AT Thru-Hiker Hot Meal

“Hey guys just wanted to any info or experience anyone had on providing hot meals for thru-hikers along the AT. I work with a Jr High scouting group that is just getting into backpacking. We're always looking for community service opportunities such as trail work etc., but I thought it would be great opportunity for these guys to talk with some of the most interesting folks on earth, thru hikers. Were interested in feeding the most hikers possible within a weekend and/or provide food for those hikers most needy by their location on the trail. Our travel range would be from GA to northern TN. Any info would be much appreciated.”

“Check out Crash Bang's Trail Magic thread. Also, hop on over to Whiteblaze and check that site out if you haven't already.

Hot lunches are great but thru-hikers will appreciate any sort of trail magic you can give.”

“To be honest, the trail work has a lot more real value.

For a while after our thruhike we did trail magic. We found the thruhikers had received so much by the time they reached NOVA and PA they stopped caring about it any more. Some came to expect it as their right. Others were just bored by it. (Though they never turned down the goodies.) We switched to trail work instead and never looked back.

Trouble with doing a hot meal is that hikers come in waves - sometimes there are days between groups of hikers. You may end up hitting such a void. Having a cooler full of cold drinks and fruit can avoid the problem of what do you do with 20 lbs of hamburger meat. Sodas keep. When I was hiking what I most appreciated receiving was fresh fruit and juice. Baked goods (cookies and brownies) were also appreciated. A meal that required sitting for a couple of hours was sometimes good (if the weather was fine) and sometimes would not have been enjoyed (when the weather is bad or if you have a lot of miles to do.) I ran into groups of picnickers in June/July who shared food with us - I enjoyed the salads and fruit and desserts most of all. The people were cool too.”