…Hey folks…got a question…when I start my thru-hike of the AT I plan on buying my food as I go…question…are there any places I have to have a maildrop for food?..thanks for your feedback…
Chairman
Maildrops - Appalachian Trail
system
#2
I used one at Nantahala (Bryson city is 13 miles) and the store there at the outfitter is no good. I used one in Gatlinburg, I didn’t want to carry 5-6days and I didn’t want to go looking for the store in the middle of a circus. The rest I bought along the way no prob. I used a bounce box for a while, but figured out that was a waste of money and time.
Farsang
system
#3
I never used a mail drop and was able to pick up enough food at the NOC to supplement the stuff I bought at my prior town stop two days before. This gave me more tah enough supplies to get to Fontana Dam where I was able to resupply in the village. This would have been a good place to have a mail box because the store was expensive and selection limited as I remember. Resupply was never a problem for me. I did top off my supplies anytime I came near a store and sometime had to settle for some crappy food. As your hike progresses you will get very good at estimating your supplies and town stops.
Big B
system
#5
NOC sometimes has a generous hiker box (they keep it upstairs at the Outfitter - be sure to ask for it). Although you can’t rely on this, you can always pack out some take out food from the excellent river-side restaurant & suppliment the restaurant food with snacks purchased at the Outfitter. Its only a couple of days from NOC to Fontana, so it really isn’t a big deal to “risk” it here. Another option, if the food doesn’t work out @ NOC is to hitch the mile or two downriver to the local store.
Happy trails!
freebird
system
#6
In 2007 the NOC opened a little store near the office, across the street from the outfitter. They had a bit more normal food there, so resupply should be easier. I assume it’ll be open in 2008, too.
Five-Leafed Clover