Page 37 - SMH 2018 3rd edition

Many have sacrificed jobs, homes, and sometimes relationships to commit
to the 5-6 months it takes to hike the trail. Carrying all they need to survive

on their backs may seem carefree, but the cost of gear, lodging in town,
shuttles, and food can add up and cause great stress.

Many towns along the way are hiker friendly and offer cheap or free

shuttles, reasonably priced hostels, and many opportunities for resupply.
Shuttles are crazy expensive and often limited, and the lodging prices often

do not fit anywhere into a thru hiker budget.

Two years ago, after my first experience with trail magic, I made it my
mission to show as much love to as may thru hikers as I could. Since then I

have been a shuttle, helped resupply, and help find cheap and free lodging.
And I have done none of it alone. From friends donating their homes, to
helping with resupply and shuttles, my heart has been more and more

blessed with each thru hike season. It is amazing to see how generous our
Smoky Mountain hiking community truly is. I am currently planning my own

thru hike, and I know now what I want to do when I am finished. Start a
business that focuses solely on helping thru hikers coming through the
Smokies. It is desperately needed.

If you are ever find yourself around Clingmans Dome
or Newfound Gap between March and May, and you
see someone carrying a large pack, looking weary yet

hopeful, go over and introduce yourself and see what
you can do to help them on their journey. While you

are going to be their angel, I PROMISE you are the one
who will walk away feeling blessed. And if you need to
know how to start being a trail angel, find me, and to-

gether we can make a difference in someone’s journey.
Let’s share with others what you and I already know;
the Smokies are the most magical place on earth and so

are the folks that live here in them.

Photographs courtesy of Jessica Grooms

37 Smoky Mountain Hiker