Updates
The Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion provides details on towns and services along the Trail. Updates to the 2010 edition are outlined here. Please send suggested updates and corrections to info@appalachiantrail.org.
The Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion is available for sale through the Ultimate A.T. Store and at the ATC visitor centers.
(Updated 06/28/10)
Georgia
(Page 18) Hiawassee Inn has re-opened (update) - Under new ownership, the Hiawassee Inn has been re-opened as the Hiawassee Budget Inn. Dogs are allowed with deposit. Prices/services same as listed in current Companion. (Posted 03/15/10)
(Page 18) Shoney's closed (update) - Shoney's restaurant in Hiawassee has closed. (Posted 8/3/10)
North Carolina
(Page 21) Direction to town of Franklin incorrect (correction) - In the table row for Winding Stair Gap, US 64 - Franklin, NC, the Services column indicates the wrong direction to reach Franklin. Correct direction is Trail east. Services entry should read "R, w (E - 10m PO, G, M, L, O, D, V, cl, f, @)". (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 29) Fontana Dam post office change in retail hours (update) - Hours are 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM (no lunch break), closed on Saturday. However, a staff member will be putting mail in PO boxes between 10:30 AM and 12:00 noon on Saturday mornings. This staff member may be able to give out hiker packages if the hiker knocks on the door. The staff member may also be able to accept packages to send out, but payment must be in cash. (Posted 12/31/09)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Page 36) Microtel Inn & Suites of Cherokee, NC (new listing) - Shuttles between Newfound Gap and Cherokee (for hotel guests only), $10 one way. Coin laundry, free local and long distance phone, free WiFi, free breakfast, pool. Adjacent supermarket, fast-food, and shoe store; fly-fishing outfitter nearby. (828) 497-7800, microtelcherokee@verizon.net, www.microtelinn.com. (Posted 04/25/10)
(Page 37) The Happy Hiker closed (update) - The Happy Hiker has closed due to problems with the building, but is still posting information to its Facebook page on current events at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
(Page 37) Dudley Creek Plaza motel in Gatlinburg (new listing) - $15-25/night depending on room; pets ok with additional fee. All rooms have cable TV, fridge, and microwave; some have kitchenette. Nearby laundromat and pizza place; easy walk to Gatlinburg post office. On Gatlinburg Trolley Line, which provides access to shopping and Great Smoky Mountains NP. Maildrops accepted. Phone: (865) 277-7616, cell (865) 621-8786. Address: 804 E. Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 37) NOC's Great Outpost outfitter in Gatlinburg (new listing) - Full service outfitter, including free shuttle to/from Newfound Gap, free showers for hikers, internet access, white gas and alcohol fuel by the ounce. Shuttle leaves Newfound Gap at 8:30 AM, 12:45 PM, and 4:45 PM; shuttle leaves Gatlinburg at 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Shuttle vehicle space limited to 4 hikers. Shuttles to other locations for a fee may be possible. Maildrops accepted; address: NOC's Great Outpost, 1138 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Will also ship packages. Phone: (865) 277-8209 x1162. (Posted 04/25/10)
North Carolina and Tennessee Border
Page 41) Low Gap mileage (correction) - Towards the bottom of the table on page 41, correct mileages are as follows (miles from Katahdin/miles from Springer): Spring, 1,824.3/354.8; Low Gap, 1823.3/355.8. (Posted 02/01/10)
(Page 44) River Spirit B&B in Hot Springs (new listing) - River Spirit B&B located in Hot Springs, about 1,000 feet from A.T. Five rooms from between $50 to $130 per night. Laundry available. Reservations: (828) 622-9568. Owner: Jason Josey, (704) 467-2819. (Posted 04/14/10)
TENNESSEE
(Page 56) Abby's Place hostel (update) - Hostel has no TV. Contact address (no maildrops) is PO Box 185, Roan Mountain, TN 37687. (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 56) Laurel Fork Lodge closed (update) - Hostel has closed permanently. If sending maildrops to this point, suggested alternative is Kincora Hiking Hostel located 0.2 mile west of A.T. (see Kincora entry in Companion). (Posted 03/03/10)
Virginia—Part 1 (Southwest)
(Page 67) Clarified directions from Dickey Gap to Troutdale (update) - After turning Trail east on VA 650 to reach the intersection of VA 650 and VA Rt. 16, turn right on Rt. 16 to reach the town of Troutdale. (Companion entry does not specify the right turn.) (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 69) Eats and Treats Restaurant at Groseclose/I-81 (new listing) - Located at Exxon station. Full service restaurant with ice-cream, milk shakes, smoothies. Hiker friendly, great resupply station, fuel, internet access, wi-fi, fax. Store open 24 hours, restaurant hours 6 AM-9 PM M-F, 7 AM-9 PM Sa-Su. Maildrops accepted at: Exit 54 Exxon, 7327 Lee Highway, Rural Retreat, VA, 24368. Phone: 276-783-5454 or 276-783-2738. (Posted 04/17/10)
(Page 69) Village Truck Stop (Shell Station) at Groseclose/I-81 (new listing) - Located on U.S. 11 (directly on A.T.). Restaurant, re-supply, and showers available. Address: 7297 Lee Highway, Atkins, VA 24311; phone: (276) 783-5775. (Posted 05/10/10)
Virginia—Part 2 (CENTRAL)
(Page 81) Shuttler Tom Hoffman phone number (correction) - Area code in printed Companion is incorrect; Tom's correct number is (540) 921-1184. (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 81) Holy Family Church Hostel (correction/update) - $10 per night fee; additional donations are appreciated. Stove has been removed. Side trail to Wal-Mart no longer exists due to recent development; hikers must now follow streets to reach store. Phone number in printed Companion is incorrect; correct number is (540) 921-3547. (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 82) The Huffman House B&B (correction/update) - 2010 rates are $129 - $159D, $20 EAP. Correct address is 16 Huffman Store Dr., Newport, VA 24128. (Posted 02/17/10)
(Page 84) Clarified phone numbers for Catawba Valley General Store and post office (update) - The phone number for the general store is (540) 384-7455. The number for the Catawba post office is (540) 384-6011. (Posted 06/01/10)
(Page 88) The Rhein River Inn and German Restaurant in Buchanan (new listing) - Bed and breakfast with full service German restaurant located at 19391 Main Street (U.S. Rt. 11) in Buchanan. Phone (540) 254-2455; website www.therheinriverinn.com. Ask about special hiker rates. Shuttles to/from local trailheads available upon request. No tent camping or pets permitted. (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 88) Middle Creek Picnic Area: no well water (update) - Well at picnic area is no longer functional. (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 90) Howard's Family Restaurant and Motel has closed (update) (Posted 05/10/10)
(Page 91) Walkabout Outfitter no longer sells white gas by the ounce (update). (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 92) Dutch Haus B&B phone number (correction) - Toll-free number in printed Companion is incorrect; correct number is (540) 377-2119. (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 93) Rusty's Hard Times Hollow closed (update) - Rusty Nesbitt has closed the hostel permanently and will be moving away from the Hollow. (Updated 8/3/10)
Virginia—Part 4 (Northern Virginia)
(Page 114) Weasel Creek Outfitters closed (update) (Posted 6/28/10)
WEST VIRGINIA
(Page 120) Ariano's King's Pizza now open Mondays (update) - Formerly closed on Mondays, Kings Pizza is now open seven days a week. (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 122) ATC Headquarters building water faucet (update) - ATC HQ now has an outdoor frost-free water faucet available to hikers. Faucet located on side wall facing Storer College Place. (Posted 12/31/09)
Maryland
(Page 125) Cindy Dee's Restaurant closed (update) - Restaurant has closed and is currently for sale. (Posted 02/01/10)
PENNSYLVANIA
(Page 134) Applebee Campsite near Pilger Ruh Spring (correction) - At 994.2 miles from Katahdin, entry in table should read "Applebee Campsite, Pilger Ruh Spring Trail." Campsite is a short distance Trail west of the A.T.; spring is to the east. (Posted 02/01/10)
(Page 138) Pine Grove General Store seasonal schedule (correction) - Store hours for 2010: April 15 thru Memorial Day, Fri 4-6 PM and Sat-Sun 10 AM-6 PM; Memorial Day thru approx. Nov. 11, Sun-Thu 9 AM-7 PM, Fri-Sat 9 AM-8 PM (actual season end date may be weather dependent). (Posted 04/25/10)
(Page 138) Ironmasters Mansion Hostel closing (update) - At the end of April, the hostel will close. Ask at General Store about shuttles to other local accomodations. Period of closure is indefinte; check back here or on the Hostelling International page for updates. (Posted 03/28/10)
(Page 140) Pay phone removed from ATC office porch (update) - Pay phone no longer available at the ATC Mid-Atlantic Regional Office in Boiling Springs. (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 142) Allenberry Inn and Playhouse price change (update) - The hikers' special is now $40 for a double occupancy room. (Posted 06/21/10)
(Page 147) Ye Olde Backpacker outfitter in Port Clinton has closed (update) - Owner may re-open in a new location. Mail drops sent to the outfitter via USPS are now at the Port Clinton Post Office. Mail drops sent via UPS were returned to their senders. Hikers can send mail drops to the post office from now on. Check this page for future updates. (Updated 07/02/10)
(Page 153) Edge of the Woods Outfitters’ phone number (correction) - The phone number for the outfitter is actually (570) 421-6681. (Posted 7/9/10)
New jersey
(Page 161) Permission slips for tenting in Unionville Memorial Park now at visitors center (update) - The permission slips hikers must fill out to tent in Unionville Memorial Park are no longer available from Horler's General Store. The permission slips must now be filled out at the Unionville Visitors Center. When the vistors center is closed, hikers can get a permission slip from the neighboring house to the right.
New York
(Page 167) - Bellvale P.O. closing (update) - The Bellvale, NY post office will close at the end of April. Suggested alternate P.O. is Greenwood Lake, NY (ZIP 10925), located 2 miles east on NY Rt. 17A. (Posted 04/14/10)
(Page 170) Gear to Go Outfitter serving New York A.T. section (new listing) - Gear to Go Outfitters, (917) 301-8238, www.geartogooutfitters.com. Based in Brooklyn, but will deliver to anywhere on the A.T. in New York for free. Offers both sales and rentals. (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 174) Native Landscapes and Garden Center is no longer providing shuttle service to town (update) - other information about the center found in the companion is still accurate. (Posted 7/9/10)
CONNECTICUT
(Page 176) Water Street/Hydroelectric Plant mileage errors (correction) - Both mileages for this point contain typos. Miles from Katahdin column should read 697.3; miles from Springer should read 1481.0. (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 177) Ten Mile River Lean-to water source location (correction) - The location of the water source at this lean-to is 100 feet to the southwest — 100 feet to the left when facing the lean-to — not 0.2 miles to the north. (Posted (7/7/10)
(Page 178) Fife ‘n Drum Inn and Restaurant 2010 rates and additional information (update) - Hiker rates for 2010 are $116 weekdays and $140 weekends. Rates are based on two people and include tax. Each additional person costs $25 plus tax. Call ahead on Tuesdays. More information on the Fife n’ Drum can be found at www.fifendrum.com or by emailing info@fifendrum.com. (Posted 7/9/10)
(Page 178) Starbuck Inn price change (update) - The current rates for the inn are $189D-$250D plus tax. (Posted 7/9/10)
(Page 178) Gibb House B&B closed (update) - The bed and breakfast is no longer in business. (Posted 7/9/10)
Massachusetts
(Page 189) The Egremont Inn closed due to fire (update) - The 230-year-old Egremont Inn was heavily damaged by a fire on Dec. 11 and will be closed until further notice. (Posted 12/31/09)
(Page 192) No camping at Tyringham pavilion (update) - Camping is no longer allowed at the outdoor pavilion next to the firehouse. With the permission of owner, camping is allowed in the backyard of the Cobble View B&B (no fires). (Posted 03/15/10)
VERMONT
(Page 210) GREEN Mountain House hostel (correction) - Name of this Manchester Center hostel was misspelled in Companion text. Also, add "H" in the services column for Manchester Center in the table on page 202. (Posted 03/19/10)
(Page 212) EC Crosby's and Sons sells alcohol fuel (new listing) - In the town of Danby, EC Crosby's and Sons Hardware Store sells denatured alcohol by the ounce. Store is closed on Sundays. (Posted 03/19/10)
(Page 212/213) MVRT bus serving Danby and Wallingford (new listing) - Website: www.thebus.com, (802) 773-7244. Manchester to Rutland Commuter, Monday-Saturday, $2. Danby schedule: Approximate time headed towards Manchester from Mt. Tabor Country Store, 7:05am, 9:05am, 3:50pm and 5:50pm . Leaves Brooklyn Road headed towards Rutland at 7:37am, 9:56am, 4:22pm and 6:22pm. Wallingford schedule: Approximate time headed towards Manchester from Cumberland Farms 6:53am, 8:53am, 3:38pm and 5:38pm . Leaves across the street from Cumberland Farms headed towards Rutland at 7:50am, 10:09am, 4:35pm and 6:35pm. (Posted 03/19/10)
New hampshire
(Page 226) Richard W. Black Recreation Center offers showers and laundry - Located at 48 Lebanon St., the recreation center has opened a shower and laundry facility to hikers. The cost of a shower — soap included — is $3. The cost to do a load of laundry — detergent included — is $2. The recreation center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but last call for showers and laundry is 4:30 p.m.
(Page 230) Greenhouse Restaurant in Warren (new listing) - Restaurant is open 3 PM to 11 PM on Th, F, M, and 12 PM to 11 PM on Sa and Su. Closed on Tu, W. Phone: 603-764-5708. (Posted 03/19/10)
(Page 242) Local bus service to Berlin and Walmart (new listing) - Tri-County CAP Transit runs from Gorham to Berlin, Monday-Saturday (no Sunday service). www.tccap.org, 888-997-2020. Stops at Walmart. (Posted 03/19/10)
Maine
(Page 253) North Country Inn B&B in Rangeley (new listing) - The bed and breakfast serves a three-course breakfast daily and can be reached at (207) 864-2440. Rates range from $99 to $129, with some specials in the low and off seasons. www.northcountrybb.com (Posted 06/29/10)
(Page 256) Kennebec River Ferry service (update) - Correct domain for Dave Corrigan's email address is @live.com. Specific dates/times for 2010 ferry service: May 28 to July 15, 9 to 11 am; July 16 to September 30, 9 to 11 am and 2 to 4 pm; October 1 to October 11, 9 to 11 am. (Posted 03/19/10)
(Page 260) 100-Mile Wilderness resupply (update) - Kathy Preble, local resupply provider in the 100-Mile Wilderness, reports food resupply shipped priority mail by hikers from the post office in Monson, Maine, is not reaching her before they reach their pick-up point in the 100-Mile Wilderness. She adds, it's been five to six days before she is receiving packages from Monson. (Posted 8/3/10)
(Page 270) Shuttle provider Maine Quest Adventures (new listing) - Based in Medway. Shuttle from Medway bus stop to Baxter SP (Abol Campground) or Abol Bridge (Golden Road): $55 for 2 persons, $5 each for additional persons. Will shuttle to all points in 100 Mile Wilderness, and to/from all Maine airports. Also can provide resupply drops. (207) 746-9615, or (207) 447-5011. www.mainequestadventures.com. (Posted 02/16/10)
Archived Updates for previous years
2009 Companion Updates (pdf)
2008 Companion Updates (pdf)
2007 Companion Updates (pdf)
What is the Companion?
Compiled, written, and edited for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy by volunteers of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA), the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion provides details on towns and services along the Trail. The Companion is intended for those making thru-hikes but also is valuable for those taking shorter section-hikes. You can order the current Companion from the Ultimate A.T. Store.
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