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The Best Hostels to Visit on the Appalachian Trail in 2025
We asked the 389 participants in our 2024 AT Thru-Hiker Survey to list their three favorite hostels on the Appalachian Trail. These 14 hostels got the most votes. We’ve compiled the key details below, including approximate NOBO mile markers, price ranges, and what makes each one unique. Read to the end to see the full tally of votes for each hostel from the survey.
All prices and mile markers are taken from the FarOut Appalachian Trail Guide and are subject to change.
Top Hostels on the Appalachian Trail
1. Shaw’s Hiker Hostel – Monson, ME (165 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: 2082 (≈3.7 miles east of the ME 15 trail crossing)
Price: ~$30 for a bunk, ~$75 for a private room, ~$15 for tenting
Located on the southern edge of the 100 Mile Wilderness in Monson, ME, Shaw’s remains a perennial favorite for northbound hikers. With decades of history, a famous breakfast, and a full gear shop onsite, it’s the go‐to stop for both NOBOs and SOBOs.
Photo via Shaw’s Hiker Hostel
2. Woods Hole Hostel – south of Pearisburg, VA (122 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: 625.6 (≈0.5 miles east of Sugar Run Gap)
Price: $27 for a heated bunkhouse; private rooms range from ~$75–112
Set on 100 acres with its own organic farm, Woods Hole offers a unique blend of wellness (yoga, gardening) and hearty resupply options. Hikers love the communal meals and the one‐of‐a‐kind experience this place delivers.
Photo via Woods Hole Hostel
3. Maine Roadhouse – Stratton, ME (118 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: 2008.3 (≈9.7 miles west of the ME 27 crossing)
Price: ~$40 for a bunk; private rooms start around ~$60+
Reopened in 2021 with modern amenities, Maine Roadhouse has quickly become a hit. Its state-of-the-art bunks (complete with privacy curtains and power outlets) and the heartfelt care of its owners fill a vital need for hikers entering Stratton.
Photo via Maine Roadhouse
4. The Notch Hostel – North Woodstock, NH (67 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: 1807.1 (≈5 miles east of Kinsman Notch crossing)
Price: Shared dorms and private rooms starting at $40-45; tent camping $30
Converted from an 1890 farmhouse in North Woodstock, The Notch Hostel offers a secure, clean refuge. With access to gardens, a library, and communal spaces, it’s praised for its old-world charm and modern comforts.
Photo via The Notch Hostel
5. Mountain Harbour B&B and Hiker Hostel – Roan Mountain, TN (37 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: 395.5 (≈0.4 miles west of the US 19E crossing)
Price: ~$15 for tenting; ~$30 for a single bunk; ~$75 for private rooms or the treehouse
Designed with Appalachian Trail adventurers in mind, Mountain Harbor mixes cozy B&B comfort with essential services like shuttles and a world-famous breakfast — making it a top stop in Roan Mountain.
Mountain Harbour experienced devastating damage as a result of Hurricane Helene. If you would like to donate to help them get back on their feet, you can do so here.
Photo via Mountain Harbour B&B
6. Boots Off Hostel and Campground – Near Hampton, TN (33 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: 428.7 (≈0.1 mile west of Shook Branch Road)
Price: ~$17.50 for tenting; ~$35 per bunk; ~$70 for a private room (+ an extra fee for more people)
This family-friendly, eclectic space offers both camping and indoor bunks inspired by a rustic train sleeper car. Its warm, welcoming vibe is a hit with hikers looking for both comfort and character.
Photo via Boots Off Hostel and Campground
7. Hostel at Laughing Heart Lodge – Hot Springs, NC (33 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: 274.9 (situated along the trail)
Price: $15 for tenting, $30 for bunks, and private rooms ranging from $55-$70
As the first business hikers encounter when heading north into Hot Springs, this lodge offers space for rest and renewal. Its historic roots and comfortable, diverse accommodations create a welcoming retreat for weary hikers. The hostel is under new management and currently closed for renovations but will hopefully get up and running during the 2025 thru-hiking season.
Photo via Hostel at Laughing Heart Lodge
8. Quarter Way Inn – North of Atkins, VA (32 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: 556 (≈0.3 miles west of VA 610 crossing)
Price: ~$35 for a bunk; ~$18 for tenting
Nestled in a beautiful farmhouse setting, Quarter Way Inn is known for its inviting atmosphere, exceptional breakfast, and thoughtful amenities (including laundry and town shuttle service) that make it a true home away from home on the trail.
Photo via Quarter Way Inn
9. Stanimals Around the Bend – Hiawassee, GA (26 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: 69.4 (≈0.6 miles west of Dick’s Creek Gap)
Price: Bunks at ~$50; private rooms range from ~$95 to ~$195 (tax not included)
Formerly known as Top of Georgia Hostel, this revitalized property — reopened in 2021 and just sold this past winter to Stanimal of Stanimal’s 328 Hostel in Glasgow, VA — has quickly become a hiker favorite. Enjoy the comfortable bunks, all-you-can-eat waffles, and onsite outfitting that make every stop a treat.
Photo via Stanimals Around the Bend
10. Hostel of Maine – Carrabasset Valley, ME (25 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: 2008.3 (≈3.4 miles east of ME 27 crossing)
Price: ~$45 for a bunk; private rooms start at ~$109+
Nestled at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, the Hostel of Maine offers a cozy lodge atmosphere with stunning views. A tasty continental breakfast and essential amenities help rejuvenate hikers before they hit the trail again.
Photo via Hostel of Maine
11. Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel – Erwin, TN (24 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: 344.4 (located along the trail in Erwin, TN)
Price: ~$20 for tenting; ~$30 per bunk; private cabins starting at ~$70
This down-to-earth hostel is celebrated for its rustic charm and practical amenities — including a shower with towel and free town shuttle service. Hikers appreciate its affordability and genuine, welcoming vibe. Uncle Johnny’s sustained heavy damage during Hurricane Helene last fall but is open for the 2025 season in a limited capacity.
Photo via Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel
12. Hikers Welcome Hostel – Glencliff, NH (23 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: ~1797.8 (approximate location near NH 25)
Price: ~$35 for a bunk; tenting options available for around ~$20
Known for its warm, no-frills atmosphere, Hikers Welcome Hostel offers a practical, work-for-stay option with essential amenities like showers, laundry, and communal areas where trail stories are shared freely. Located just south of Mt. Moosilauke, this hostel is a great place to rest up before entering the notoriously difficult White Mountains (or for SOBOs, to recover after making it through the hardest terrain the AT has to offer).
Photo via Hikers Welcome Hostel
13. Green Mountain House – Manchester Center, VT (20 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: 1656 (≈6.6 miles west of VT 11 & 30 crossing)
Price: ~$50 for a bunk; private rooms available
In Manchester Center, Green Mountain House stands out for its comfortable beds and homey atmosphere. A fully equipped kitchen and comfortable common areas provide a much-needed respite for hikers nearing the end of a long journey.
Photo via Green Mountain House
14. Elmer’s Sunnybank Inn – Hot Springs, NC (19 votes)
NOBO Mile Marker: NOBO 275.2
Price: $35 per person
Offering a quieter, budget-friendly option in Hot Springs, Sunnybank Inn provides a laid-back atmosphere and efficient service — ideal for hikers seeking a more intimate and peaceful night’s rest off the crowded trail. Known for its excellent library and hearty vegetarian breakfast.
Photo via Sunnybank Inn
Top Hostels on the Appalachian Trail: The Data
| Hostel Name (and State) | Number of Hikers | Percent of Hikers Who Listed This in Their Top 3 Hostels |
|---|---|---|
| Shaw's Hiker Hostel - ME | 165 | 44% |
| Woods Hole Hostel - VA | 122 | 32% |
| Maine Roadhouse - ME | 118 | 31% |
| The Notch Hostel - NH | 67 | 18% |
| Mountain Harbor B&B and Hiker Hostel - TN | 37 | 10% |
| Boots Off Hostel and Campground - TN | 33 | 9% |
| Hostel at Laughing Heart Lodge - NC | 33 | 9% |
| Quarter Way Inn - VA | 32 | 8% |
| Hostel Around the Bend - GA | 26 | 7% |
| Hostel of Maine - ME | 25 | 7% |
| Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel - TN | 24 | 6% |
| Hikers Welcome Hostel - NH | 23 | 6% |
| Green Mountain House - VT | 20 | 5% |
| Sunnybank Inn - Hot Springs, NC | 19 | 5% |
In case you’re curious, the table above shows the complete results from our survey. This ranking of Appalachian Trail hostels is based solely on the survey responses and reflects the opinions of 2024 thru-hikers.
Featured image: Hikers Welcome Hostel. Graphic design by Zack Goldmann.
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Comments 5
I stayed at most of these hostels on my 2023 thru-hike. Although technically a B & B, I want to give a shoutout to The Sterling Inn which was hands down the nicest (as in classiest) non-hotel, hostel-like place I stayed. Located near the first road crossing shortly after the canoe ride across the Kennebec River, they offered a free shuttle to and from the trail and a free all-you-can eat breakfast. If it’s in the budget, I’d highly recommend it.
I stayed at most of these hostels on my 2023 thru-hike. Although technically a B & B, I want to give a shoutout to The Sterling Inn which was hands down the nicest (as in classiest) non-hotel, hostel-like place I stayed. Located near the first road crossing shortly after the canoe ride across the Kennebec River, they offered a free shuttle to and from the trail and a free all-you-can eat breakfast. If it’s in the budget, I’d highly recommend it.
Highly recommend Four Pines Hostel in Catawba, VA. Super short road walk from the trail, gorgeous property with animals, super clean, great food and resupply. Free ride back to trail. Great place to relax, refresh and recharge after Dragons Tooth (nobo).
The hostel building of Mountain Harbour was destroyed in Helene. They are rebuilding but last time I drove by it looked nowhere near ready to open.
You forgot the apalachian station in roan mountain. Love that place