hello folks- i am a farmer in western n.c. and am toying around with the idea of a farm/hostel near the trail, and am looking for location suggestions. where are most hikers during the summer (growing) season? ideally the farm would be located near a small-to-mid size town, and easily accessible to hikers. also, somewhere with somewhat reliable rainfall. any suggestions or comments?
cmartin
Not so sure Hanover is the best option here. Hanover is a great trail town–lots of good eats, good resupply options, and shelters close by (5.8 miles to the south and 1.5 to the north.) Not to mention that real estate prices aren’t that cheap in Hanover and there is always the Fraternity house allowing hikers to crash in the basement for free (at least in 2005.) Also, there is a pretty well-known hiker in that town who has been known from time-to-time to offer his backyard and (vast) knowledge to those in need. If I were you, I’d look somewhere in Virginia or PA instead. Cheaper real estate, longer growing season, and more needy, frustrated hikers searching for a shower, good grub, and some uplifting camaraderie. And I think there’s some pretty reliable rainfall there, as well.
Cheers,
Wildcat
GA->ME 05
Wildcat
Since most hikers try to be past Harpers Ferry by July 1, I’d say it needs to be somewhere in Pa, NJ, NY, CT, or Mass. If you are looking for June, then try northern VA. Catawba VA used to have a hostel, but the owner sold. That’s a good place to have one (between Dragon’s tooth and McAfee).
Red Hat
If you could tell us what you’re growing, and what the growing season is for those crop(s), we could tell you where the largest number of hikers are likely to be at that time.
Skyline
Not all hikers are drug addicts. Thanks bu no thanks troll.
What about a hostel about mid-way through the 100 mile wilderness. I’m sure you would get plenty of visiters there.
LOL.
bdavison
Maybe if the world smoked more pot, there would be less WAR.
Setting up a hostel - farm would trash the 100 mile wilderness, more then it already is.
Lets just kill all the indians while we are at it.
I am sure Maine has a long growing season
Sex, Drugs & Rock n Roll !!!No War!!!
ya-
wow!!! i’m really blown away with all of the helpful suggestions…thanks! i run a small csa garden right now, and the harvest season is from the beginning of june to late october, but really peaks mid-july to late august, so that window, if it could coincide with hikers coming through would be nice, but if that puts me in higher elevation, and higher latitude, i’m sure that would change those dates as well. i’m looking for 100-200 acres, so somewhat affordable land is important, as well.
cmartin
I wonder if ATC might have suggestions. It is possible they know of land available with AT easement. I suspect there is property tax credits available for property with conservation easements. Just and idea.
Gabby Art