Are hostels open December thru Feb?

[JBandStacy2014]

My husband and I are leaving to start the trail December 18th, are there any hostels that are open in December thru Feb? Basically before the "season" opens?

[The Cleaner]

Some are. Motels in nearby trail towns should be open. Make sure you have funds available for them as soon as the 1st significant snow event occurs you will be forced to leave the trail. Depending on weather conditions you may have to do this many times as winter is just getting started. No snow at this time but weather conditions can get life threatening quick even if you have good winter gear. Just because the trail starts in the "south" the weather along the ridge tops can still be wicked cold.....

[The Cleaner]

Keep this in mind too. If you do get caught in a bad snow event and try to bail at a gap with a paved road, the snow may affect cell phone coverage. Roads can get slick too and some shuttles may not be available.:eek:

[kayak karl]

some are and some aren't. check your guide. shuttles were practically none existent, but hitching was easy. you may need to hike more days between resupply points in winter. carry extra food because sometimes its safer to stay put then hike in a storm. longest i had to stay in hammock was 36 hours. bring something to read. ;)

[Elder]

The Georgia hostels are open year round. The Hiker Hostel, Dahlonega; Wolfpen Gap Country Store (and Hostel); Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap; And Top of Georgia at Dicks Creek. Hotels are open too.

[Boots and Backpacks]

My husband and I are leaving to start the trail December 18th, are there any hostels that are open in December thru Feb? Basically before the "season" opens?

I'll send you a PM.

[Spit Walker]

wondering about this too

[Watson]

Standing Bear Farm at the north end of GSMNP is open. Just called them to make sure before hiking in December.

[Sir-Packs-Alot]

29118

The "Top of Georgia Hostel and Hiking Center" is OPEN YEAR ROUND with the exception of a few holidays ... 2 days for Christmas (24/25) and 2 for New Years (12/31-1/1) are 2 coming up. www.TopOfGeorgiaHostel.com 706-982-3252

[buckeye49]

Anybody know which facilities, if any, are open at the NOC in January?

[Huli]

Grab AWOL's guide. It has most of the operating hours, seasonal hours and the phone numbers to call directly

[buckeye49]

I have the guide and it is not specific what is open when, just says coin showers are available for non-guests Apr-Oct. I will call at some time but was just curious as I'm in the rough stage of planning. The outfitter and bunkhouse are my main concerns.

[kayak karl]

NOC bunk house is open. Store supplys are sparse.

[kayak karl]

Its hit and miss in winter. An extreme cold can shut a place down for a few days.

[buckeye49]

Thanks Karl, I will plan on using a mail drop there.

[George]

Thanks Karl, I will plan on using a mail drop there.

mail drop is no problem year around - office hours are shortened but you can call to check in to the lodging for late arrival - the store will have fuel - the restaurant is open most of the year, a pizza to go keeps fine in the winter

[kayak karl]

hit the NOC during the Ruck, you won't go hungry :)