The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a world-renowned long-distance hiking trail that stretches over 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. Whether you’re a thru-hiker attempting to complete the entire trail or a section-hiker enjoying parts of it, one of the most important considerations for your journey is ensuring you have the right food and supplies along the way. While there are many towns and resupply points along the trail, planning ahead and mailing yourself packages can provide peace of mind and allow you to customize your resupply strategy. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways and places to mail food and supplies along the Appalachian Trail.
Why Mail Yourself Food and Supplies?
Mailing food and supplies ahead of time has several advantages:
- Customization: You can choose your favorite foods, snacks, and trail essentials instead of relying on what’s available at local stores.
- Cost Savings: In some remote areas, food prices can be much higher than in cities, so mailing packages allows you to control costs and avoid marked-up prices.
- Convenience: Having a package waiting for you at a town stop ensures you’ll have everything you need without wasting time searching for specific items.
- Consistency: For long-term hikers, mailing packages helps ensure that you have the same nutritious foods and snacks, which can keep your energy levels up and make the journey more enjoyable.
How to Mail Yourself Food and Supplies
When mailing supplies to yourself on the Appalachian Trail, it’s important to plan ahead. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Research Post Offices and Hostels: The AT passes through many towns and communities with post offices, hostels, and trail-oriented services that will accept packages on your behalf. It’s essential to research these locations ahead of time and ensure they will hold packages for hikers. Some hostels may also offer resupply services, allowing you to have your supplies sent directly to them.
- Choose the Right Shipping Method: Many hikers choose to use USPS (United States Postal Service) for sending packages as it offers affordable and reliable options. You can use services like Priority Mail or Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes, which are easy to track and often offer faster shipping. If you’re in a hurry, you can also opt for FedEx or UPS.
- Timing: Send your package well in advance to avoid delays, especially if you’re mailing it to a more remote location. Aim for it to arrive a few days before you plan to stop in a town to ensure it’s waiting for you when you arrive.
- Labeling: When addressing your package, make sure to clearly label it with your full name, expected arrival date, and “General Delivery” or “Hiker Box” if it’s going to a post office or hostel. Always include the AT trail town name and the zip code to avoid any confusion.
Best Towns and Places to Mail Yourself Supplies
There are several key towns and resupply points along the Appalachian Trail that are perfect for mailing food and supplies. Below are some of the best places to send packages, along with helpful tips for each location.
- Hiawassee, Georgia
Hiawassee is a popular starting point for many AT hikers, and it’s a good resupply spot early in your hike. The Post Office here accepts hiker mail, and there are nearby accommodations that will also accept packages.
- Mailing Tips: Use Priority Mail to send your first resupply package before starting your hike, as it’s a small town, and other local stores may have limited supplies.
- Franklin, North Carolina
Franklin is a resupply hub in North Carolina and is conveniently located near the Nantahala National Forest. Several businesses and hostels in Franklin offer package-receiving services.
- Mailing Tips: Franklin is an easy stop, with a variety of hostels and businesses that will accept packages for hikers. Make sure to mail your supplies early to give yourself a buffer before you arrive.
- Damascus, Virginia
Damascus, known as the “Friendliest Town on the AT,” is a popular resupply point and a common place for hikers to send their packages. There’s also a post office in town that can hold packages for you, as well as multiple trail towns that cater to hikers.
- Mailing Tips: Damascus is a well-frequented spot for AT hikers, and the Damascus Post Office will hold your packages for up to 30 days. Consider sending larger resupply packages to this location.
- Hot Springs, North Carolina
Hot Springs is another favorite stop along the trail, offering access to natural hot springs and a welcoming atmosphere. This town has a post office that regularly holds packages for hikers, along with several hostels and outdoor stores that offer resupply services.
- Mailing Tips: Hot Springs is a convenient spot for mailing larger food packages or items that may be difficult to carry. It’s recommended to mail your package with a buffer of time since deliveries might take longer during peak hiking seasons.
- Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Harpers Ferry is a popular midway point for thru-hikers and a good location for mailing resupply packages. The Harpers Ferry Post Office offers General Delivery services for AT hikers, and the town has many amenities for hikers to relax and restock.
- Mailing Tips: Harpers Ferry is ideal for sending bulkier resupply packages, as it’s located in the Shenandoah Valley, which makes it easy to stock up on supplies for the next section of the trail.
- Rutland, Vermont
As you approach the northern sections of the AT, Rutland is one of the largest towns and a perfect place to mail supplies. There are several hostels and businesses that provide resupply options for hikers.
- Mailing Tips: Rutland has several hiker-friendly businesses that will accept packages for hikers, making it one of the most convenient places for sending yourself food and supplies.
- Monson, Maine
Monson is the last major resupply town before hitting the rugged wilderness of Maine. It’s a vital stop for northbound hikers, offering access to the Shuttle Inn and Shaw’s Hiker Hostel, which accept packages.
- Mailing Tips: Monson is essential for sending your last big resupply before completing your trek. If you’re approaching the end of the trail, this is a great place to replenish your food stores for the final leg of the hike.
Other Tips for Mailing Food and Supplies
- Use Resupply Boxes: Some hikers prefer to use resupply boxes, which are pre-packed boxes of food and essentials that can be mailed ahead to different locations. Many online outdoor stores offer box packing and shipping services for hikers.
- Include Extra Items: When preparing your package, include small essentials like extra socks, toiletries, or even a surprise treat to keep your spirits high during the hike.
- Check Availability of Packages: Always confirm that the location you’re mailing to will accept your package and hold it for you. Some places may charge a fee to store your package.
Mailing food and supplies to yourself along the Appalachian Trail can make your journey smoother and more convenient. By planning ahead and choosing the right towns and hostels, you’ll be able to customize your resupply strategy and keep your pack light. From sunny Georgia to the rugged wilderness of Maine, mailing packages ensures you’ll always have the right gear, food, and snacks when you need them the most. Happy hiking!
