up hikers for a fee. 954-907-5140.Business post.
In-Town Transportation: Macon County’s Mountain Gem (part of the MCT) travels throughout Franklin for $3. Restaurants, outfitters, grocery stores (Walmart too). Check out macontransit.com for scheduling trips and other information.
Outfitters/Services: Franklin’s two Outfitters, Three Eagles Outfitters and Outdoor 76, will help repair, restock, and more.
Free Hiker Meals
Breakfast: From March 21 – April 14, 7:45 – 8:30 a.m., the First Baptist Church of Franklin offers a free breakfast to A.T. hikers daily. All the pancakes and bacon you can eat. Van pickup available. In addition to the breakfast, the church offers to take a photo of each hiker and mail it to a friend or loved one along with a note written by the hiker. Enjoy a full belly and fond Franklin memories. For more information call 828-369-9559. Location: 69 Iotla St, Franklin, NC 28734
Blaze & Braise Hiker BBQ: Every Friday afternoon, 12-2 pm, through April 17 at the town Gazebo on Main Street. Free hot grilled food, and more.
Discounts on food, drinks, shopping, more
- The Rathskeller – 15% off for any hiker between March 15 and April 15
- Culture – 10% discount
- Gracious Plates on Main & Riverwalk Grille – 10% discount
- Trail Mix will ship for free all in-store purchases by hikers totaling over $20
- Hydr828/Atlas of the Body – 10% off 60 minute massage + free hot stone add on for hikers (implementing a pay it forward program)
Hiker Events
Hiker Cookout! March TBD: Sapphire Inn
Chowdown! March TBD: Nantahala Hiking Club Meeting Location: Lazy Hiker, TBD
33rd Anniversary Celebration Weekend, April TBD: Three Eagles
Easter on the Trail: Nantahala Hiking Club – get bags of goodies delivered to the trail from the NHC
Trails Then Ales: Outdoor 76 – Regular April event. Trail-themed trivia, ales, and a savory BBQ that is free for thru-hikers.
Currahee Brewing Co. Live Music April TBD
Deep Gap Trail Popup April TBD
Outdoor Music Jam – Lazy Hiker Brewing April TBD – 5 – 11 p.m. Bands, endless great times.
Free WiFi: The Town of Franklin offers free, secure WiFi. Simply grab a bench or a table at a coffee shop or restaurant and enjoy.
Overall, we’re big fans of the A.T. around here. Franklin was the first town along the Trail to be designated an A.T. Community. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail meets Historic Franklin, NC at 110 trail miles (AT110) north of Springer Mountain, GA, the southern terminus of the A.T. Originally designated an A.T. Community in 2010 by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Franklin is the logical resupply/rest point between Hiawassee, GA and the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser, NC.
The A.T. crosses Highway 64 at Winding Stair Gap 10 miles west of Franklin.
Members of the Franklin based Nantahala Hiking Club (NHC) work with the U.S. Forest Service and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to maintain 58.5 gorgeous miles of the A.T. to include 10 shelters with privies, 9 group camp sites and 26 scenic viewpoints.
#AT110: Help us promote Franklin’s unique location at Mile 110 by tagging photos you take while in town.
