Merlefest - Appalachian Trail

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#1

I was up in Wilkes county NC this past saturday for Merlefest and had an awesome time. I was just wondiring if any of you guys ever get to go. It’s not too far from the AT, and not really all that far from Damascus or Roan Mountain. For those who don’t know, it’s a four day Country/folk/bluegrass/rock/raggae/zydeco music festival in Honor of Doc Watson’s son Merle who was tragiclly killed in a farm tractor accident in 1985. I have wanted to go for years, and finally got to go this Past Saturday. It was the best day of music I have ever been to. 13 stages, something going on the ENTIRE time I was there. I highly recommend taking a zero day and going next year if you are going to be on the trail or in the area.

Cheese Dog

#2

Many thru-hikers go to Merlefest. I went the first time during my ‘01 AT hike, and have been every year since. For past hikers looking for that “trail magic” feeling, Merlefest is a great place to be around incredible people and the best damn pickin’ on earth. The music really works to produce a similar feeling of goodness that nature provides on the trail.

Island Mama and I camp every year with a group of thru-hikers. This year I was lucky enough to see Wink (AT '01), Six String (AT '97), Toast (AT '01), Luna (AT '01), Ishmael (triple crown) again and was honored to meet Warren Doyle for the first time.

I hope to see more thru’s there in the future. Hint: get a volunteer job from www.merlefest.org

Tha Wookie

#3

I had the pleasure of going several years while I was in college nearby in Boone, NC and managed to make it during my hike in '02. Had a fantastic time, but have been less inclined to go the past couple of years due to the crowds. That was one of the less enjoyable parts in '02. There were SO many more people than past years, and it just felt a little too cramped. How was it this past weekend? Have the crowds diminished after the hype of “O brother?” I hate that I missed Gillian, too :oh

Cap’n

#4

I wish that I could have been there; I love blue grass, etc music. I just heard (front page of my local paper) that some local singers “Mike And Amy Finders band” won 1st place in a songwriters contest @ Merlefest. I hope that you all that went had fun! :cheers

RBG