George Steffanos
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May 13, 1983, 41 years ago today: Heading north from Springer Mountain, the tiny unincorporated community of Wesser, North Carolina is the first trail town
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #NorthCarolina #nature #forest #mountains #AppalachianTrail #outdoors
09:25 AM - May 13, 2024
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George Steffanos
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through which the Appalachian Trail physically passes. This corner of Wesser is a narrow strip along the floor of the deep, heavily-wooded, steep-walled gorge which the Nantahala River has gouged through the mountains.
09:25 AM - May 13, 2024
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George Steffanos
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A line of railroad tracks and a sparse string of buildings are squeezed between the north bank of the river and the adjacent cliffs, and a two-lane thread of road that carries US 19 W and US 74 through the gorge fronts a few more buildings on the south side.
09:25 AM - May 13, 2024
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George Steffanos
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The swirling rapids and scenic gorge form one of the most famous whitewater rafting centers in the southeast. Directly upon the AT’s river crossing is the Nantahala Outdoor Center — in fact, the trail crosses the river on their driveway.
09:25 AM - May 13, 2024
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George Steffanos
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They have facilities on both sides of the river. A small, wooden bridge connects their parking lot to US 19. They are major recreational outfitters whose facilities include a restaurant, a motel, and a large outfitters store featuring backpacking and rafting supplies.
09:25 AM - May 13, 2024
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George Steffanos
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Dave and I strolled around, absorbing the sights and sounds of the town for a while. It was a lively interlude from the relentless stillness of the forest. Exuberant rafters were milling around, laughing and shouting, riding their post-adventure highs.
09:25 AM - May 13, 2024
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George Steffanos
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Trail towns are always an eagerly-anticipated blast of excitement for thru-hikers, but Wesser was something special for us tonight.

From my book Then the Hail Came (A Humorous and Truthful Account of a 1983 #AppalachianTrail Thru-hike). Available in paperback, audiobook and eBook: https://amazon.co
09:25 AM - May 13, 2024
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George Steffanos
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You can read or listen to my book for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited (eBook) or an Audible Plus (audiobook) subscriber. Both of these options are available from Amazon, where the paperback, eBook or audiobook can also be purchased.
09:25 AM - May 13, 2024
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