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.

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.

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 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!

We have the perfect North Carolina Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental for your next Vacation!
Save when Booking Direct with us by avoiding expensive Service Fees and higher rates charged by
National Booking sites for our same locally managed cabins.

There are many unique features that will make your stay memorable. Join the butterflies and hummingbirds as you meander through a garden of flowers and herbs. Catch some quiet time on the garden bench located below the cascading waterfall. Enjoy walks or jogs along the quiet country road leading to Black Rock State Park, and to peaceful Wolffork Valley. Take an evening stroll to the nearby pavilion on Black Rock Lake, and catch a spectacular display of planets and stars in the clear, dark sky. Search for beautiful and endangered wildflowers with your camera along the roads and trails in nearby Black Rock State Park.  Sylvan Falls Mill B&B is a premier North Georgia Attraction that attracts visitors from around the world.  We are located between Dillard and Clayton Georgia just a short drive north of Tallulah Falls and a wee bit west of the Chattooga River.

Your escape from the everyday. An unparalleled standard of design and hospitality. Experience luxury in the Northeast Georgia Mountains and captivate your senses. A boutique hotel, The White Birch Inn is your one and only lodging choice on the square of charming downtown Clayton, GA.

After a restful night’s sleep under a fluffy down duvet, envision yourself venturing down to breakfast, under the birch trees which envelope the stairs, all while being serenaded by faint sounds of classical music. Choose between our cheerful, sunny breakfast room or our secluded, serene patio, while listening to the chirping of birds, and watching the sun climb over Screamer Mountain. Before you know it, freshly brewed award-winning Cool Beans coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice arrive to complement the cooked-to-order breakfast. An a la carte menu showcases a variety of hot and cold delights to start your morning.

After spending the day visiting wineries or antique shops, or going boating or hiking, return to the inn and relax in the guest lounge, or out on the screened porch while enjoying complimentary wine and cheese served from 4:00-5:00. This perfect day culminates with turn-down service including chocolates on your pillow, of which we have a variety of down and feather-free pillows available! Whether your plans include escaping for a romantic weekend, or enjoying beautiful Lake Burton or Rabun, The White Birch Inn is your in-town lodging choice for the sophisticated traveler!

If you’re looking for a memorable North Georgia experience at a great value, then look no further than the Quality Inn & Suites^® Mt. Chalet in Clayton. As a guest at our hotel, you’re sure to get your money’s worth with our dependable service and great amenities. We provide essentials like free WiFi and outdoor parking. You can also enjoy a free hot breakfast and free coffee each day of your stay. Our cozy guest rooms are the perfect place to rest up after a day spent experiencing all that the area has to offer.

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.

Stanimals Around the Bend is the same location where Top of Georgia Hostel and Hiking Center used to operate. The property was renovated in 2020.

FREE GUEST SHUTTLES
We offer free pick-up and drop-off at Unicoi Gap, Dicks Creek Gap, and Blue Ridge Gap for guests. Please contact us in advance with estimated pickup time.

We offer one free town shuttle per guest per day stayed. We shuttle to either Hiawassee, GA or Clayton, GA – schedule and location may vary.

Free slackpacking options for Unicoi Gap and Blue Ridge Gap with 2 night minimum stay. Other paid-for slackpacking options available – please contact us for details and availability.

SHUTTLES AROUND THE BEND
In addition to the free guest shuttles, we also offer long-distance shuttles to locations ranging from   Amicalola Falls to Fontana Dam for AT hikers.

AT Section Hikers: you can park your vehicle at the hostel, stay with us, and ride our shuttle to your starting point. We offer a 50% discount on parking with stay and/or paid-for shuttle ride!

Pet Friendly
Laundry
Private Bedrooms
Bunkhouse
Free Wifi
Tent and Hammcok Space
Slack Packing
Mail Drops

• Free pickup from either Unicoi Gap or Dick’s Creek Gap. For pickups as far south as Neel, and as far north as Albert, shoot us a text for availability and pricing.

• Free shuttle into town for the grocery store, outfitters, post office, pharmacy, and restaurants, they are all less than 10 minutes away.

• Enjoy plenty of hot water for your shower, with two full bathrooms stocked with toiletries to keep up your beauty routine.

• We do your laundry so you can relax & we have plenty of comfy loaner clothes; PJ pants and rock t-shirts are what’s in this season.

• Get a solid night’s sleep with complete linens, blankets and pillows on your brand new memory foam mattress behind your privacy curtains.

• Wake up to your hot breakfast before we shuttle you back to the Trail. Let us know if you have any dietary restrictions, we can accommodate everything from GF to vegan.

• Lightning hot wifi, community spaces, including indoor and outdoor dining & lounging areas, coffee available all day, and television with multiple streaming services.

• Bunks are $60 plus tax.

Nestled in Moody Hollow and sitting next to the headwaters of the Hiawassee River, these cabins offer a great getaway. Guests find a special solitude not found in other campgrounds. Although we have a limited number of sites they are all very spacious. With 20 campsites, 15 of which are on the river, it allows for a more private camping experience. Some campers have found it so desirable; they’ve stayed for 6 years! 10 minutes from Hiawassee and 15 Minutes from Helen, you’re close to a variety of restaurants, quaint shops, grocery stores, beautiful Lake Chatuge, 6 new movie theaters and Funworld for the kids. Campers enjoy being minutes from High Shoals Falls, the Appalachian Trail and Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia.

Seasons Inn Motel and Plaza

Located on the historic Square in Downtown Blairsville, we offer everything you need for an enjoyable stay in the Northeast Georgia Mountains. With affordable rates, immaculately clean rooms, and the family friendly atmosphere of on-site owners, you’ll find that Seasons Inn is a great destination. Our 25 rooms (with over half on ground level) are within easy walking distance of restaurants, hair salons, retail/clothing stores, antique shops, and real estate offices. Seasons Inn is also centrally located to traditional downtown events including the annual Sorghum Festival Parade, the annual Spring Arts, Crafts & Music Festival, the monthly Blairsville Cruiser’s Car Shows, and weekly Friday Night Concert Series.

• Free color DirectTV
• Free Wireless internet access
• Free local newspapers, area brochures, and maps
• Free morning coffee in lobby except on Sundays
• Guest laundry
• One king or two double beds in every room

The stone facade of the Walasi-yi Interpretive Center has been standing at Neel Gap on the Appalachian Trail since both trail and building were completed in 1937. Though the majestic historical building has seen many purposes, Mountain Crossings has called it home since the early 1980’s and has become a crucial backpackers destination on the Appalachian Trail. It is now one of the premiere full service Outfitters on the trail for thru hikers, offering gear, large resupply options, lodging, gifts and much more.

Home of the infamous pack shakedown. Tenting, bunkhouse, friendly cat on site. Very good resupply, fully stocked outfitter with knowledgeable staff. Store Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:00am to 5:00(Hours can change from time to time)

AT Passport
Open Year Round
Retail Store & Supplies
Full Service Outfitter
Gear Shakedown
Long Term Resupply
Alcohol
Charging Station
Bunk Room with Shower
AT Shuttle Service
Mail Drops

Blood Mountain Cabins are rustic, no-frills cabins located high in the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to get back to simpler times.

Located a short footpath away from the world-famous Appalachian Trail and surrounded by the wilderness of the Chattahoochee National Forest, we are near the top of Blood Mountain, over 3000 feet above sea level, and we rarely see a temperature as high as 80°.

In the heart of the Smoky Mountains surrounded by Cherokee National Forest lies Standing Bear Farm, a turn of the century multi-generational farmstead including the original homestead, barns, outbuildings and farmhouse. The outbuildings have now been converted to a bunkhouse and cabin where we offer rustic lodging to hikers and others interested in stepping back from today’s hectic lifestyle to a time in America’s past when life in rural back country Appalachia was considered the “good life”. Standing Bear Farm is three miles North of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and two hundred yards off of the Appalachian Trail. We offer lodging in our rustic bunkhouse or cabin, tent camping, authentic Tee-Pee, hot showers, laundry, free internet, phone, mail-drop, shuttle service, microwave, fire pits and gas grill. We have resupply to include items for you to grill plus condiments.White water rafting trips available on the Pigeon River, a class 3+ river. Raft in the morning and continue hiking that afternoon.

Lodging- Bunkhouse, Rustic Cabin, Tree House, Lower Buggy Barn, Upper Buggy Barn, Creek House, Smokehouse

Shuttle Service
Kenneling
Resupply
Mail Drops
Hammock and Tent Camping

Nestled in the heart of nature where serenity meets comfort. Enjoy a peaceful getaway or host an event with easy access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and local wildlife. Whether you are seeking adventure or tranquility, our cabin retreat is the perfect escape from the hustle + bustle of everyday life.

Pet friendly
Bunk Houses
Dormitory
Cabin Rentals
Yurt Rentals
Tavern
Free Wifi

For an open air experience, we offer grassy area for tent and RV space. Electrical hookups- access to bath house and pet friendly! Idea for larger groups, our dormitory accommodations feature 16 twin beds and attached classroom for added convenience. Our hostel style individual bed rentals in the dormitory are a fantastic choice when needing to recharge for your next adventure. Our tent spot reservations are perfect to pitch your tent and provide outdoor adventure under the stars.

Kennedy Creek Tavern
Kennedy Creek Resort is proud to offer an exclusive menu for our guests that features dishes crafted from farm-fresh ingredients and regional specialties. In the evening, unwind with craft cocktails, local brews or fine wines in any of our outdoor lounge areas surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Barefoot Hills Hostel is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Dahlonega, Georgia. Its convenient location near Springer Mountain, the official beginning point of the Appalachian Trail, as well as numerous other prized mountain gaps, has long made it a favorite spot for the trail hiking community. Cyclists, mountain bikers, rock climbers, kayakers, fly-fishing aficionados, boaters, golfers and outdoor enthusiasts from all walks also find Barefoot Hills Hotel conveniently located to some of the finest recreational outings in the southeastern United States. In addition to the abundant outdoor experiential offerings, Georgia’s burgeoning wine country is just minutes from Barefoot Hills Hotel, allowing guests to enjoy convenient outings to dozens of local vineyards, wineries, and some of the finest restaurants in North Georgia. A truly hidden gem, food and wine lovers everywhere are quickly taking notice of Dahlonega’s emerging culinary and wine scene, conveniently located just an hour north of metropolitan Atlanta. History buffs will also enjoy strolling the streets and local shops of picturesque downtown Dahlonega, site of the first Gold Rush in the United States. Barefoot Hills Hotel offers modern guest rooms and brand-new furnishings with one to two-bedroom layouts, as well as luxury private cabins featuring eco-friendly design. Barefoot Hills Hotel is a perfect location for destination weddings and large group retreats. Room reservations and special event packages are regularly updated on http://www.barefoothills.com, or please call our central reservations line (770) 312-7342 to book today.

AT Passport
Open Year Round
Private Bunk Room
Cabin Rentals
Group Rates
Shower
Beer & Wine
Supplies
Laundry Service
Free Wifi
AT Shuttle
Mail Drops

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***

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 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.

Guests at the Amicalola Falls Lodge are inspired and refreshed when they stay at the lodge, which is just steps away from the 720 foot tall Amicalola Falls, the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi. Plus, the Appalachian Trail Approach Trail, which passes just a few hundred yards from the Lodge, leads from the property to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. A relaxing and rejuvenating return to nature awaits you each time you visit The Lodge at Amicalola Falls. Just a 90-minute drive from downtown Atlanta, the lodge is located on the top of the mountain in Amicalola Falls State Park, in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Accommodations include cabins, camping, and full-service hotel rooms in the lodge. A full service restaurant provides both traditional Southern and American Cuisine.

The five-mile trek through the foothills of North Georgia is just the beginning of a unique experience. A friendly face, a welcoming smile, a warm meal and a soft bed all greet you at trail’s end.
Everyone comes to the Hike Inn for different reasons. Some come to spend time with nature. Some come to spend time with family and friends. Others simply come to escape their daily routine. No matter the reason, the result is the same. People come here as guests. They usually leave as fans, friends and — in a sense — part of our family.What makes the Hike Inn unique is not any one experience, but its ability to make everyone feel like they’re a part of something special. Everyone belongs here.

Hostel, Cabins, Country Store, Campsites & Pavilion
ATC Mile Marker 291.1

Hiker hostel, cabins, and tent sites available.
Limited re-supply.
Looking for a relaxing break between Hot Springs and Erwin? Come stay with us on beautiful Paint Creek!
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED!
Hostel bunk – $22
Upgraded bunk – $30
Private Cabins from $60
Café is currently closed.
Call for info
423-820-9228

We are a small, family owned business that was established by Mike and Judy Fiorentino. The pair had a dream of owning a campground and in 1995, they made that dream a reality. They were living in Florida at the time and visiting Amicalola Falls State Park with their children and some friends when they came across the property that is now Under The Hemlock. They bought the property, moved their family to Georgia, and got to work. Mike and Judy built their family home, the country store, a bath house, and three cabins all by milling wood from trees cut on the property. This truly was a labor of love and something they knew would be their legacy in life. Now 30 years later, they’re able to have their children and grandchildren be involved. We’d love to have you visit our little oasis and explore all the wonderful attractions nearby. Some of those include Amicalola Falls State Park, Burt’s Pumpkin Farm, Ellijay Apple country, Blue Ridge and the famous downtown of Dahlonega. We hope to see you real soon!

Come rent an Ellijay cabin in the great outdoors of the North Georgia mountains. Take a stroll through the woods or go fishing in Mountain Town Creek, a Trophy Trout Stream. Or if you prefer, simply enjoy the scenery and do nothing at all.

Our Cabin Rentals are located just 10 minutes from Ellijay, Cartecay river, Carters Lake, and White Path Golf Course, and 20 minutes from Amicalola Falls and the beginning of the Appalachian Trail.

This is the perfect spot to spend your honeymoon, anniversary, vacation, or any other special occasion. Browse our web site, feel the breeze, smell the fresh air, give us a call to reserve this log cabin rental.

We are open and offer showers beds food and wash and dry cloths.

Located at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, we are the ideal location for hikers and backpackers alike! We provide a quiet place for guests to relax, prepare, or rest before, during, and after the great outdoor adventures you have planned. Our family-friendly atmosphere is welcoming and refreshing to all who stay with us. Bring your pets! We love animals as much as you do, and even offer use of our onsite dog kennels if you need a place to keep your pets while you are away.

The scenery is beautiful, the location is ideal, and we offer reservations because we know how stressful life can be and we want to help you forget about it!

We also have 4 newly updated cabins if you want to add a little bit of modern convenience to your long deserved vacation!

 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.

Rustic trail-side lodging with free WiFi & shuttles to town, an outfitter/store & a laundry service.

During my SOBO ’21 thru-hike, I enjoyed the experience of each and every hostel I stayed in. Each one has its own personality… a flavor, and each was a gamble. I loved the adventure of not knowing who I would meet, how much money I would spend, and how long I would end up staying (based on the first two factors).

It became my passion to own a hostel and I found the perfect one for me in Uncle Johnny’s. I cherish the history of UJ; I like the town of Erwin more and more; and I love being the owner of UJ.

Many crazy, good times are ahead of Uncle Johnny’s and I will share thousands of unique experiences with NOBOs, SOBOs, Flip-Floppers, and Section/Day hikers for decades to come.

Indoor beds and tenting available, shower without stay for a small fee. Small resupply with fuel.