They have a great hiker shuttle deal in thru hike beginning season. They'll pick you up from Atlanta or Gainesville and give your room and breakfast and shuttle you to Springer or the approach for $60- that's how much just a shuttle costs from Atlanta to Springer. Pretty good... And I hear they make a mean breakfast!
Thanks to everyone who posted. I appreciate the suggestions.
The sarcasm is undeserved, 'though anyone who has stayed there would acknowledge that it is, indeed, an elite establishment.
LW, I am aware of your views on hostels, but I bet that if you had the pleasure of staying there, you would make this the exception!
Best Wishes CG
Maybe. . . but they're just folks like the rest of us. . . and I bet the reason is they like to have hiker's around but maybe don't want a big group everyday all through hiker season. . . seems reasonable to me. . . .
This particular place hasn't been mentioned yet on this thread but The White Birches just outside Gorham is quickly becoming one of my favorites. . . excellent folk and extremely hiker friendly in a town that was sorely lacking in this category. . .
The White Birches!!
The Cabin reopened during the Maine thru hiker season this summer and fall, mostly because the other hostel in Andover was frequently full and the proprietors asked if the Cabin would take the surplus.
The Cabin never fully stopped operating. It has continued catering to hikers and others that registered in advance and who wanted mostly just a comfortable bed, rather than full service meals.
I don't know what the plans are for next year. But I won't be surprised if they are open. Marge and Earle can be reached at: [email protected]
Weary
Marge and Earle, like all of us, keep getting older. There comes a time when everyone has to slow down. The Cabin had grown to 14+ hour days for the two owners. One way to cut down on the hours was to restrict their hostel hobby to visits by old friends.
However, as mentioned in another post, The Cabin was open to everyone during the peak thru hiker season. My guess is that will be true next year as well. But that's strictly a guess.
Weary
The Free State Hiker Hostel is a nice place. Top part of a fairly new house. Free Internet and long distance phone service. You can call for pizza delivery from there. I think they will slack you around the area. The kitchem is stocked with pay as you go or pay as you leave snacks and drinks. At least that is the way it was a few years ago when I was there. Nice couple run the place.
Not mentioned yet are Chet's Place in Linclon, NH and the Outhouse (Mayors House) in Unionville, NY. Both of these spots have had rave reviews by hikers the past few years.