For 100 years, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has been protecting and stewarding the longest hiker-only trail in the world (2,198.4 miles to be exact) — which runs right through our backyard. To celebrate its centennial, the conservancy has highlighted festivals across the trail this summer, including in our neck of the woods this weekend in Hot Springs.
Formerly known as Trailfest, this year, the annual bash is called by Town and Trail Festival because it’s not just the AT being celebrated. It also marks the grand reopening of downtown Hot Springs after Helene devastated the community. This Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, participate in volunteer cleanups, sing campfire ballads, compete in the duck race, and support local businesses. Every dollar of proceeds from the festival will be donated to Rebuild Hot Springs.
If you’re eager to hit the trail, check out these AT day hikes near Asheville.
