This unique Appalachian Trail story reveals a slice of trail history in an entertaining narrative. John Shores, known by everyone on the trail as “Uncle Johnny,” tells us of how his search for purpose on the trail led him to a life on the trail providing lodging, supplies and assistance to fellow hikers. David “Awol” Miller, author, AWOL on the Appalachian Trail, and The A.T. Guide: A Handbook for Hiking the Appalachian Trail
An Appalachian Trail book like no other. For almost two decades, John Shores has been practicing the rare craft of hosting Appalachian Trail hikers. In this fascinating memoir, the legendary keeper of Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel shares his myriad experiences hosting the A.T. traveling community that passes within 68’ of his hostel every day. A captivating read, Shores tells the remarkable story of the building of his hostel on the Nolichucky River. Funny, moving, and informative, Elmer Hall, Keeper of Sunnybank Inn at Hot Springs
To know John Shores is to know a love for the Appalachian Trail – and those who hike it – that runs as deep as the Nolichucky Gorge near where he established his hostel. In this one-of-a-kind memoir told in a creative non-fiction style, Uncle Johnny, as he is fondly called, and author Stephen Tyler join forces to tell the story of how Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel became a can’t-miss stop just 68 feet from the A.T. Set during 1997 and 1998, this is a tale that weaves together local history, legends, and some unique true-life characters that you just have to meet. The respect and affection both Shores and Tyler have for the A.T., its community and the trail towns through which it runs is obvious throughout the text. It will make you want to put on a pair of hiking boots, grab your gear and head out for a hike through Unicoi County and beyond. Keeli Parkey, Managing Editor of The Erwin Record, Erwin, Tennessee
This unique Appalachian Trail story reveals a slice of trail history in an entertaining narrative. John Shores, known by everyone on the trail as “Uncle Johnny,” tells us of how his search for purpose on the trail led him to a life on the trail providing lodging, supplies and assistance to fellow hikers. David “Awol” Miller, author, AWOL on the Appalachian Trail, and The A.T. Guide: A Handbook for Hiking the Appalachian Trail
An Appalachian Trail book like no other. For almost two decades, John Shores has been practicing the rare craft of hosting Appalachian Trail hikers. In this fascinating memoir, the legendary keeper of Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel shares his myriad experiences hosting the A.T. traveling community that passes within 68’ of his hostel every day. A captivating read, Shores tells the remarkable story of the building of his hostel on the Nolichucky River. Funny, moving, and informative, Elmer Hall, Keeper of Sunnybank Inn at Hot Springs
To know John Shores is to know a love for the Appalachian Trail – and those who hike it – that runs as deep as the Nolichucky Gorge near where he established his hostel. In this one-of-a-kind memoir told in a creative non-fiction style, Uncle Johnny, as he is fondly called, and author Stephen Tyler join forces to tell the story of how Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel became a can’t-miss stop just 68 feet from the A.T. Set during 1997 and 1998, this is a tale that weaves together local history, legends, and some unique true-life characters that you just have to meet. The respect and affection both Shores and Tyler have for the A.T., its community and the trail towns through which it runs is obvious throughout the text. It will make you want to put on a pair of hiking boots, grab your gear and head out for a hike through Unicoi County and beyond. Keeli Parkey, Managing Editor of The Erwin Record, Erwin, Tennessee