[at-l] Good places to hike the AT for non-hikers

[TRich at FDIC.gov (Rich, Timothy D.)]

Good Afternoon,

Cosmo covered much of the north very well, so I'll give a Southern
perspective.

If your guests are limited in the distance and terrain they'd cover, I'd
guess that you'd want to expose them to the most spectacular sections that
are accessible to them.  What's "spectacular" differs for each of us, but if
you consider views and scenery to be the goal, a few places come to mind:

The view from Springer - USFS road is about a mile away.  The view is
special not only because it's nice, but because it's symbolic for its
beginning (or end).  I'm unaware of any Katahdin approach that would allow
similar access.
Max Patch - USFS road goes near there also.
Newfound Gap area - Smokies are crowded, so might not be best.
Roan Mountain - Road access from the state park and I think all the way to
the parking area near the summit approach - hard to beat during bloom
season.
Grayson Highlands/Mount Rogers - There are a number of side trails allowing
for a loop hike in this area, but I can't remember how tough the terrain was
if you want to see the ponies.
Shenandoah - Dozens and dozens and dozens of road crossings, many near nice
overlooks.  In-park cabins and lodging available.
Bears Den Hostel area.  It's fairly flat walk (I think along an old stage
road) northbound to Bears Den, plus the nice view.

The book "The Best of the Appalachian Trail: Day Hikes" by Victoria and
Frank Logue may provide some other ideas.

Take Care,

Tim
-----Original Message-----
This is more specific than the heading indicates:

Suppose you are hiking the AT.  Either for long-sections or for the entire
trail.  Now suppose you have family or friends who want to meet you along
the way and to do some "hiking" with you but are not hikers or cannot hike
really difficult places.  Say the person has arthritis or there are small
children or they are dedicated couch potatoes.  But they really, really want
to hike some places with you.  And may well be willing to go the cost of a
B'n'B, inn, etc.


Which small sections do you suggest?

You can include loops where they meet and then someone drives to the nearest
town.  Like the bald right before Hot Springs and then on down into Hot
Springs.  The folks might be tired, but they can feel good about hiking with
you.

William, The Turtle