Best Restaurants on the Appalachian Trail

It’s no secret that the way to a thru-hiker’s heart is through their stomach. Ramen bombs are great and all, but when you’re burning 4,000 calories a day there’s nothing like stopping in town for a juicy burger, greasy breakfast, or perhaps (for the healthy eaters among us) a taste of fresh fruit to keep you going.

There are hundreds of eateries along the AT, but which are the ones you really shouldn’t miss? The people have spoken: these are the best restaurants on the Appalachian Trail, according to the participants in our Class of 2023 thru-hiker survey. 

Did we miss any? Don’t come for our necks; these rankings were carefully selected by the likes of you! Feel free t0 drop a comment with your favorite dining destination along the AT in the comments below. 

The Best Restaurants on the Appalachian Trail

1. Smoky Mountain Diner

Best restaurants on the Appalachian Trail: Smoky Mountain Diner. Image via

Town: Hot Springs, NC
Address: 70 Lance Avenue, Hot Springs, NC 28743
Phone Number: (828) 622-7571
Price Range: $10-$20

Why hikers love it: Quintessential southern comfort food guaranteed to fill a hungry thru-hiker’s belly on a budget. If you’re feeling extra ravenous, take on the “Appalachian Challenge,” where the restaurant rewards hikers with a delicious strawberry cobbler if they can finish three eight-ounce burger patties with a side. 

2. Mountain Harbour B&B*

Best restaurants on the Appalachian Trail: Mountain Harbour. Image via

*Two-way tie for second with New Ming Garden

Town: Roan Mountain, TN
Address: 9151 Highway 19E, Roan Mountain, TN 37687
Phone Number: (423) 772-9494
Price Range: $15+

Why hikers love it: Often celebrated for having the best breakfast on trail, this B&B also has the Kitchen, a highly-anticipated food truck stop for many thru-hikers. Indulge in a sumptuous breakfast, delectable burger, flavorful wings, and more. 

2. New Ming Garden*

Best restaurants on the Appalachian Trail: New Ming Garden. Image via

*Two-way tie for second with Mountain Harbour B&B

Town: Waynesboro, VA
Address: 316 Federal Street, Waynesboro, VA 22980
Phone Number: (540) 942-8800
Price Range: $10-$20

Why hikers love it: It’s not an AT thru-hike without a stop at the famed New Ming Garden All You Can Eat buffet. With over 100 foods to choose from, you’ll find yourself in heaven here. Lunch buffet is $10.99; dinner buffet ranges from $13.99-$14.99 depending on weekdays or weekends. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more affordable option for the sheer amount of food you can consume here.

3. Damascus Diner

Best restaurants on the Appalachian Trail: Damascus Diner. Image via

Town: Damascus, VA
Address: 109 S Shady Ave, Damascus, VA 24236
Phone Number: (276) 475-5454
Price Range: $10-$20

Why hikers love it: Classic ’60s diner ambience with mouth-watering homestyle meals. Roll through for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and feast on “The Thru Hiker,” a delicious Black Angus burger loaded with hash browns, thick-sliced bacon, egg, and homemade tomato jam. 

4. River’s End Restaurant (NOC)

Best restaurants on the Appalachian Trail: River’s End. Image via

Town: Bryson City, NC
Address: 13077 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713
Phone Number: (828) 488-7172
Price Range: $20-$30

Why hikers love it: Although it’s on the pricier end, the fantastic views of the Nantahala River from every table and delicious, high-quality cuisine will make this dining experience worth every penny. Enjoy classic American fare, with options ranging from breakfast skillets and pancakes to pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and pasta to satiate every craving.

Honorable Mentions

5. Corrado’s Pizzeria & Gelateria

Town: Stormville, NY
Address: 664 Leetown Rd, Stormville, NY 12582
Phone Number: (845) 223-5888
Price Range: $10-$20

Why hikers love it: You’d be remiss not to end your day in town with a taste of the homemade gelato from Corrado’s, rumored to rival the good stuff from Italy. Equally affordable and appetizing, this family-owned spot offers virtually unlimited toppings for each of their pies, ranging from classic cheese to more adventurous flavor profiles like their Chicken Marsala or Chicken, Bacon, Ranch (CBR) Pizzas. 

6. The Yellow Deli

Best restaurants on the Appalachian Trail: The Yellow Deli. Image via

Town: Rutland, VT
Address: 23 Center Street, Rutland, VT 05701
Phone Number: (802) 775-9800
Price Range: $10-$20

Why hikers love it: Infamous deli and hostel run by a religious organization known as The Twelve Tribes, which has been classified by other organizations as a cult. Offers delicious, homey food and a hostel which is donation-based, ideal for those hiking on a budget.

7. Lazy Hiker Brewing Company

Best restaurants on the Appalachian Trail: Lazy Hiker Brewing. Image via

Town: Franklin, NC
Address: 188 W Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
Phone Number: (828) 349-2337
Price Range: $10-$20

Why hikers love it: Just a short hike off trail, you’ll want to check out the Hiker’s Kitchen Food Truck, boasting a medley of menu items such as delectable burgers, award-winning curly fries, gyros, and tacos. If you’re into the brewery scene, try their craft beers brewed in-house. 

8. Scotto’s Pizza

Best restaurants on the Appalachian Trail: Scotto’s Pizza. Image via

Town: Glasgow, VA
Address: 853 Rockbridge Rd, Glasgow, VA 24555
Phone Number: (540) 258-2500
Price Range: $10-$20

Why hikers love it: Scotto’s is lovingly referred to as a “bite of the boot of Italy with a little southern twang,” and its menu does not disappoint. The restaurant’s massive portions and carb-loaded options will have your mouth watering as you walk the last few miles into Glasgow. 

READ NEXT – The Best Hostels on the Appalachian Trail

Featured image: Photo via Jordan Bowman. Graphic design by Chris Helm.