Split from Straight Forward: Hotels vs. Hostels

[Ron Haven]

I think on the trail for a new person that is trying to be conserative.Maybe trying both should soon answer the question to your own judgement.

I know most motels are motels and most hostels are hostels.But for hikers I try to offer a hiker friendly atmosphere in every respect.We offer shuttles,computers,local entertainment,laundry,pet friendly,plenty of food and beer nearby and more.At a rate of $39.99 and $5 for each additional guest inc tax.This is around $14 ea for 4 guest and it feels like a hostel.We also can help with local info and a lot of trail info too.

I know Hike Inn at Fontana,NC & Hiawassee Inn in Hiawassee,Ga is also very hiker organized also but none of these are a 100% hostel.

The Hiker Hostel at Dahlonega,Ga,Mtn Crossings at Neels Gap,Cloud9 & the Blueberry Patch at Hiawassee,Ga,NOC at Wessor,NC,Standing Bear Farm at Hartford,Tn just to mention in my area are all great choices for hostels.

Main thing and most important.Hit the trail with a positive atitude,read guides,ask questions,hike your own hike and most of all.Have FUN.

[Jack Tarlin]

Ron's too modest.

Any hiker passing thru Franklin, NC would be absolutely crazy not to stay at one of Ron's places.

Merry Christmas, Ron, as we'll see you guys soon!

[Blissful]

yeah, i wouldn't do it either, but it beats sleeping in the shed at cloud 9

I had a nice room in the house.

[Ron Haven]

Ron's too modest.

Any hiker passing thru Franklin, NC would be absolutely crazy not to stay at one of Ron's places.

Merry Christmas, Ron, as we'll see you guys soon!

Jack I hope Santa stops to see you too.

[Blissful]

We enjoyed these hostels / motels in the south -

Hiker Hostel
Cloud 9
Ron's motel
Hike Inn
Standing Bear
Elmer's (one of his main bedrooms)
we also liked the Holiday Inn - I think it was, in Erwin.
Kincora
Dave's Place

[daddytwosticks]

OK, sorry...but I just have to ask since my warped, in-the-gutter mind wont rest 'till I get an answer...Ron, what exactly do you mean by "local entertainment?". Merry Christmas to all!

[KG4FAM]

I had a nice room in the house.

Good for you. I had to sleep in the essentially non heated shed with open cell foam mattresses so I am never going to stay at Cloud 9 again. Blueberry Patch or Holiday Inn for me.

[Ron Haven]

OK, sorry...but I just have to ask since my warped, in-the-gutter mind wont rest 'till I get an answer...Ron, what exactly do you mean by "local entertainment?". Merry Christmas to all!

It is sure fine for you to ask.There are a few clubs here,skating rink,bowling alley,game rooms,movie theater some enjoy visiting the museums If you have a chance,stop by.

[yappy]

Hi Ron, your place rocks and if I were closer I would probably try and move in..

[4eyedbuzzard]

4 hikers sharing a motel room totally sucks

Well now, methinks that depends upon the gender of the other three and their degree of friendliness.

[Ron Haven]

Hi Ron, your place rocks and if I were closer I would probably try and move in..

If you get down my way stop in,PS bring me Sarah's autograph as you start this way

[digger51]

Obviously someone has not heard of the April Fools Day bash Ron throws in Franklin each year. Have a great Christmas Ron. See you in the spring.

[Lone Wolf]

Good for you. I had to sleep in the essentially non heated shed with open cell foam mattresses so I am never going to stay at Cloud 9 again. Blueberry Patch or Holiday Inn for me.

whaaaa! plenty of national forest to sleep in

[mweinstone]

i squat on lwolfs porch if i want. thats just how us gangsta rappas roll.and if im really down and out, he sings me lullabys and tucks me into my bag. but the best squat on trail is the schoolbus stop in hamburg that says no hikers.

[Lone Wolf]

dats rite. you mi beotch

[ofthearth]

C 9 was a great place. Fresh fish for dinner (lots of good people/good food), hot shower, slept out by the stream (peaceful, warm in my bag/tent).

[Marta]

You can substantially change the hostel experience with an out-of-season hike.
Some of the hostels where I was the only guest that night:

White House Landing
Rutland (only female hiker there that night)
St. Mary's in Cheshire, MA
Ironmaster's (I was the only hiker; there was a school group staying there as well)
Rusty's
Bear's Den
The Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega

Since I was mostly hiking alone, and often camping alone, finding more solitude in a motel room was not necessarily a good thing.

[KG4FAM]

whaaaa! plenty of national forest to sleep in

well if I had to choose between the two I would take the woods. A piece of foam and a unheated shack isn't much different than sleeping in the woods.

[yappy]

lol Ron, hey.. did ya know I make a mean bed and am a vacuum loving junkie ? I mean you NEED me to help you !

[Serial 07]

i didn't see too many, if any, references to sutton's place in hampton, TN...i know it's right after kincora, which is nice...yes, bob is great, but sutton's manor has so much character, isn't too expensive ($10), you will most likely get the place to yourself, and the little town of hampton sells beer and has a place for resupply...i've stayed with sutton both years i hiked and am glad i did...it's an easy hike from kincora to sutton's (especially if you take the old AT into hampton and skip ponds (or pond's) flat...which i dislike anyway...digressing...) and makes an easy near-0...

go check out sutton's manor in hampton, TN...if not just to spread some AT wealth (money and story exchange) to a man who loves hikers as much as anybody...