AT Thru-Hiker Resources at NOC

Thru-Hiker Services

As a mainstay along the Appalachian Trail, we have the privilege each spring and fall of welcoming thru-hikers at our Wesser, NC campus, as well as our Gatlinburg, TN store. Whether you need a quick break, a resupply, a full meal, or a hot shower, NOC has a multitude of ways to assist and welcome you.

Meals
River's End Restaurant - As you stop through our Wesser, NC campus, be sure and save some time for a meal at the legendary River's End Restaurant - voted some of the best pizza on the trail! Open for lunch/dinner in fall and winter, and breakfast/lunch/dinner in spring and summer, you'll enjoy a great view of the river from every seat. From burgers to salads and great local beer, this stop is sure to satisfy the thru-hiker hunger.

Wesser General Store - (Wesser, NC campus) Open March-October, the General Store features snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine and select trail meals (e.g. Ramen, Mountain House, Pop-Tarts, etc)

Mail Services
Wesser, NC - Pick up mail drops at the Outfitter's Store with a picture ID. Please send all mail to: NOC, 13077 Hwy 19W, Bryson City, NC 28713, with the note: “Hold for AT Hiker, ETA dd/mm.” If you’d like to forward/send any mail, our Outfitter’s Store can forward via UPS, or visit the Guest Relations Office inside the Stonehouse to send mail via USPS or FedEx (GRO hours vary by season, so check in advance).

Gatlinburg, TN - Pick up mail drops at NOC Gatlinburg with a picture ID. Please send all mail to: NOC Gatlinburg, 1138 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, with the note: “Hold for AT Hiker, ETA dd/mm.” Store staff can forward/send mail via UPS, and can help direct you to local USPS services.

Lodging
Available at our Wesser, NC location. Basecamp (hostel-style) lodging is available for $17/night + tax. Advance reservations are recommended. Book by calling 800.232.7238. Visit our Lodging Page for full details, including cabin options and our pet policy. If checking in or booking on-site, visit the General Store or Guest Relations Office in the Stonehouse during business hours. After hours, vist River's End for lodging details and check-ins.

Please note that no camping is available on NOC property, but there are two AT tenting sites nearby: Rufus Morgan Shelter (0.8 mile South of NOC), Grassy Gap (3.1 miles North of NOC).

Shuttles
Wesser, NC - Shuttles to Bryson City (grocery services, etc) are available on a limited basis. Our Outfitter's Store staff loves to help out when possible, but shuttles must be arranged with them as they are available. A day or 6 hours notice is preferred. Shuttles generally available in the morning or evening, and a small gas donation is encouraged.

Newfound Gap-Gatlinburg, TN - Shuttles to and from Newfound Gap to our store at the entrance to GSMNP and the City of Gatlinburg are provided free of charge during the spring thru-hiker season. Shuttles are provided 2-3 times a day at specific times from mid-March through May. Call the store for details - 865.277.8209.

Showers
Wesser, NC - Shower/towel use is included with all paid lodging. Not staying overnight with us? Pay by quarter showers are available in a select restroom/shower station on campus.

Gatlinburg, TN - If you are resupplying in town or utilizing our shuttle from Newfound Gap, stop in our store and take advantage of our staff showers. Towels and soap are available for purchase if needed.

Laundry
Pay washers and dryers are available at NOC’s Basecamp facility at our Wesser, NC location only. Quarters and laundry detergent are available for purchase at the Outfitter’s Store.

Gear & Supplies
Visit our Outfitter's Store in Wesser, NC or NOC Gatlinburg in TN. Need gear assistance? Our store staff has a combined 50,000 trail miles under their belts, and we're happy to help. We're fully stocked with backpacking necessities, technical apparel, AT maps, stove fuel, trail snacks and more. Be sure and check out our line of specialty ultralight backpacking options like ULA backpacks, MontBell insulation, alcohol stoves, Pocket Profiles from AntiGravity Gear and more. Staff can also help with minor gear repairs, or assist you in contacting manufacturers for warranty issues and major gear problems.

Pack Shakedowns
Need to lighten your load? Our Outfitter's Store resident thru-hikers (in Wesser, NC) are happy to conduct a shakedown of your backpack, providing tips and tricks for packing your gear, as well as significantly reducing your pack weight. Because shakedowns require at least 30 mins of individual attention, please schedule with our Outfitter's Store staff in advance by calling 828.488.7230 (ask for Alpine).

Annual NOC AT & Hiker Festival
With great music, incredible speakers, tons of gear giveaways and more, we had a BLAST out our inaugural event in 2011. Join us again for our celebration of the AT and hiking April 6-7, 2012. Visit our event page for details on the 2011 event, with 2012 details coming soon!

Thru-Hiker Comprehensive Planning Clinics

Free Planning * Pack Shakedowns * Gear Discounts

Planning an upcoming thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail? Join our resident thru-hikers for a FREE detailed planning clinic to help you prepare for the journey of a lifetime!  We'll cover recommended gear & gear lists, food & resupply planning, maps, common mistakes, FAQ and more. Clinics will be led by Jimmy "Alpine" Ingram (NOBO 2000) with help from AJ "Applejuice" Tobey (SOBO 2010) and Doug "Bravefriend" Wright (NOBO 2006) - with 10s of 1000s of trail miles between them.

Alpine, a favorite among thru-hikers, will perform his famous pack shakedowns during the clinics. Be sure to bring your backpack and any gear you already have so he and the team can offer packing tips and tricks, while helping lighten your load for the 2,183 mile trip ahead.

Still in the market for your gear? We'll offer special day-of sales and discounts on gear for all clinic attendees.

2012 CLINIC DETAILS

Area Lodging for Clinic Attendees
Lodging, showers and other facilities are available on-site. Visit our lodging page for details on our hostel-style (Basecamp) options, as well as our Inn and Cabin lodging. Call 800.232.7238 to book. Please note there is another on-site event January 14 and lodging will book quickly. There are other area hotels and primitive camping around Bryson City available as well.

Restaurant Options
NOC's own River's End Restaurant will be open 11am - 7pm everyday. Stop in while you're here for a warm meal or coffee. If you'll be staying closer to Bryson City (~15 miles from NOC), there are a few restaurant options open til 8pm.

Questions
If you have any questions about the Thru-Hiker Clinics, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .