The annual AT Celebration will feature a variety of events through Earth Day on April 22.
The AT Celebration, which began on the first day of spring, is a way to welcome Appalachian Trail hikers to Franklin and connect them with people and businesses in the area. For northbound hikers starting their trek at Springer Mountain, Georgia, Franklin, located at trail mile 110, is often their first stop off the trail to replenish and get some rest.
The Franklin AT Community Council kicked off the series of events by offering some Trail Magic at Deep Gap this past Saturday, March 22. Trail Magic. For hikers, Trail Magic is unexpected act of kindness and generosity along the trail – usually food, drinks, rides, or shelter to help boost their morale and encourage them along the way.
The Nantahala Hiking Club will host its annual “Hiker Chow Down, from 12-2 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. Then on Sunday, March 30, a hiker gathering will be held from 4-6 p.m. at Sapphire Inn, which is offering a hiker discount.
Three Eagles Outfitters celebrates its 31st anniversary Hiker Weekend Friday, April 4-6.
Hikers and residents can mingle while enjoying Trails and Ales Trivia Night from 6-9 p.m. Friday, April 11 at Outdoor 76. The next day, Saturday, April 12, there will be live music and barbeque dinner with Lil Sting Rays throughout the day at Currahee Brewing Company.
The month-long celebration will wrap up with an Outdoor Music Jam from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, April 19 at Lazy Hiker.
Through April 14, there is a free pancake breakfast for hikers, served daily from 7:15-8:15 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Franklin.
To help hikers get where they need to go around town, Macon County Transit is running its Hiker Route on weekdays through May 23. Pickups/dropoffs are offered at Rock Gap and Winding Stair Gap. The fare is $5 to and from the trail. For schedule information, call 828-349-2222.
The following businesses are offering hiker discounts as part of the AT Celebration:
• Gracious Plates on Main – a 10% “Happy Trails” discount.
• Rathskeller – all hikers receive 15% off beer, wine, cocktails, coffee and food.
For more information about the Franklin AT Community Council, visit www.atmile110.com.