Trail Fest 2007

[Trail Majic]

4/28/07 it was great

[General]

Trailfest

Hot Springs, N.C. (April 1st, 2008) — After hiking 270 miles through wind, snow, rain and sleet, springtime in Hot Springs is the perfect spot for a rest. Those making the adventurous trek to Maine have a treat waiting for them in the first town the Appalachian Trail runs through as they hike north.

On the weekend of April 25 -27, thru-hikers will have a chance to step out of their nomadic journey for a weekend and rejuvenate with normal town activities such as showering, doing laundry and dining in. “Trailfest” brings other amenities for hikers, travelers, tourists, and neighboring communities: listening to the live music of Appalachia, tasting the offerings from a chili cook-off, seeing Scottish dancing, participating in the world-famous duck race and visiting with key note speaker, Jeff Alt. Alt is best known as an author and motivational speaker. His award winning book, “Walking for Sunshine,” is a motivational tale of his adventures thru-hiking along the Appalachian Trail; he is also the author of a book about recovering from a loved one’s suicide.

The free festival will showcase musicians Eliza Lynn, Allen Darveaux, Butter Holler String Band, Bee and Boo, Vollie McKenzie, and more on Saturday. While enjoying the mountain music and jazz, visitors and residents can tour the local arts-and-crafts vendors as well as booths set up by local and regional organizations, such as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Hot Springs is a town surrounded by natural resources that pull travelers in from all over the world. Pisgah National Forest, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the French Broad River and nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park all provide adventure without emptying your wallet.

Huck Finn Rafting will provide such an opportunity while allowing you to give back to those natural gems, by offering a whitewater rafting/clean-up trip down the French Broad River. If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and do your part to pick up trash, Huck Finn will provide you with a trip down the river plus breakfast and lunch. Meet at 9:00am Friday at Huck Finn Rafting for a full day of hard work and fun. For registration and further details on trip length, contact Huck Finn Rafting at 877-520-4658 or visit www.huckfinnrafting.com on the web.

Information on Trailfest and Hot Springs can be found at www.hotspringsnc.org.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a volunteer-based, private, nonprofit organization dedicated for more than 80 years to the conservation of the 2,176-mile Appalachian Trail, so that it will forever remain a simple footpath, within a protected greenway, along the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine.

or click on this site http://www.hotspringsnc.org/frameset.php?MenuName=Home