Outdoors
Adventure Out
Clayton, Georgia - The AT’s newest “Trail Community.” By Peter McIntosh
Wildcat Mountain Sunset
F
or my July article, I’m happy to announce that Clayton, Georgia has been designated as a trail community by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. So we’re rolling out the welcome mat to all the hikers looking for a place to relax, recharge and resupply making their way along the trail. Some are thruhikers, heading all the way to Maine, others are section hikers, making a shorter point to point adventure. And it’s a win-win as we benefit from the hikers dollars and the trail benefits as we learn more about how to support this amazing natural resource. And fear not, I’ll have some nice hiking destinations at the end of this article. The effort to have Clayton listed as a “Trail Community” was spearheaded by Rob Gasbarro, Bill Bennett and Cory McCall. They’re the owners of the outdoor equipment/sporting goods store, Outdoor 76, located on Main Street across from the Universal Joint. These guys have been catering to hikers for years, offering shuttle services to and from the trail crossing on Hwy 76 West at Dick’s Creek Gap. At their store they have laundry available for hikers, as well as a shower, and perhaps most importantly, a place to relax and drink a cold one.
And while these guys were at the forefront of this effort, it takes a community to become a “trail community.” At the celebration announcing Clayton’s status as a trail town, many local and regional
Owners of Outdoor 76: Rob Gasbarro, Bill Bennett and Cory McCall. They played a big part in having Clayton named a “Trail Community”.
Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com 48 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - July 2022
