Dahlonega Trail Fest 2017 ~ September 8-10

Things change.  Sometimes, they even get better with age.  What began as “Spring on Springer” — a celebration of the annual rush of hikers hitting the Appalachian Trail around the first day of spring — morphed into the Dahlonega Appalachian Trail Fest.  (If my memory serves me.)  The gathering that was scheduled in March now takes place in September.  This year it’s called Dahlonega Trail Fest 2017.

Trail Fest 2017 is a “festival of outdoor enthusiasts revolving around all aspects of non-motorized recreation: hiking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, orienteeering, and more!”

Dahlonega Trail Fest 2017 a delightful opportunity to check out new gear of all sorts, terrific people watching, dandy mountain music, delicious food and helpful vendors.  Come for lessons and instruction on how to do just about everything, except how to carry your pack uphill.

One of the most memorable aspects of previous festivities remains.

Our beloved Gene Espy returns to dazzle the crowd with his quiet remembrances from his 1951 Appalachian Trail thru-hike from Georgia to Maine.  Gene is a pioneer and the second person to hike the entire Trail.

Meet Gene, buy a copy of his book, have your picture taken with him and tell tall tales to your grandkids about how you hiked in the wilderness with him — uphill all the way, through the snow.

Click Here for Trail Fest Speakers

Major sponsors, including REI, make the festival possible, but they still rely on volunteers.  Help yourself, as you help others.

When you volunteer, you can earn free meals and free T-shirts!  For each four-hour shift, get a free meal at the Grub Tent. Work two shifts and get two free meals AND a free moisture-wicking, quick-dry, guaranteed to make pretty people fall in love with you at a single glance, Dahlonega Trail Fest T-shirt.

Click Here to Volunteer at Trail Fest

If you have a particular expertise or area of interest, let us know and we will connect you with the person in charge of that area or if you have any questions email us at [email protected]

Volunteer jobs include set-up on Friday afternoon, take-down on Sunday afternoon, information and selling merchandise in our Trail Fest booth, checking IDs and selling wine and beer in the Wine & Beer Garden, and general “gofer” type jobs.

Please Note:  Sorry, all the “stand around looking all cute while you incessantly text friends” positions are filled.  There are, however, openings for people who are willing to actually work.  Those who thanklessly enjoy picking up gross stuff with their hands are always welcome.  Thank you.

Dahlonega Trail Fest 2017 Facebook Page