Hot Springs – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 23

Having never been to Hot Springs before Helene, I can’t speak to the before and after. I can only share my own experiences. Hot Springs has the basics you need as a hiker. I suspect things will reach capacity quickly when the bubble bursts.

Hostels: The Trail”er” is definitely the place to stay. Our host, «Big Cat», Kate was helpful, sociable and supportive in every way. (I stayed in two hostels, this is the one I recommend)

Grocery Store: Hillbilly Market and Dollar General. The Hillbilly Market has a good selection of meats and produce. They have some hiker rates, but things like tuna packages are cheaper at the Dollar General.

Vendor: Bluff Mountain Vendors. Good selection of shoes and all the basics.

Smokey Mountain Diner: Excellent value for calories. Solid food for dinner. It’s good to eat, but don’t expect good food.

Breakfast in the cafeteria

Questions and answers: What has surprised you most about the AT? – How few people take a “traditional” walk (carrying a backpack, from north to south). Pretty much everyone I know goes there and back and it’s usually downhill into the city both ways. It’s his walk and yours, but I was surprised.

• Breakfast: French fries, eggs, biscuits and gravy, chicken biscuit, chopped steak, ice cream, Oreo cookies
• Lunch: none
• Dinner: Pizza
• Snacks: none
• We meet today: half cooked
• Days without ramen bomb: 23
• City weigh-in: 160 (lost 5 pounds, time to up the calories)

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.