The Appalachian Trail Conservancy recently recognized a passel of Franklin businesses and organizations for their support of the Appalachian Trail, naming them AT. Community Supporters for helping out the hiking community, the ATC or the trail itself. Recipients were:

• Three Eagles Outfitters, a hiking and camping outfitter that offers hikers discounts, Internet service, a coffee bar and lounge, in-town shuttles to the store and a free mail drop service.

• The Franklin Chamber of Commerce, which has helped build public awareness about the resources and economic opportunity inherent in the AT’s proximity to Franklin. The chamber highlights Franklin’s status as an AT Community in its Newcomers Guide, where it also prints AT hike information, and the chamber houses an AT display in its building. 

• Outdoor 76, an outdoor supply store downtown that leads hikes on the AT. The store serves 1,000 to 1,500 thru-hikers each year and its owners are members of the AT Community Committee. 

• First Baptist Church of Franklin, which serves a free hiker breakfast for four weeks each spring, last year feeding more than 800 hikers. The church also takes a photo of each hiker and mails it to their home, along with a written note.