BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 8, 2020
Normally, communities located along the famous Appalachian Trail welcome thousands of long-distance hikers every summer, offering shelter and supplies to those endeavoring to complete the famous 2,190-mile trail. But this year, everything has changed. Due to the pandemic, most hikers have postponed their treks, leaving trailside towns wondering how the decrease in business and absence of trail culture will impact their communities. Hostels, inns, shuttle services, gear shops, grocery stores and restaurants are all expected to take a hit. In Maine, this reality will especially impact towns like Millinocket, Monson, Caratunk and Rangeley, which serve as major rest stops for hikers.