Trail Magic - Max Patch - April 15th weekend

[palmettoheel]

If any NOBOs are reading this, I will be providing trail magic on Max Patch during Easter weekend (Sat/Sun). Burgers, chicken, dogs, cookies, klondike's, charging stations, etc.

Will be there rain or shine.

Blue Sky
NOBO '16

[solace]

Charging Stations!?!? WOW... you may get trail magic person of the year!! any filets or lobster??

[Lone Wolf]

nothing magical about it

[Ankle Bone]

nothing magical about it

Amen!

This is just a hiker feed/handout.

[colorado_rob]

Amen!

This is just a hiker feed/handout.

So, is there some movement among the WB community to take away the age-old term "trail magic" ????????? It's just a phrase, and can be as modest as a jug of water along a dry stretch of trail. Despite the Extreme Wisdom of LW, I think even He will not affect the use of the classic moniker: "Trail Magic".

[Ankle Bone]

So, is there some movement among the WB community to take away the age-old term "trail magic" ????????? It's just a phrase, and can be as modest as a jug of water along a dry stretch of trail. Despite the Extreme Wisdom of LW, I think even He will not affect the use of the classic moniker: "Trail Magic".

It's not hard to distinguish between the original definition of trail magic and the new hiker feed/handout craze.

Totally different things.

Trail Magic will live on; but it's not a guy at a road crossing with pizza and Pepsi

[colorado_rob]

It's not hard to distinguish between the original definition of trail magic and the new hiker feed/handout craze.

Totally different things.

Trail Magic will live on; but it's not a guy at a road crossing with pizza and Pepsi

I guess it's just semantics, but I see your point, the feed thing has really gotten kinda crazy. Still, when I'm hiking along a big hike and I cross a road and there's food of any sort, it all feels kinda magical to me! Especially pizza and a frosty beverage. Magical!

I'm still at a loss on the alleged "damage" at Max Patch... a few years ago some clown did donuts or something on the grassy areas, but it looks OK to me these days, and I was just there.

[Sarcasm the elf]

So, is there some movement among the WB community to take away the age-old term "trail magic" ????????? It's just a phrase, and can be as modest as a jug of water along a dry stretch of trail. Despite the Extreme Wisdom of LW, I think even He will not affect the use of the classic moniker: "Trail Magic".

It is quite clear that the meaning of the term has changed significantly over time. Twenty years ago Trail Magic was used to describe those acts of chance and serendipity that seem to happen so often on the trail when you need them most. I have no problem with planned hiker feeds, but they certainly don't fit in that category.

Now that said, I don't have much if a horse in this race. It's clear that the majority of hikers now use the term to described feeds and preplanned activities and I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. I only wish that someone would finally go ahead and hire a magician as entertainment for their feed, I think that would settle the issue once and for all.

[Mags]

Not sure if you are schlepping it all in to Max Patch itself? Perhaps an access road just after or just before may be a better place.

https://www.appalachiantrail.org/doc...rail-magic.pdf

[Lugnut]

Not sure if you are schlepping it all in to Max Patch itself? Perhaps an access road just after or just before may be a better place.

https://www.appalachiantrail.org/doc...rail-magic.pdf

There is a parking lot at Max Patch.

[Mags]

There is a parking lot at Max Patch.

Yes there is. But is an iconic summit of the Southeast Appalachians the best place to stage trail magic versus an access road before or after the summit area?

Everyone has the right to pass on trail magic. But by putting the trail magic right at the summit, or close enough, of a well-known mountain, a choice of sorts is being forced.

Here's one idea:

max-patch.JPG

[TJ aka Teej]

https://www.appalachiantrail.org/doc...rail-magic.pdf

"Locate events in developed areas on durable surfaces. Large gatherings in the backcountry can lead to trampling of plants, soil compaction, and disturbance of wildlife habitat. Trail towns and local parks are better locations. Keep events small. Consider whether your event may be contributing to an overabundance of trail feeds in the local area or region. Some hikers come to the Trail to seek solitude and contemplation."

[BuckeyeBill]

Great article Mags.

[cliffordbarnabus]

If any NOBOs are reading this, I will be providing trail magic on Max Patch during Easter weekend (Sat/Sun). Burgers, chicken, dogs, cookies, klondike's, charging stations, etc.

Will be there rain or shine.

Blue Sky
NOBO '16

super cool! you may want to consider some veggie options for burgers and dogs as a large % of thru hikers are veggies!

[Lone Wolf]

If any NOBOs are reading this, I will be providing trail magic on Max Patch during Easter weekend (Sat/Sun). Burgers, chicken, dogs, cookies, klondike's, charging stations, etc.

Will be there rain or shine.

Blue Sky
NOBO '16

ON max patch itself? not cool. there or the parking lot. move a few miles north to lemon gap

[4eyedbuzzard]

About as dignified as playing paintball in a cemetery. Some places are special, just because they are.

[solace]

I could not agree with this MORE!!!! Many places on the A.T. are to left alone.. they are not designed for "Trail Magic" .. which, in my opinion.. is not MAGIC anymore.. its just a free feed with ALOT of self entitled hikers who get upset when thier is no cheese for the cheeseburgers.. or no VEGAN options.. good lord!! Its just out of hand... the new classes.. have it WAYYYY to easy..... People mean well Yes.... but.... Hikers should NOT have freee food and crap every day for teh first 4oo miles!!!

[ScareBear]

I could not agree with this MORE!!!! Many places on the A.T. are to left alone.. they are not designed for "Trail Magic" .. which, in my opinion.. is not MAGIC anymore.. its just a free feed with ALOT of self entitled hikers who get upset when thier is no cheese for the cheeseburgers.. or no VEGAN options.. good lord!! Its just out of hand... the new classes.. have it WAYYYY to easy..... People mean well Yes.... but.... Hikers should NOT have freee food and crap every day for teh first 4oo miles!!!

Why not?

Seriously. Why not? And, what is it to you whether it is there or not?

[AllDownhillFromHere]

I could not agree with this MORE!!!! Many places on the A.T. are to left alone.. they are not designed for "Trail Magic" .. which, in my opinion.. is not MAGIC anymore.. its just a free feed with ALOT of self entitled hikers who get upset when thier is no cheese for the cheeseburgers.. or no VEGAN options.. good lord!! Its just out of hand... the new classes.. have it WAYYYY to easy..... People mean well Yes.... but.... Hikers should NOT have freee food and crap every day for teh first 4oo miles!!!

Agreed. It's not that hard.

[Puddlefish]

I ended up speed hiking (for me) over Max Patch last year due to the crowds, noise, views of powerlines, parking lots, etc. The place has been "loved" to death.