The town of Hot Springs, North Carolina would not be the same without the AT. The small town of 600 people rely on hikers to stop in town and stimulate the economy. Hot Springs has over 70 places to stay from a wide range of prices. The town has services that are designed specifically with hikers in mind and show their appreciation with their annual Trailfest. Businesses that would not be able to sustain themselves with the limited number residents in town are thriving because of the thousands of hikers that come to the town each year. The economy of Hot Springs is heavily reliant on the trail and over 38% of the industry in Hot Springs is in direct response to the AT. Hot Springs is a place where two different communities come together to support one another. The town could not survive without the hikers and the hiker’s trip would be far less enjoyable if it weren’t for the hospitality and services that Hot Springs’ supplies.  

Visit Hot Springs: https://www.hotspringsnc.org/about/welcome-center/