Appalachian Trail
 

Can anyone recommend a segment of the Appalachian Trail in NORTH CAROLINA where my family might easily join me for an overnight tent camping? While hiking in Georgia, I saw several camp sites very near Forest Service roads where my family could easily have rendezvoused with me for the night.

Thanks.

Hucks Mom

This site may be helpful -
http://rohland.homedns.org/at/state/...0&sectionID=70

And more info from the official AT site -
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site..._the_Trail.htm

Do you mean car camping, somehwhere they could park and not have to hike in to meet you? If so, one spot that comes to mind is Beauty Spot near Unaka Mtn. Near Erwin, TN. They would be able to park in the parking area and there are lots of nice campsites all over the grassy bald right there where the AT comes thru. The gravel road to get there off 107 is only for a couple miles and fine for a passenger car taking it slow. Not quite car camping, but they'd be within a few minutes walk of it. Not sure if this is too far north for you, but that's a great spot if they want to camp close to the car.

http://www.tracksandtrails.ca/tag/beauty-spot/

The best site to get answers to questions about the AT is at

www.whiteblaze.net/forum/index.php

We used to camp a lot of places near the trail. The best chance may be in the Smoky Mtn. Nat. Park. There may be some areas around Mt. Pisgah also.

http://www.trails.com/activity.aspx?area=10131

I thought the OP said in bold NORTH CAROLINA, not Tenn?

"I thought the OP said in bold NORTH CAROLINA, not Tenn?"

Typical attack. Erwin, TN is the closest town. The trail from the Smokies north runs right along the state line along the ridge tops that form the border. There are only a few places that will be easily accesible for the OP's family coming by car unless they want to hike in a good ways, which doesn't sound like the case. The one I pointed out is very specific, a prime spot, and easily accessed by vehicle. Look at a map and have a clue about what you're talking about before you go into attack mode.

And Cherokee, NC is the border of the GSMNP, as is Bryson City,NC near the park. It IS going to be far west NC which is vey near TN.

Hot Springs is a good meeting/restocking place on the AT - http://www.hotspringsnc.org/

You da man. Way to go.

Thanks everyone. It will take some time to digest your suggestions and devise my plan--with my AT map in hand--but I have plenty of time.

Thanks again.

Hey hucksmom,
I was on my favorite outfitter's website (checking on shoes) and noticed they had an AT tab. I'm pasting the link here. They offer shuttle services from the trail to the town and have worked with hikers for years. I bet if you contact them, they would have a NC suggestion for you. They are in Franklin, NC - and must have a really great buyer because year in and year old that have great inventory in their store. It's a small/medium sized store in a small/medium sized town, but would know what they are talking about.

http://www.threeeaglesoutfitters.net/hiker-services.php