{"id":5035,"date":"2019-02-19T20:43:45","date_gmt":"2019-02-19T20:43:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/?p=5035"},"modified":"2022-05-22T16:14:47","modified_gmt":"2022-05-22T21:14:47","slug":"trail-angels-what-they-are-and-how-to-treat-them-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/trail-angels-what-they-are-and-how-to-treat-them-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Trail Angels: What They Are and How to Treat Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"FiveTrail angels<\/a>, as their name implies, are lovely people. They are hiking fans and people who love nature, the trails and the great outdoors. And they love helping people.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Appalachian Trail, considered the granddaddy of America’s long-distance hiking trails, is perhaps most famous for its trail angels. The angels there stash water and food for hikers to enjoy. But they do so much more, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Disclosure: This entry contains affiliate links (among regular links) to products I own and like, or which I think you might like. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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One fellow in Arizona sets up his RV at an Arizona Trail (AZT)<\/a> trailhead for a week or so. He welcomes hikers to stop by even if he’s not there. He makes sure to have lots of water on hand \u2013 water is a rarity on this desert trail \u2013 plus beer, snacks and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another fellow is currently advertising on the AZT Class of 2019 Facebook page that he will also have an RV set up with supplies at a different trail crossing. In addition, hikers can ask him to grab items they need, like more stove fuel. If he’s able to fulfill your request, he will do so. He is asking for payment for the special requests, but not for the other items.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel Etiquette<\/h2>\n

Most of the associations that run our 11 National Scenic Trails<\/a> (and likely other trail associations, too) have lists of people who have volunteered to help hikers by being trail angels. The lists generally specify what people are willing to do, such as shuttle you to trailheads, put you up at night, let you use their laundry facilities, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet while these angels are freely volunteering to do these things, we hikers must treat them well. What does that mean?<\/span><\/p>\n