Page 36 - SMH 2018 3rd edition

by Jessica Grooms

Charles Dickens once wrote, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” Two years
ago this was just a really nice quote… now it is my passion and my mission.

Early each spring, hundreds of hopeful thru hikers strap on heavy packs and take their first steps on the Appala-

chian Trail in Springer Mountain, Georgia, embarking on their 5-6 month, 2,190 mile journey northward to-
wards Mt. Katahdin in Maine. By the time they reach Clingmans Dome roughly 3 weeks into their journey, they
have hiked exactly 200 miles and gained a grueling 6,000 plus feet in elevation. The section from Fontana Dam

to Clingmans is not easy, so by the time they reach the pavement leading to the tower, they are mentally and
physically spent. They are ready for a warm, hearty meal, clean clothes, and somewhere to refill their bodies,

packs, and minds.

Eagerly they stand in the parking lot at Clingmans Dome (or
Newfound Gap if they have chosen to hike the 8 miles down to

that parking area) in the hopes and anticipation that someone
will offer to drive them the 30 minutes into Gatlinburg.

My adventures began with Cool Hand and Bones in April of

2016 as I was hiking the AT northbound up to Clingmans Dome.
The moment I met them at Silars Bald shelter, the three of us
became fast friends. Hiking up to Clingmans I offered to give

them a ride into Gatlinburg to resupply and rest. The relief on
their dirty, weary faces said it all...they were experiencing Smoky Mountain Trail Magic. They were grateful and

I was blessed with making two new friends. Later telling friends and family what I had done, most were ap-
palled that I would place two strange men, who had not bathed in about 6 days, and who were obviously larger
and stronger than me, into my car. But I never thought twice. It was just the right thing to do.

Upon first glance, some might label them as hobos, loafers, or
lazy. But that could not be further from the truth. These are men
and women from every walk of life. Lawyers, Doctors, Mothers,

Fathers, young and old. Some even come from other countries
just to hike the AT and experience all its splendor. They are out to

test their endurance all while walking through the most beautiful
places you can’t get to by car. Photographs courtesy Jessica Grooms

36 Smoky Mountain Hiker