In a couple weeks I will be hiking NB and my wife will pick me up in the vicinity of the AT intersection with I-26 in NC/TN, Sams Gap. Does anybody know the best spot to get picked up? Is there foot access to the I-26 rest area at the boarder? Or should I wait along Rt 23?
wkriesel
The AT crosses under I-26 where US 23 goes under I-26 South of the NC,TN State line. There is a place to pull off on the east side of the interstate that would be a great place to park.
The easiest way to get there is to go to the First NC exit (which name or number I can’t remember) go east of the freeway and then north about 5 miles to the crossing. Have a great hike!
Plant Dude
It’s the WOlf Laurel Exit (#7, I think) in N.C. When the off-ramp road ends it "T"s into 19/23 (I think). Make a left and travel about five or six miles. You’ll see the pull off that plant dud was referring to just under the overpass for 26.
Moonshadow
When you come off the trail at Sams Gaps hang a right on the old 19/23… hardly any traffic so a hitch is hard but it is mostly down hill. Go 3 miles to just past the Wolf Laurel exit ramp to the Wolf Creek Market. Seriously good ribs and a nice place to wait for a ride.
Miss Janet
I too am planning to thru hike to 2014. If they wont give me a 6 month leave from work, I will retire.
nospringchicken