Hot Springs, North Carolina was officially designated a trail community on April 24, 2010 by the ATC. However, decades before that the town has been aiding thru hikers on their journey to traverse the over 2000 miles of trail from Georgia to Maine as well as hikers who just want to get into the wilderness for the weekend. The town has responded to the surplus of hikers with multiple hotels and other lodging as well as unique amenities and stores to that cater to the hikers and ultimately make their hike easier and more enjoyable.