Where better to celebrate the Appalachian Trail than in the town of Hot Springs, NC, where the AT runs through the heart of downtown and crosses one of the oldest rivers in the world–the French Broad River? Celebrate the outdoors all weekend long, with a speaker Friday night, festivities all day Saturday, and a hearty breakfast on Sunday morning.
TRAILFEST WEEKEND is organized by the Madison County Group Home, with support from local businesses, The Friendship Club, and Laughing Heart Hostel.
2023 TRAILFEST WEEKEND SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, APRIL 21:
Arrive to downtown Hot Springs by 6PM and dine at one of our local restaurants. FRIDAY EVENING at 7:30 PM enjoy a FREE PRESENTATION by Sarah Jones Decker, author of ‘The Appalachian Trail: Backcountry Shelters, Lean-Tos, and Huts’. LOCATION: Chestnut Hall (64 South Spring Street, one block from the Welcome Center)
SATURDAY, APRIL 22:
9:30AM: YOGA SESSION at Big Pillow Brewing (or Laughing Heart Lodge chapel if raining).
10:00 AM- 5:00 PM: Music, hiker games and “door prizes”, vendors of food and supplies, silent auction.
Registration at the tent in front yard of Alpine Court Motel and buy ducks for the Duck Race.
Registration at the tent in front yard of Alpine Court Motel and buy ducks for the Duck Race.
After 5:00 PM: DUCK RACE on Spring Creek ($100 first prize; $50 second prize).
6:30PM: FREE EVENING MEAL for hikers at Laughing Heart Hostel.
ALSO ON SATURDAY, 11AM-8PM
“Love Letters to the AT” art exhibition at Gallery 339 (in front of Laughing Heart Hostel), with FREE snacks and sketch book/pencil/eraser for the first 50 hikers.
“Love Letters to the AT” art exhibition at Gallery 339 (in front of Laughing Heart Hostel), with FREE snacks and sketch book/pencil/eraser for the first 50 hikers.
SUNDAY, APRIL 23:
PANCAKE BREAKFAST, HIKERS ONLY, from 8:00 – 10:00 AM at Pine Hall (next to Chestnut Hall, 64 South Spring Street).
