AT Founder's Bridge Festival
April 6-7, 2012

These Boots are Made for Walkin'

The 2,181+ mile-long Appalachian Trail is perhaps America’s most beloved footpath. The AT crosses the Nantahala along NOC's Founder's Bridge, right here at our Wesser Campus - a popular spot for hikers to rest up for the challenging climb ahead.

Put on your boots, bring your friends, and join us to celebrate this historic trail. Day hikers, long distance warriors, and outdoor enthusiasts alike are welcome to share their passion with like-minded folks. Enjoy trail-steeped speakers sharing their experiences, a vendor village staffed by industry representatives, skills clinics, as well as some great product giveaways and door prizes and live music nightly.

Trail Maintenance Hike

Saturday morning, give the AT a hand at a trail maintenance work trip hosted by the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. Long pants, closed-toe shoes and work gloves are recommended. Bring water and snacks. Participants will be entered to win a Silky arborists' saw, courtesy of SherrillTree.

To sign up, or if you have questions about the trail maintenance trip, please contact Bob Williams, Smoky Mountains Hiking Club Trail Maintainer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

AT Conservancy Fundraiser

Help support the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's mission: "to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come."

1% of all Outfitter's Store sales April 6-7 will be donated to the ATC. Join us in supporting this worthy organization - doing the most good over 2,181+ miles and 14 states!

Presentations, Book Signings & More

This year, we gladly welcome back Jennifer Pharr Davis as she shares a presentation about a lifetime on the trail, including her most recent AT Speed Record Hike, and signs copies of her book Becoming Odyssa. Other speakers you won't want to miss include renowned backcountry guide Patrick Warren and Bill Walker, author of books on the AT, PCT, Camino de Santiago and more. This year, in addition to speakers, we'll be hosting some must-take Wilderness Survival skills clinics, an edible plants hike with a local botanist and certified outdoor leader, and an exciting packraft demo and head-to-head race from Alpacka Rafts on the Nantahala River! (Be sure to bring a change of clothes so you can jump in and join the fun.)

Outfitter's Store Hours April 6-7

Live Music, Dancing & Bonfires

Hang out at The Pourover Pub Friday and Saturday evening as we kick off this season's live music series. Friday night will feature contra dancing and live music with Charlotte Crittenden and "Swinging on a Gate," of Brasstown, NC and the renowned John C. Campbell Folk School. Don't worry - our experienced caller will give great instruction for rookies and dancers of all levels. Saturday, join Sam Cooper of Portland, OR, as he plays some songs from his soon-to-be-released album. Each night, warm up with a bonfire by the river while enjoying the live music. We'll keep the snacks and brews flowing!  

Event Schedule 2012

Vendors

Get the down and dirty on new gear, enjoy demos, and register for raffle prizes with over a dozen gear reps:

Ahnu Footwear * Anti-Gravity Gear * Big Agnes * Columbia * Crazy Creek * Deuter * Eagles Nest Outfitters * Etowah Gear * Granite Gear * Keen * Leki * Oboz * Superfeet 

Learn about our great local trail organizations! Groups attending the event:

On-Site Camping & Accommodations

We're excited to offer on-site camping for this event! Camping reservations will be $5 per person (not per tent), which covers both Friday and Saturday nights. Camping is located a short walk towards NOC's Flint Ridge Trail (follow directional signs once you arrive on NOC property). Camping and parking along Flint Ridge will be strictly limited to designated spots. 

Reservations can be made online and by phone - 800.232.7238. 

Port-a-potties are available at the campsites. Indoor bathroom facilities and pay-by-use showers are available at the bathroom building by the train tracks, near the Stonehouse. Spots are limited, so advance registration is recommended. Please be respectful of the camping area so that we may offer camping at future NOC events! (Please note: due to a private school group event, no hostel lodging or basecamp showers will be available for public use April 6-7.)

Visit our Lodging page for information on NOC's Cabins and Nantahala Inn.

Other local campsite rentals, cabins, hotels and bed-and-breakfasts are available just a short drive (or walk) from NOC's Wesser Campus. A few local options include:

• AT Shelters: Rufus Morgan Shelter (0.8 mile South of NOC), Sassafras Gap Shelter ( 6.9 miles North of NOC)
• Camping: Lost Mine Campground (0.5 mile road walk/shuttle ride from NOC), Nantahala Wesser Campground, Tsali Recreation Area
• Hotels: Bryson City Microtel, Bryson City Sleep Inn
• Cabin Rentals: Watershed Cabins

Please visit our Area Accommodations page for a full listing of local lodging and camping options.

Contact

For event related questions please contact Zuzana Vanha at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Other Local Trail Festivals in 2012

Can't get enough of the Appalachian Trail? Check out these other Trail-related events in 2012, compiled by the organizers of the Dahlonega Trail Festival, which marks the spring solstice at the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail.