Updates to the Handbook since publication:

Georgia

The first mile of the Approach Trail in Amicalola Falls State Park has been changed. It now follows the steps by Amicalola Falls rather than switchbacking up a hill to the east of the falls. This is a nice change for hikers, IMO, because you used to have to backtrack from the top of the falls if you wanted to see them.

The old Stover Creek Shelter has been demolished. The AT in the area has been relocated, and a new shelter has been built uphill from Stover Creek, about 500 feet east of the AT. Reports are that the new shelter is beautiful.

The Cloud 9 hostel in Hiawassee, GA will be operating in 2008. It is 1.5 miles left or west of Dick's Creek Gap. Phone: (706) 896-8959. Open Feb 20 - May 10 Hostel Style . All rates Per Person/Per night: Cloud9 $30; Bunkhouse $25; Tree House $20; campsite $10 (overflow camper $25). Beds include linens, ALL include laundry, detergent, use of kitchen, jacuzzi, internet, showers/towels, once daily resupply ride to town, and back to trails. Well behaved dogs ok in TH. Mail drops, fuel by the ounce when available, meals. NO OTHER SHUTTLES. Guests must do a small cleaning job. SOME work for stay. No Drugs, alcohol in moderation.

Phone numbers for Blood Mountain Cabins in Neels Gap: (706) 745-9454 and (800) 284-6866.

North Carolina

The B&D Cafe in Franklin, NC has closed.

The "Hillside Hostel" has newly opened in Hot Springs, located about a mile and a half out of town.  Rates: $17 per single and $30 for a couple in private rooms.  A large shed that is going to be turned into a bunk house.  Tenting available.  The kitchen and laundry (bio-degradable detergent supplied) are open for guest use, will cook for a fee.  Most home-made meals are $5.  Pizzas, hot pockets, etc, available.  Cookies and cakes made all of the time; guests are encouraged to help themselves.  Pick up and drop off in Hot Springs; will shuttle (gas donation) to Ingles grocery or Walmart.  Phone: (828) 622-6739

Tennessee

Abby's Place near Roan Mountain, TN will not be operating in 2008 due to Ron's death. Condolences to Scott and the rest of his family.

Virginia

New hostel in Rural Retreat, VA (24368) about 6 miles north on Route 11 from Atkins, VA. It can accommodate around 20+ in bunk cots in one big room. This first year they are not charging a specific amount and only request donations. Phone: 276-686-6347; call ahead for directions. There are numerous services nearby in Rural Retreat.

West Virginia

Pennsylvania

Ye Olde Backpacker has moved. Their new location is just north of the trail in Port Clinton, on the blue blaze to the town pavilion. Plans are to offer hostel space similar to that in their old location, but as of May 1, 2008 it may be a few weeks before they are up and running. They will continue to offer shuttles and local transportation.

The Boiling Springs Pool will raise their rates to about $9 next year. Hikers who show a copy of the Handbook will get a $2 discount. Showers are still $1.

New phone number for Edge of the Woods Outfitters in Delaware Water Gap: 570-421-6681.

New Jersey

There has been a minor relo in Wawayanda State Park. Trail distances are unaffected, but the Wawayanda Shelter now lies north (left for NOBOs) of the trail instead of south. The trail to the park visitors center is at a three-way junction just north of the shelter.

New York

The Pineapple Steak House in Fort Montgomery has been replaced by Barnstormer's BBQ. Portions are large and a steakhouse menu is still available.

The former owner of the Sharadu B&B in Pawling, NY will be opening a new hostel/B&B north of the trail near Pawling. Reports at this time are that prices will be comparable to a motel, but that the facility is really nice, located on a private lake. Transportation to and from the trail and around town will be available. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Maine

The "End of the Trail Festival" is scheduled for Sept. 13-14 in downtown Millinocket. Check out the "AT News" forum for details.