I am planning on re-supplying in Franklin, NC I’ve read in my guide book that packages aren’t accepted there. Is the grocery store easy to get to from the trail? Is it big enough so that I wouldn’t have to worry about not finding the food I need?
Also, any suggestions as far as hostels/ motels/ hotels in Franklin go?
Thanks,
KBG
KBG
Haven’s Budget Inn is the place to go. Ron will help you out with shuttles and information about resupply. The town has everything you need, but it’s kind of spread out so vehicle transport is helpful.
Five-Leafed Clover
I’m planning a resupply in Franklin as well. Where does it say packages are not excepted? My 2007 AT thru-hikers companion lists two motels that will hold packages as will the PO.
bycorley
I got my mail at the Franklin PO but it was a ways away from the hotel. Luckily the ride I got into town was kind enough to drive me all over to go to the PO, stop at the grocery store, the outfitter and go to the hotel. I stayed at the Franklin Moter Court I believe the name was and they had free fuel that someone had left there. In all i would say that Franklin had everything I needed including tons of trail magic.
Big B
paw-ee and i decided last year('06) to just hike on through franklin (in '03 we got our drop at the outfitters and stayed at the motel beside the shoney’s there which has AYCE)…this past year, however we just thought it wasn’t worth the trouble to bother with a hitch into town… and it it sort of “spread out” there (as clover said)…we just did the 4 1/2 days from the blueberry patch (lenny and gary hold packages and it’s a GREAT hostel!)over to NOC at wesser to resupply again at the outfitters on the river there…wesser, we think is a better place perhaps to relax, especially if you get there a little later in the year (restaurants weren’t open yet when we came through in february in '06 and ‘03)…we sure did enjoy a real nice stay at the motel, though (across the river there)…it’s more like “chalets”…you could hear the river!..very nice…much better than time spent in franklin (we think)…we awoke fresh and ready to tackle that incredible climb (nobo)up to beautiful cheoah bald…(shoot!..i’m makin’ myself homesick for the trail!..it’s not like i don’t ALREADY have a major case of springer fever!)
maw-ee
franklin’s a good Trail town. definitely go with Haven’s Budget Inn. his free shuttle is at the trailhead twice a day, so you can call him and figure out when (particularly in the morning) he’s going to be up there so you can get a ride in. he’ll take your maildrops and his place usually has a pretty sweet hiker box, too.
0101
I spent a LOT of time in Franklin on my 2006 hike, and can’t recommend Haven’s highly enough. I had one minor illness requiring medical treatment, then about 4 days later had a major illness that nearly required hospitalization and left me laid up in Franklin for about 2 weeks. They were great with shuttles all over town and and from the Trail, plus they will do slackpacking for you if that’s your thing. Great people! They will hold your maildrop for you…
granny franny
Although it’s been said several times, can’t reccomend the Haven enough. We stayed there for five days in 05 slackpacking out of Ron’s place due to illness and bad weather. Ron is absolutely great.
flyingturtle