Business and Economy
Since Hot Springs only has about 600 residents, the town’s businesses rely heavily on hikers to purchase their goods. Stores that specifically cater to hikers, and the outdoors in general, began to pop up when more hikers started to show up.
Bluff Mountain Outfitters, opened in 1997 by Daniel Gallagher and Wayne Crosby, is the go-to store for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The store has gear, snacks, guides, and everything you need to resupply and be ready to take on the remaining miles of trail. Gallagher says that in the spring he sees about 12 thru-hikers every day and that September and October are also two of the busiest months of the year for them.3 Hot Springs also has many dining options including the Smoky Mountain Diner which specializes in serving up warm food to hikers who have been stuck on the trail eating cliff bars.
The economy of Hot Springs relies heavily on tourism brought on by the AT. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2017, retail trade, accommodation and food services, and arts, entertainment, and recreation accounted for 38.57% of Hot Springs’ employment by industry (See Chart).4 Those three industries which make up almost 40% of the towns entire economy are a direct result of the AT. The AT allows the small rural town of Hot Springs, North Carolina to thrive in retail and industries associated with lodging. Other rural towns that lack the attractions that Hot Springs has simply would not be able to survive with retail being nearly a third of its economy. The AT and the thru-hikers it brings, as well as the weekend hikers who want to see the breathtaking view of lover’s leap or just want to see one of the “truest trail towns on the trail” all come to Hot Springs and stimulate the economy.