I had a good breakfast at the only diner in town that morning and headed out on the trail. The trail passes directly through the town of Hot Springs. It’s a small town, a resident told me that there were only 500 people living there according to the last census, but she felt there were less now, people move away and turn their homes into vacation rentals, she told me. Hot Springs is an iconic stop for AT thru hikers. The town caters to hikers, bikers, and vacationers. It’s a beautiful little village nestled up in the mountains. The Laughing Heart Hostel and Lodge are located at the trailhead coming into town. I stayed there the last two nights. I felt rested that morning.

The climb out of Hot Springs was steep, ascending 4000 feet in the first four miles. The climbing was strenuous but not nearly as tough as coming out of the NOC in Georgia or Fontana Dam into the Smokies. The trees are a lot more leafed out here as opposed to the Smokies, spring was definitely in full swing.

I walked along the bank of a pond created long ago by damming up a ravine that must have a spring at the upper end. There were fish jumping all over that pond. I decided to get a fishing pole at my first opportunity when I was in a town next. I would also get some foil and an onion to carry in my pack so I could roast the fish on the fire if I was lucky enough to catch some. I hoped to get some fishing gear as soon as possible.

After that initial climb, the hiking smoothed out as I walked along the ridge lines. There were a few more 400 and 500 foot climbs then ridge line hiking to the shelter. I took a short detour to hike up to Rich Mountain Lookout Tower. The views were awesome, it was definitely worth the .3 mile detour.

I arrived at the shelter and “did my chores” as we call it, set up my tent, filtered water, blew up my air mattress and cooked my dinner. It was a great day of hiking. The wind started blowing and a few drops of rain fell. Rain was definitely a strong possibility in the forecast the next day.