Franklin nc - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

Im stoping in Franklin for resupply. I have been reading my thru hikers hand book on different places to stay and resupply. What hotel or motel is the best out of all the listings? Best resupply,shuttles,
TY

SmokeEater

#2

You already have an excellent source for information about Franklin, NC. As far as “best” that is subjective. Franklin is hiker friendly town and you should have no problem hitching to and from the trail. Day hikers at Winding Stair Gap go out there way to help fllow hikeers if they see your pack. If you choose to stay at one of Ron Haven’s motels, he provides free shuttles to and from the trail. I sent a maildrop of supplies to Ron Haven’s Budget Inn. However, I did need a few additional food items and found Franklin a little spread out for a weary hiker. My “nero” day included almost 5 miles of walking around downtown Franklin.

You can get a lot of advice from Trail Forums, but remember to “Hike Your Own Hike”. Trust your own instincts, that is part of the adventure.

Steamer

Steamer

Tom Moylan

#3

I totally agree with what Tom has said. I completed a Amicalola Falls - Franklin section hike over the summer. Hitching is pretty easy from Winding Stairs Gap. However, if you would like a confirmed ride into town definately give Ron Haven a call.Just give him at least a couple days notice. He will personally pick you up for free or send someone else (usually his buddy Tom which has thru hiked the AT and very knowledgable about hiking and Franklin) if he is busy or out of town. He will also give you a ride back to the trail. The Budget Inn has very reasonable rates, laundry, etc. You can check out the website for exact rates. If you stay at his Budget Inn, you will most definately be walking for food but not far. There is a chain steak/bbq restaurant and Mexican AYCE restaurant within a half mile of the hotel. I ate at both and they are reasonably priced. There is also a little place called the Rathskellar about a quarter mile in the opposite direction. Very unique place. Specializes in microbrew beers (nice treat if thats your thing), homemade sandwiches, pretzels/baked goods, and coffee. Owners are very, very courteous and hiker friendly. As the resupply goes, there isn’t an outfitter or grocery store within ‘reasonable’ walking distance.

Hope you find this helpful. Enjoy Franklin and most importantly ‘the dirt underneath your feet’.

Rooster

#4

Coming on the 4 lane from Winding Stairs, you will find a shopping center on your right which includes Ingles Supermarket, K Mart + several others. Just up from that at the 441 interchange, 3 Eagles Outfitters is acroos the road.

boquack

#5

I arrived in Franklin mid May, the tail end of trhr-hiker season. Ron only offered one trip each way to the trail, which is reasonable for the number of hikers as compared to earlier in the season. There was no mention of shuttling around town, so I walked. I used a maildrop because I heard that some supplies could be low or out. I wanted to “guarantee” that I had food that I liked and was semi-healthy. I did see the K-Mart and the supermarket, but I had hitched a ride and was to shy to ask for them to stop. I found the stores near the Budget Inn to be limited in “good” hiker food.

Tom Moylan

#6

When in Franklin you MUST get to Fat Buddies BBQ for some of the best food you’ll ever get- when my son thru-hiked the AT in '04 he ate the “pig out for two” by himself- a real accomplishment. It’s located in the same shopping area as Loewes and K Mart. We vacation nearby every summer and eating at Fat Buddies is always an important stop for a couple of meals! Happy hiking!

A hiker’s mom

#7

SmokeEater,

There is no doubt about it, Ron Haven has been a friend to the hiking community for years now. He is a nice a man as they come and really goes the extra mile to assist and help hikers. Don’t pass up on a chance to stay at the Budget Inn or Saphire. He has a good hiker rate and does all he can do to make hikers feel welcome and make sure thier needs are met. He plays a mean banjo too! On the AT he is one of the nicest and rliable people I have ever met.
Best to you on your hike !

KTR

#8

Ron Haven is the man to help you out while in Franklin. His two motels are priced right for hikers. Since Franklin is spread out, there is a shuttle bus that will take you to places to eat and to resupply. When your stay in town is complete, he has a shuttle back to the trail. He has been known to throw a pretty good hiker bash if you hit the town just right during hiking season. Ron will fill you in on trail conditions, local history and a great deal more. Don’t miss this stop.

swamp dawg

#9

friends,
Thanks very much for your compliments on Me,Budget Inn & Sapphire Inn of Franklin,Happy Holidays and God Bless to all.

Ron Haven