There are some great resupply lists (Baltimore Jack, etc.) out there that recommend where to resupply. Does anyone know if most/all of them remain open during winter months?
I’m assuming regular food stores, gas stations, etc. do remain open. But what about hostels, outfitters, etc.? Are they on reduced hours? Does anyone know of a “winter hours” list for these places?
JAWS
Post Offices are handy for winter time as they keep the same schedule as always, but still are closed on sundays. I’d have to assume most AT outfitters are open yr round and keep regular hours. You’d probably be able to find dates of operation for hostels in the Handbook or Companion. The best thing to do would be to call ahead of time and ask if you could send a package to them. Off the top of my head, the Hike Inn, Fontana Village, Miss Janets, Kincorra, Holy Family in Pearisburg, the Place in Damascus etc. are all open year round (I think). The mid-atlantic and northern hostels would probably mostly be closed in winter, especially since there aren’t many of them operating anyway. I’m pretty sure the Gorham hostels close for winter. Andovers hostels I don’t know about, but I do believe the Shaws in Monson are yr round since they cater to hunters, snowmobilers and fishermen
A-Train
Now that i’m thinkin, Neels Gap, NOC and Standing Bear are also yr rounders I believe…
A-Train
Many thanks A-Train.
In the past I’ve used the post offices for winter mail drops. However, recently there has been talk about Fontana and others being closed down doe to slow business. Probably just the rumor meal, though.
JAWS
We came through Fontana Village towards the end of March this year, and the store was not yet open. We had to get a ride to the next town (+30 min away) to resupply. Happily, the cafeteria was open. Had we been a couple days earlier, that would’ve been closed as well. There was also a gas station, but it had real slim pickins - only short short term resupply. Which of course is not that convenient, heading into the Smokies, where you need longish term resupply.
camera1
Hiker’s Paradise is open all year. In winter many people use them as a base for the various winter activities in the Presies.
When I did Mt. Washnington in winter, it was open. There was also an AMC (I believe) avalanche class staying there for the weekend.
For breakfast the following day Hiker’s Paradise made my friends and I some delcious chocolate chip pancakes. They put whipped cream in the shape of a boot and snow, the chocolate chips were in the “soles” of the boots. Nice touch!
Three AMC huts are also open in the winter: Lonsome Lake, Zeeland Falls, Carter Notch. Gray Knob and Crag Camp are huts that are administered by the Randolph Mountain Club in the northern Presies just off the AT. The AMC huts and and RMC huts aren’t hostels obviously, but good to know if you are winter trekking in the Presies. Naturally, be prepared if winter trekking in the Presies!
Mags