Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center, Historic inn at Neels Gap, Georgia, United States
The Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center is a stone building constructed in the 1930s on the eastern slope of Blood Mountain that serves as a rest stop for hikers. It houses a simple store offering food and supplies, giving trekkers a chance to restock and take shelter during their journey.
The building originated as a log structure in the 1800s but was completely rebuilt by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. This reconstruction transformed it into the stone structure that greets hikers today and established its role as a mountain rest point.
The name Walasi-Yi comes from the Cherokee language and means "big buck," reflecting the indigenous roots of this mountain landscape. Visitors experience this cultural connection directly as they pass through a space that remains tied to the region's earlier inhabitants.
This is the first mail drop location for northbound hikers, and it is easy to access without leaving the trail. The building offers basic supplies and food, so plan to arrive during its operating hours since schedules vary by season.
The Appalachian Trail runs directly through the interior of the building, making it the only structure along the entire 2,175-mile route where hikers can walk through its walls. This remarkable feature gives the place a one-of-a-kind experience on the trail.
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