The Appalachian Trail in North Carolina offers a range of lodging options for hikers looking to rest and recharge as they journey through the state’s rugged mountain terrain. While the trail itself features primitive shelters and campsites, many hikers seek out nearby accommodations for a more comfortable stay. Towns like Fontana Dam, Nantahala, and Hot Springs provide a variety of options, from cozy inns and lodges to charming bed-and-breakfasts. For those in need of more budget-friendly choices, hostels and motels located just off the trail offer shared rooms, private rooms, and often shuttle services to and from the trailheads. Some of these accommodations also provide amenities such as hot meals, resupply services, and gear repairs, making them popular stops for thru-hikers. Whether hikers are seeking a simple, rustic experience or a more luxurious break, North Carolina’s Appalachian Trail lodging offers something to suit every need along this beautiful and challenging section of the trail.
Springbrook Cottages & Vacation Rentals in Hot Springs, NC
Welcome to Springbrook Cottages, located in the historic town of Hot Springs, NC, surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest; where the Appalachian Trail (AT) runs through the middle of town and Spring Creek flows past our back decks, emptying into the French Broad river at the Hot Springs Spa. We are located right in town, convenient to everything Hot Springs has to offer, yet on a quiet street.
You can sit on your back deck and watch Spring Creek flow by, or fish, play in the water, have a picnic, build a campfire in our fire pits on the creek bank, sit in the gazebo and read, or watch the birds. Our pavilion and gazebo are perfect for family reunions, weddings, receptions, baptisms… whatever! So bring your family, church group, or yourself. We hope to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Appalachian Zen Adventures & Gooder Grove Hostel welcome you “back home” to nature, to explore the many trails winding through the lush Nantahala National Forest & the Great Smoky Mountains. Or paddle, fish or play in the area’s streams, rivers and lakes.
Explore cabins and lodging options in Bryson City, perfectly positioned adjacent to both the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Situated near the Nantahala River, Appalachian Trail, Fontana Lake, and beyond, NOC’s sprawling 500-acre campus caters to all types of overnight guests.
Whether you’re a family on vacation, a solo adventurer, a student attending courses, a thru-hiker, or part of a larger group, you’ll find suitable accommodations ranging from private to shared options, complete with onsite amenities such as dining, shopping, educational courses, and a plethora of activities in Bryson City, North Carolina!
At NOC’s Nantahala Adventure Resort, you’ll discover everything necessary for both brief visits and extended stays in the mountains. Choose from private cabins and bungalows, micro-lodge style rooms, campsites, and more, all conveniently located close to the river, lake, and trails.
Harmony Hostel is an upscale hostel offering clean, comfortable and affordable overnight accommodations for your outdoor adventure in the High Country. Located in Banner Elk near Boone, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, Harmony Hostel is nestled in some of the highest Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina and sets a new standard for hosteling.A harmonious and beautiful atmosphere awaits after a day of outdoor activities. Relax in front of the cozy fireplace or mingle with fellow guests on the outdoor patio and make new friends. At night, rest peacefully in a private, clean and comfortable bed.
Check in at 2pm; Check out at 11am.
Indoor beds and tenting available, shower without stay for a small fee. Small resupply with fuel.
The Lodge is a cozy vacation rental, located on the Nantahala River. This getaway is peaceful and relaxing along with access to must-have community amenities to make your trip nothing less than perfect. Start your day making a cup of joe in the well-equipped kitchenette, then head out where the adventure awaits! Go for a hike on the world famous Appalachian Trail, take a trip down one of the top white water destinations in the world, or enjoy a train ride tour of the Great Smoky Mountains!
The Cabins in the Woods is a gorgeous property nestled above Stecoah Valley just off NC-28. With some of the most spectacular scenery in Western North Carolina, we are situated in the center of all the outdoor activities you could want. The views are fantastic, and the laid back atmosphere makes your cares float away on a gentle mountain breeze.
Beautiful vacation cabins and Hiker Haven in NC near Tail of The Dragon, The Cherohala Skyway, and Nantahala Gorge. 2 miles from the AT with free pick up and drop off at Stecoah Gap. Hiker Haven with hot showers and breakfast.
Just a few minutes’ walk into downtown Hot Springs, NC and a one minute walk from the Appalachian Trail’s entry into Hot Springs, Little Bird Cabins offers convenient access to all of the best Hot Springs attractions while still remaining secluded and peaceful on a quiet street tucked into the woods.
Whether you come here for adventure and adrenaline or rest and relaxation, our Hot Springs NC cabins are ideally located for your excursions. Enjoy white water rafting on the French Broad River, breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or go fishing in one of the many pristine streams, then wrap up the day with a mineral tub soak at the Hot Springs Spa and Resort. The cabins are located within 5 minutes of it all!
The Appalachian Trail-er has space for ten and is located on the A.T. in beautiful Hot Springs, North Carolina. True to its name, the Trail-er is a 1,600+ square foot converted double wide that serves as a basecamp for all manner of BRHC trips, as well as a bunkhouse for hikers, backpackers, trail runners and paddlers. Reservations should be made in advance at 828-622-3319, as walk-ups are based on availability and the caretaker’s schedule. The Trail-er has a small retail counter with limited backpacking supplies and BRHC merch.Bookings include a clean bunk with linens, a hot shower, wifi, TV, kitchen access, and all the amenities Hot Springs has to offer. The Trail-er is also available for private group rentals. We look forward to hosting you in Hot Springs!
Gear and logistics are the two biggest hurdles that keep people from backpacking more often. With a selection of rental gear, shuttle services, and trip planning services, the Appalachian Trail-er offers a quick fix for both. Trip planning services include detailed trip itineraries, information about campsite locations, meal plans, etc.
We rent packs, tents, sleeping bags and pads, trekking poles, camp stoves, cookware, first aid kits, water filters, you name it. We also sell trail maps and have meal packages available (with advanced reservations). Just bring your clothes, toiletries, and personal items and you’re good to go!
To access the Appalachian Trail from the Trail-er… just walk out the front door! Or take a shuttle. Our seven passenger 4WD vehicle can take you anywhere you want to go within a two-hour radius, with the most popular trailheads being Max Patch (20 trail miles south), Davenport Gap (36 trail miles south, at the north end of the Smokies), and Allen Gap (15 trail miles north). From there, hike back to the Trail-er or schedule a pick-up! For info, rates, and availability, call 828-713-5451.
Bunk rooms, shared, private rooms available. Common area with wifi and DVDs.
***Named one of the top hostels on the Appalachian Trail***
We are a hiker hostel dedicated to offering outstanding support for Trail Families of 1 to 4 hikers.
The Bald Mountain House is located outside of Mars Hill, North Carolina near Asheville, within the private 5,000-acre Wolf Laurel Resort and Scenic Wolf Ski Area. Surround yourself with the natural wonders of the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests in North Carolina’s highest elevation luxury inn!
Relax in our porch rocking chairs while gazing out at the panoramic views of the Black Mountains and Mt. Mitchell, the tallest peak in the Eastern United States (6,684 feet). Hike the Appalachian Trail with our private, direct entrance. The diverse city of Asheville is close by, with shopping, wineries, and year round art and music festivals. There is much to discover in the natural beauty of nature: We invite you to Explore the Seasons.
Unplug and unwind with a hike on the Appalachian Trail with our private, direct entrance to Big Bald Mountain.
n 2013, Greg and Jen left the corporate world where work more, make more, spend more was the mantra, and moved to Costa Rica. They became experts on the country and each wrote Amazon best selling books on the subject of chucking it all and moving abroad. You can find Jen’s Amazon Author Page here and Greg’s Amazon Author Page here. Jen also has a successful jewelry business, which was established in Costa Rica (and since has incorporated adventure hiking jewelry!).
After 4 years of enjoying Costa Rica and a new fondness for hiking in the mountains of the Central Valley where they lived, the couple decided it was time for a new adventure. What could be better than spending 6 months living in the woods and hiking the entire Appalachian Trail?
Starting on Springer Mountain, Georgia on March 22, 2017 and ending on Mount Katahdin, Maine on September 16, 2017 their thru-hike was THE adventure of a lifetime! Along the way they became known by their trail names Chica and Sunsets, and documented their journey daily on their YouTube channel Chica and Sunsets.
Since the AT, the couple has thru-hiked the Camino de Santiago, Bartram, Colorado, Ice Age, Foothills, Art Loeb, and New England trails (as well as the Tahoe Rim Trail and Benton MacKaye trails individually) – all documented on YouTube.
In 2020 they opened Chica & Sunsets Hostel for hikers hiking the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail, which they ran for 5 successful years and had a blast giving back to the hiking community.
The Inn, our dream, is a true log home bed and breakfast. Sitting on top of a knoll overlooking the Stecoah Gap. The 360 degree views are breathtaking. Less than a mile from the Appalachian Trail. Rooms are filled with primitive antique furniture along with several pieces faithfully hand-crafted by the innkeepers themselves. The pavilion is a great spot to host weddings.
Chelokee Cove Cabins, ChelokeeCoveCabins.com, are located in the mountains of western North Carolina, adjacent to the Nantahala National Forest. The cabins are located approximately two hours from Asheville and Pigeon Forge. You’ll drive the scenic Nantahala River Gorge whenever you enter or leave the property. Our ten acres abut the National Forest Service Wildlands and offers plenty of wild and natural beauty.
Each modern log cabin is located in a serene creekside location…just one mile from the Appalachian Trail and a twenty minute drive from the Nantahala Outdoor Center and other rafting outfitters. Each studio cabin has a comfy queen bed. Your comfort is important to us. We are lucky to have one of the best cleaning services to prepare your cabin for your stay.
The Iron Horse Station is a landmark inn, restaurant, tavern, and shops located in the heart of Hot Springs, North Carolina, a historic mountain town situated directly on the Appalachian Trail. The Iron Horse Station has been renovated and extensively restored; transforming the Inn, Restaurant, Tavern, and Shops into a charming destination surrounded by the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains and the French Broad River.
Accommodations at Iron Horse Station feature fifteen welcoming guestrooms, each having its own private bathroom. Every guestroom contains comfortable new furnishings, handcrafted beds, and other amenities including Jacuzzi tubs, transom windows, original sky-wells, and mountain views.
The Restaurant and Tavern offers a friendly and casual dining experience. With a wide menu variety, a nice selection of beer and wine, a guest lounge with a fireplace, large screen TV and Wireless Internet, the Iron Horse Station is a memorable spot to eat, drink, and relax in a comfortable environment.
