SLACKPACKING TRIP TERMS & CONDITIONS

The following Slackpacking Trip Terms & Conditions, together with the General Information contained on our website form a contract between the Guest (“you”) and The Grove Hostel, LLC (“The Grove”), located at 130 Hayes Circle, Franklin, NC, 28734. Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. By booking a Slackpacking Trip with The Grove, we assume that regarding these Terms and Conditions, you have: had the opportunity to read them, had the opportunity to ask questions about them, and agree to them.

BOOKING AND PAYMENT

For Slackpacking Trips, a $300 deposit is due and must be paid upon booking. Once a deposit or full payment is made to the Grove, you acknowledge and accept that this is a binding contract between you and The Grove. The rest of the trip cost is paid according to the payment schedule outlined in the chart below. The full trip cost must be paid in full 14 days before the start of the trip. If you register after the final payment deadline (14 days before the trip start date) the entire amount is due within 2 days of booking and is non-refundable.

PAYMENT METHODS

We accept the following payment methods for Slackpacking Trips: credit card, and PayPal. Additional processing fees may apply depending on the payment method used.

NO-SHOW POLICY

Failure to show up for the Slackpacking Trip will result in the forfeiture of the entire trip cost.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, interruptions, and other unforeseen events. The hostel is not responsible for any losses or expenses incurred due to trip cancellations or interruptions. Please click here to explore the options of our partner, World Nomads, for your travel insurance needs.

PAYMENT CONTACT INFORMATION

For any payment-related inquiries or to update your booking details, please contact us at contact@grovehostel.com.

CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS BY THE CUSTOMER

Our cancellation policy is not meant to be punitive, but to recover costs for fuel, shuttles, and lost revenue for holding space in our hostel for slackpacking participants. Please read our cancellation policy carefully. Cancellations must be requested in writing and sent to our email contact@grovehostel.com.

CANCELING WINDOW REFUND POLICY

• Within 7 days of booking AND BEFORE the final payment deadline (i.e. 14 days before the trip starts): Deposit is fully refundable

• Within 7 days of booking AND AFTER the final payment deadline (i.e. 14 days before the trip starts): 50% of Trip Cost

• More than 7 days after booking: Deposit is nonrefundable

• 90 days to 31 days before trip starts: Cancellation fee is 100% of the deposit

• 30 days to 14 days before the trip starts: Cancellation fee is 50% of the trip cost

• 14 days or less before the trip starts: Cancellation fee is 100% of the trip cost
  

TRANSFERS

If you would like to transfer the date of your originally booked slackpacking trip to another date, it may be possible, but not guaranteed, if there is a different date for a trip already scheduled by us within the same calendar year. Please request a transfer in writing and send it via email to contact@grovehostel.com. We will respond to your request within 7 business days to confirm or deny your transfer request. If the transfer is denied, then your booking will be subject to the cancellation policy above. If your transfer is approved, you can transfer your trip one time within the next calendar year.

The trip cost for your originally booked Slackpacking date can transfer to that future trip. If there isn’t a trip scheduled or you are unable to rebook to the next available date, your trip cost does not transfer and the amount that can be refunded is dictated by the cancellation fee in the cancellation chart. If the trip you would like to transfer to is a different price, you are responsible for the difference in price.

SAFETY

DECISION TO CANCEL OR POSTPONE
In the event of severe weather conditions, such as wildfires, thunderstorms, or other hazardous environmental factors on the scheduled day of the hiking trip, The Grove, and its representatives, reserves the right to use its best judgment to advise against proceeding with the shuttle ride and slackpacking hike. This decision will be made with the safety of all participants as the primary consideration.

ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

Should a cancellation or postponement occur, The Grove will make reasonable efforts to reschedule the trip or offer alternative arrangements, subject to availability and at our discretion. However, you understand that this is not guaranteed, and no compensation will be provided for any expenses incurred due to such changes.

RISK AND SAFETY

The Grove, and its representatives, are committed to ensuring the safety of all participants. Additionally, the Grove will not jeopardize the safety of hostel vehicles or property, nor will The Grove expose them to extreme weather conditions to transport guests to the trailhead.

NO REFUNDS POLICY

You acknowledge and agree that no refunds will be provided in the event of cancellation or postponement of the slackpacking trip due to inclement weather, acts of God, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond the Grove’s control. This includes but is not limited to, natural disasters, severe weather, or other emergency conditions. Additionally, If you sit out part of the itinerary or leave the trip early, there will be no refunds.

BEHAVIOR / CODE OF CONDUCT

Guests can be asked to leave the trip if it’s determined that they put the health, safety, or enjoyment of other guests’ experience at risk. This includes but isn’t limited to communicable illness (including symptoms of Covid-19, Norovirus; excessive, uncontrolled coughing, nausea, etc.), erratic/harassing behavior, excessive use of controlled substances, unsafe behavior while at the Hostel or on the hike, and other behaviors up to The Grove’s discretion.

BEHAVIORAL WARNING POLICY

The Grove has a Behavioral Warning Policy to ensure a pleasant environment for everyone. Typically, if a guest displays unacceptable behavior, they will receive one warning from The Grove before any further action is taken. However, The Grove reserves the right to ask any guest to leave immediately without a refund if their behavior is deemed unacceptable by The Grove. This policy helps us maintain a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all guests and staff, with decisions made at the discretion of hostel management.

If you are concerned about a guest’s behavior, please notify The Grove immediately.

COMMUNICABLE ILLNESS

In the case of communicable illness, the Grove will assist you in leaving the hostel, typically to a hotel within the city of Franklin, NC, to recover in a place where you are able to quarantine. You are responsible for the cost of the hotel/alternate arrangements and travel home.

PHOTOS AND MARKETING

You consent to The Grove Hostel using images of you taken during the trip for advertising and promotional purposes in any medium chosen. You grant The Grove a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such images for publicity and promotional purposes.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITIES LOST OR STOLEN PROPERTY

I ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THE GROVE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE FOR ANY REASON, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ACTS OF GOD. I AM AWARE THAT I AM NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN MY VEHICLE IF I HAVE A ROOM AT THE GROVE BOOKED AS I CAN LOCK MY PERSONAL ITEMS IN MY BOOKED AND LOCKABLE PRIVATE ROOM. HOWEVER, I ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THE GROVE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST OR STOLEN PERSONAL ITEMS FROM MY VEHICLE OR IN MY BOOKED ROOM (IF I HAVE ONE) WHILE USING OR PARKING ON THE GROVE’S PROPERTY.

WAIVER AND RELEASE

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, I HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE THE GROVE, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS (COLLECTIVELY, THE RELEASED PARTIES) FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, ACTIONS, AND CAUSES OF ACTION WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, OR INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, THAT MAY BE SUSTAINED BY ME, OR TO ANY PROPERTY BELONGING TO ME, WHILE ON THE SLACKPACKING TRIP, RIDING IN THE GROVE SHUTTLE, AND USE OF ANY ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE GROVE HOSTEL.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

I ACKNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTAND THAT HIKING INVOLVES INHERENT RISKS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE RISK OF PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY, OR DEATH. SPECIFICALLY, HIKING AND RELATED OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES INVOLVE INHERENT RISKS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PHYSICAL EXERTION, WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND TERRAIN HAZARDS. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THESE RISKS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR DEATH. BY PARTICIPATING, YOU VOLUNTARILY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS. I VOLUNTARILY ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SLACKPACKING TRIP, RIDING IN THE GROVE SHUTTLE, AND USE OF ANY ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE GROVE HOSTEL.

INDEMNIFICATION

I AGREE TO INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS THE GROVE AND IT’S STAFF FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, SUITS, LIABILITIES, JUDGMENTS, COSTS, EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES), AND DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SLACKPACKING TRIP, RIDING IN THE GROVE SHUTTLE, AND USE OF ANY ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE GROVE HOSTEL.

SHUTTLE SERVICE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GROVE AND ITS DESIGNATED SHUTTLE DRIVER(S) INVOLVE CERTAIN RISKS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ROAD CONDITIONS, TRAFFIC, AND VEHICLE OPERATION. YOU AGREE TO ASSUME ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH USING THE SHUTTLE SERVICE. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, AND HOLD HARMLESS THE GROVE, ITS AFFILIATES, EMPLOYEES, SHUTTLE DRIVER(S), AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES, LOSSES, OR EXPENSES (INCLUDING LEGAL FEES) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE SHUTTLE SERVICE. THIS RELEASE APPLIES TO ANY INJURY, DAMAGE, OR LOSS INCURRED DURING TRANSPORTATION OR AS A RESULT OF THE SHUTTLE SERVICE. THE GROVE AND ITS SHUTTLE DRIVER(S) SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY DELAYS OR INTERRUPTIONS IN TRANSPORTATION DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS TRAFFIC, WEATHER CONDITIONS, OR OTHER FACTORS BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THE GROVE ENSURES THAT ITS SHUTTLE VEHICLE(S) ARE MAINTAINED IN A SAFE AND ROADWORTHY CONDITION. HOWEVER, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE GROVE IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY MECHANICAL ISSUES OR ACCIDENTS THAT MAY OCCUR DURING THE SHUTTLE SERVICE.

YOU AGREE TO FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY THE SHUTTLE DRIVER(S) AND TO WEAR SEAT BELTS WHERE APPLICABLE.FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH  SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF INJURY, AND THE GROVE WILL

NOT BE LIABLE FOR INJURIES RESULTING FROM NON-COMPLIANCE. BY USING THE SHUTTLE SERVICE, YOU CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREED TO THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY FOR THE GROVE AND THE SHUTTLE DRIVER. YOU VOLUNTARILY ASSUME ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SHUTTLE SERVICE AND AGREE TO RELEASE THE GROVE AND ITS REPRESENTATIVES FROM ANY LIABILITY RELATED TO THE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED.

PHYSICAL FITNESS ACKNOWLEDGMENT

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT YOU ARE PHYSICALLY FIT AND CAPABLE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE HIKING TRIP. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, HAVING ADEQUATE PHYSICAL CONDITIONING, STAMINA, AND HEALTH TO UNDERTAKE THE ACTIVITIES INVOLVED. YOU ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE PARTICIPATING IF YOU HAVE ANY EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS OR CONCERNS THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO SAFELY COMPLETE THE HIKE. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DISCLOSE ANY RELEVANT MEDICAL INFORMATION TO THE GROVE PRIOR TO THE TRIP. YOU AFFIRM THAT YOU HAVE ASSESSED THE DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THE HIKING TRIP AND THAT YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL EXERTION REQUIRED. IF YOU FEEL UNABLE TO CONTINUE DURING THE HIKE, YOU AGREE TO NOTIFY THE HOSTEL IMMEDIATELY. BY SIGNING UP FOR THIS SLACKPACKING TRIP, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREED TO THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND PHYSICAL FITNESS ACKNOWLEDGMENT. YOU AFFIRM THAT YOU ARE VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATING IN THE TRIP WITH FULL AWARENESS OF THE POTENTIAL RISKS AND YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENSURING YOUR PHYSICAL READINESS.

EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT

This Agreement is the entire Agreement between you and The Grove for your slackpacking trip.

MODIFYING THE AGREEMENT

This Agreement may be modified only by a writing signed by both parties.

RESOLVING DISPUTES

If a dispute arises under this Agreement, the parties agree to first try to resolve the dispute with the help of a mutually agreed-upon mediator in Macon County, North Carolina. Any costs and fees other than attorney fees associated with the mediation shall be shared equally by the parties. If it proves impossible to arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution through mediation, the parties agree to submit the dispute to a mutually agreed-upon arbitrator in Macon County, North Carolina. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction to do so. Costs of arbitration, including attorney fees, will be allocated by the arbitrator.

BY RESERVING A SLACKPACKING TRIP, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS RELEASE AND THAT I AM VOLUNTARILY GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE THE GROVE AND ITS STAFF.