Calling on southwest Virginia trail experts

[Toga]

First post...so here is goes!! I'm planning a section hike this late April/ early May from Damascus to Pearisburg. I would like to resupply and catch a night indoors around Atkins/Marion. Appears to be no hostels in this area, so what are the suggestions? I've ruled out Relax Inn...other then location, haven't heard anything good about that place. Is there anything else near Rural Retreat or is hitching into Marion the way to go? Any general advice or comments about this section is also appreciated

Happy hiking and Thanks!!

[kayak karl]

is the troutdale hostel re-openned?

[1234]

There is a church hostel, just prior to grayson, I cannot remember the name. but it was not but a mile or so off the trail. It was open last year.

[Lone Wolf]

First post...so here is goes!! I'm planning a section hike this late April/ early May from Damascus to Pearisburg. I would like to resupply and catch a night indoors around Atkins/Marion. Appears to be no hostels in this area, so what are the suggestions? I've ruled out Relax Inn...other then location, haven't heard anything good about that place. Is there anything else near Rural Retreat or is hitching into Marion the way to go? Any general advice or comments about this section is also appreciated

Happy hiking and Thanks!!

marion has everything you'll need

[Lone Wolf]

There is a church hostel, just prior to grayson, I cannot remember the name. but it was not but a mile or so off the trail. It was open last year.

the closest hostel to grayson is about 5 miles away in Troutdale from Fox Creek

[kayak karl]

marion has everything you'll need

the hotels were cheap there also.

[Toga]

Hoping for a hidden gem, however a cheap and clean stay in Marion will fit the bill. Looks like Barn Restaurant excepts hiker boxes and the nearby truck stop has showers...is the truck stop hiker friendly? Guess this may be an option if I just want to clean up and resupply without lodging.

[HikerMom58]

The best part about Marion is that Cedar Tree lives there.

[Lone Wolf]

Hoping for a hidden gem, however a cheap and clean stay in Marion will fit the bill. Looks like Barn Restaurant excepts hiker boxes and the nearby truck stop has showers...is the truck stop hiker friendly? Guess this may be an option if I just want to clean up and resupply without lodging.

hiker boxes have been stolen from the barn in the past

[Toga]

hiker boxes have been stolen from the barn in the past

That is good to know!

[Kingbee]

Virginia Inn(not exactly sure on name) in Marion is cheap. Stayed there in 2012. They may have laundry there now, but if not the laundramat is a bit of a walk. Walmart is close by. You can hitch from Mt. Rogers visitor center, but there's a phone to call a cab. You may be lucky and have a few hikers to split the fare.
The Exxon at Rt. 11 had a nice little diner attached called Eats and Treats. Not sure if it's there now, but they took hiker boxes.

[Lone Wolf]

treat yourself to a night in marion. there's a chinese buffet and a KFC buffet, walmart, good grocery stores, etc

[Lone Wolf]

The Exxon at Rt. 11 had a nice little diner attached called Eats and Treats. Not sure if it's there now, but they took hiker boxes.

it is closed

[Toga]

treat yourself to a night in marion. there's a chinese buffet and a KFC buffet, walmart, good grocery stores, etc

Chinese buffet...seals the deal!

[flemdawg1]

First post...so here is goes!! I'm planning a section hike this late April/ early May from Damascus to Pearisburg. I would like to resupply and catch a night indoors around Atkins/Marion. Appears to be no hostels in this area, so what are the suggestions? I've ruled out Relax Inn...other then location, haven't heard anything good about that place. Is there anything else near Rural Retreat or is hitching into Marion the way to go? Any general advice or comments about this section is also appreciated

Happy hiking and Thanks!!

You don't have to hitch to Marion. Ususally there's a bus that picks up at Partnership Shelter that shuttles hikers to town.

[SawnieRobertson]

The best part about Marion is that Cedar Tree lives there.

And I live 10 miles out in the country from it between Partnership and Dickey Creek.

[Tron-Life]

You don't have to hitch to Marion. Ususally there's a bus that picks up at Partnership Shelter that shuttles hikers to town.

Could you give me a little more info on this bus? Will it be running on April 11th?

[Meriadoc]

Could you give me a little more info on this bus? Will it be running on April 11th?

It should be. If I remember correctly, it's one of those mobility buses for citizens who can't get around on their own whether for lack of a vehicle or other issue. I think it's run by the town of Marion. I think there is information in AWOL's guide about it. Also the ranger station at Partnership shelter should be able to help with information, as should the town of Marion. If memory serves, there are two buses a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

[Tron-Life]

Excellent. Thanks for the info!

[flemdawg1]

3 runs a day in May 2012 for the Marion bus. I caught it around 1pm and returned about 4pm.