Something that I have thought about doing at different times is a blog about some of my favorite places on the Appalachian Trail (AT).
Places like stores, hostels and anything else. Some I might have a lot of pictures for and others not so much. So, what place will get the honor of being the first to get featured? Well, it is the most part store, part hostel, the only place the AT actually goes through? If you guessed the trail icon Mountain Crossing then you would be right.
While you can find out more about Mountain Crossing in the book Just Passin' Thru it is located at Neel Gap the AT literally goes through the building, the only place over the entire 2,000-mile length of the trail. The building that houses the outfitters, known as the Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s.
It didn’t become an outfitter store until 1983 and it is now an oasis for hikers just starting there trek north on the AT. It is also famous for its shakedowns, where the staff (all hikers) gives advice to thru-hikers on how to lighten their loads for their trip to Katahdin in Maine. For the day hiker or people just passing through it offers some great AT related gifts and souvenirs.
There is also a hiker hostel, with bunks and showers for weary trail travelers. Oh, and I almost forgot from their deck is a wonderful mountain vista. there is also a tree full of shoes of hikers. It is not just a store but it is also a hostel. It is the large building to the left that has bunks and showers. Plus you can get shuttles even if you don't stay. You don't even need to be a hiker to enjoy this wonderful place.
