Exploring Roots in Hot Springs - Advice Needed

[Salty]

My family on my dad's side came from Germany and made their way from PA to the mountains of NC, settling in Marshall, NC. There was always a story in the family about two of three brothers being killed in a train accident. I finally found newspaper articles that corroborated the story. Returning from a train trip, the two brothers died in a train accident in Hot Springs, NC in 1907. They stepped off one train into the path of an oncoming train. From all of the accidents I found in my research, train accidents of this type were very common, as odd as it sounds, today.

I'd like to visit the area, explore some cemetaries, and I thought a hike and stay somewhere along the AT in Hot Springs would be nice. For those that are familiar with the area, can you offer any suggestions for a starting and ending point? A good campsite or two? I'll just throw out that I'd prefer to not stay in a shelter.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Salty

[beep]

I've hiked a portion of the AT south of Hot Springs although that was 40 years ago. My memories of that trip are that the trail is good hiking but most of it was in a "forested tunnel". The town itself is a bit of a spa/resort sort of place with real hot springs.
I also remember that getting there is a long drive.

You might look for someone with an AT guidebook for more current and detailed guidance.

[eagleJ]

Hot Springs is a great place to hike into IMO either way NOBO or SOBO. How much mileage you looking at? You can get a cabin or camp right by the river at Hot Springs Resort and Campground.

[William Hayes]

get a shuttle from Bluff Mountain outfitters to Max Patch and hike the section northbound to Hot Springs about 20 miles you will enjoy the views from Max Patch-eat at the Smoky Mountain Diner and check out the Natural Hot Tubs-you can also do a up and back easy NB hike to lovers leap with good view of the French Broad River which runs thru the city
Hillbilly