Hot Springs, North Carolina was officially designated a trail community on April 24, 2010. However, decades before the designation, Hot Springs was 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. This exhibit is intended to showcase how a community came together to change their small town on a river into an oasis for hikers that are on the trail for the weekend or the entire 2000 plus mile journey.