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. 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, live music, gear representatives, and skill expos, as well as some great product giveaways and door prizes.

Trail Maintenance & Fundraisers

Saturday morning, give the AT a hand at a trail maintenance work trip hosted by local hiking clubs. Please sign up at the Outfitter's Store or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Long pants, closed-toe shoes and work gloves are suggested. Bring water and snacks.

Support your local hiking clubs and trail maintainers:

NOC, Chaco, and Deuter are holding a fundraising raffle for SMHC and NHC:
donate $1 and be entered to win 1 of 4 Chaco gift certificates or a Deuter backpack.
All proceeds will benefit these two great clubs! Entries will be accepted Friday and Saturday, and the winners will be announced Saturday at 8pm. Need not be present to win.

Presentations & Book Signings

Last year's event featured AT Speed Record holder Jennifer Pharr Davis, renowned thru-hiker Model T, and National Geographic's "Adventurer of the Year" Andrew Skurka. This year, in addition to speakers, we'll be hosting some must-take Wilderness Survival skills clinics, as well as a nature hike with a local botanist and outdoor leader, so stay tuned for details.

Outfitter's Store Sales

Stay tuned - we'll share special store deals as the event draws closer.

Live Music & More!

Hang out at The Pourover Friday and Saturday evening as we kick off this season's live music series. Details to follow.

Event Schedule 2011

2012 events details forthcoming. Check out the 2011 schedule to get an idea of the types of activities we'll be hosting!

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 * Cascade Designs * Chaco * Deuter * Eagles Nest Outfitters * Etowah Gear * Leki * Osprey * Patagonia Footwear * Smartwool * Superfeet * Vasque

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

Appalachian Trail Conservancy * Nantahala Hiking Club * Friends of the Smokies * Smoky Mountains Hiking Club * Southeastern Foot Trails Coalition

Lodging and Accommodations

On-site NOC lodging is available. Visit our Lodging page for information on our Cabins, Nantahala Inn and Hostel.

No camping on NOC property is available for this event, however, many local campsite rentals, cabins, hotels and bed-and-breakfasts are available just a short walk (or drive) 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, 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

To sign up for trail maintenance, pass along feedback, or for more information, contact Zuzana Vanha at 828-488-7285 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Other Local Trail Festivals in 2012

For those of you who can't get enough, 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. Clinics, festivals, and commemorations will be happening all up and down the length of the AT. Beginning in Georgia this spring, and ending in Maine at the end of the season.