PLEASE NOTE THAT MANY EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELED OR POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19

Join us for a celebration of the Appalachian Trail in historic Franklin, North Carolina from March 19 through April 22, 2020!

Located just 11 miles off mile 110 (northbound) of the A.T., Franklin strives to be a welcoming town for hikers. Designated as the first Appalachian Trail Community, Franklin provides abundant resources for hikers year-round. However, each year from the first day of Spring until Earth Day, Franklin devotes itself to celebrating northbound thru-hikers.

Franklin is considered by thru-hikers to be a welcome respite from the cold and usually wet early spring weather. Hikers find plenty of good food and drink, great conversation and lots to do during this month-long celebration. There are activities for everyone, from live music to movies to educational programs and more.

Join the Town of Franklin as it welcomes and celebrates with A.T. thru-hikers before they press on towards their goal of completing the 2,200 mile journey!

Franklin Trail Days Celebration Schedule
Historic Franklin, North Carolina • March 19 – April 22, 2020

March 27, 5pm
Flix, Food, & Brews hosted by Outdoor 76. A celebration of spring and our surrounding protected/conserved public and private lands. Food and beer will be available for purchase and will benefit Mainspring Conservation Trust. As always, gear advice will be available! For more information call 828-349-7676 or visit Outdoor 76 on Facebook. 35 East NE Main St, Franklin, NC 28734

CANCELED!!!  March 28, 12pm – 3pm
Thru-Hiker Chow Down hosted by the Nantahala Hiking Club and Lazy Hiker Brewing Company. They will be serving a chili-dog lunch along with home baked goods and fresh fruit to thru-hikers. It’s a great opportunity for thru-hikers and NHC Club members to mingle. For more information call 828-369-1983 or visit Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. on Facebook. 188 W Main St, Franklin, NC 28734

CANCELED!!! March 28, 2pm
Hiker Hunger Games hosted by Gooder Grove Hostel at Lazy Hiker Brewing Company. Hikers are invited to compete in this fun-filled, faux hiker “Olympics” featuring individual, duo and trail family competitors. Competitors will participate in events such as trekking pole javelin toss, the bear bag hang, and the cat-hole digging contest, in pursuit of the ultimate hiker trash bragging rights! For more information call 828-332-0228 or visit Appalachian Adventure Hostel at Gooder Grove on Facebook. 188 W Main St, Franklin, NC 28734

CANCELED!!!  April 3, 5pm
Hiker Bash hosted by Currahee Brewing Co and Three Eagles Outfitters. Enjoy live music, craft beer, food & footwear! Fresh beer and food truck(s) on site along with a Merrell Footwear representative. For more information call 828-634-0078 or visit Currahee Brewing Co. or Three Eagles Outfitters on Facebook. 100 Lakeside Dr, Franklin, NC 28734

POSTPONED  April 3-5
Springtopia 2020 hosted by Altered Frequencies. This is the 3rd annual music and art festival to celebrate spring in the Great Smoky Mountains. For more information call 828-342-2372 or visit Altered Frequencies on Facebook. 110 Carolina Mountain Dr, Franklin, NC 28734

April 11, 7pm
AT110 Fest hosted by The Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub. Come and enjoy live music by hikers, craft beer, specialty coffees and freebies. For more information call 828-369-6796 or visit The Rathskeller on Facebook. 58 Stewart St, Franklin, NC 28734

April 18, 6pm
Outdoor Music Jam & Gear Exchange hosted by Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. Come and enjoy live music, craft beer and food outside in The Yard. There will be a gear exchange that hikers and locals are welcomed to participate in as well! For more information call 828-349-2337 or visit Lazy Hiker Brewing Co on Facebook 188 W Main St, Franklin, NC 28734