With the rising popularity of backpacking and the AT in general, Hot Springs developed several unique features to deal with the rising thru-hiker population. One example of Hot Springs adapting to the rise in hikers is special shelving units they outfitted their post office with. The shelves are for hikers that have gear shipped to them along the way or for hikers that want to shed some heavy gear they won’t be using anymore.  

Although thru-hikers make up a large portion of visitors coming to Hot Springs the town also does well with hikers looking to just spend a couple days on the trail. Daniel Gallagher and Wayne Crosby, the two owners of Bluff Mountain Outfitters, also operate a shuttle service that takes hikers from town up into the mountains for one dollar a mile. This allows hikers to go up the mountain and hike a few days back into town. Lover’s Leap is one of the most scenic locations on the trail and is only 2.6 miles from Hot Springs. The hike up is grueling but many find it worth it to snap a picture from the top overlooking the French Broad River.  

The town understands the importance of the AT to their economic success and are very grateful for it. One way of showing their appreciation is the town’s Trailfest. Trailfest is an annual event held every April since 1995 to celebrate the AT and the outdoors. The festival usually lasts an entire weekend and is filled with games, food, music, and even guest speakers to educate people about the AT and show appreciation for it and the people of the town who help hikers get through it.  

Whether it be outfitting the post office with special shelves, providing shuttle services up the mountain, or even putting on a festival to celebrate the trail and all it has to offer, the residents of Hot Springs have shown they can adapt to what the trail brings them. Hot Springs knows the importance of the AT and the people that come to town and spend money just because of it.