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Rooms & Rates
Slackpacking
About
Location
Store North Carolina Slackpacking
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North Carolina Slackpacking

$300.00

Experience a section of the Appalachian Trail like a thru-hiker would: while also enjoying the camaraderie of a true thru-hiker hostel experience.

On this self-guided trip, you'll hike between 8-15 miles along the AT, while only having to carry a daypack. Our shuttle service will pick you up at a road crossing at the end of each day, and bring you back to the hostel for a good night’s sleep in one of our private rooms or shared singles. The next day, we’ll return you to the trail right where you left off, so you can complete a continuous footpath of a North Carolina section hike.

Along the way, you’ll walk through stunning fall foliage, see three of North Carolina’s 28 fire towers, marvel at open balds with miles-long views, and climb Mt. Albert, a summit that marks a thru-hiker’s first, or last, 100 miles on the Appalachian Trail.

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Experience a section of the Appalachian Trail like a thru-hiker would: while also enjoying the camaraderie of a true thru-hiker hostel experience.

On this self-guided trip, you'll hike between 8-15 miles along the AT, while only having to carry a daypack. Our shuttle service will pick you up at a road crossing at the end of each day, and bring you back to the hostel for a good night’s sleep in one of our private rooms or shared singles. The next day, we’ll return you to the trail right where you left off, so you can complete a continuous footpath of a North Carolina section hike.

Along the way, you’ll walk through stunning fall foliage, see three of North Carolina’s 28 fire towers, marvel at open balds with miles-long views, and climb Mt. Albert, a summit that marks a thru-hiker’s first, or last, 100 miles on the Appalachian Trail.

Experience a section of the Appalachian Trail like a thru-hiker would: while also enjoying the camaraderie of a true thru-hiker hostel experience.

On this self-guided trip, you'll hike between 8-15 miles along the AT, while only having to carry a daypack. Our shuttle service will pick you up at a road crossing at the end of each day, and bring you back to the hostel for a good night’s sleep in one of our private rooms or shared singles. The next day, we’ll return you to the trail right where you left off, so you can complete a continuous footpath of a North Carolina section hike.

Along the way, you’ll walk through stunning fall foliage, see three of North Carolina’s 28 fire towers, marvel at open balds with miles-long views, and climb Mt. Albert, a summit that marks a thru-hiker’s first, or last, 100 miles on the Appalachian Trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • “Slackpacking” is just another word for “day-hiking.” It’s a style of hiking that thru-hikers have used for generations on the Appalachian Trail and other long trails. It involves hiking long sections of the trail, but with only a daypack, and pre-arrange shuttles, so you don’t have to carry the full weight of a backpacking kit. Thru-hikers have long used this style of hiking to knock miles off their journey quickly, to actively recover after an overuse injury, or just take a break from their packs. t’s a great way to experience the AT as thru-hikers do, while also enjoying the amenities of town.

  • You can expect to hike between 8-16 miles per day. Please keep in mind that even on shorter mileage days, you will gain and lose thousands of feet in elevation. The Appalachian Trail is a rugged footpath, and this beautiful section, including spectacular views from open balds and fire towers, is well-worth the strenuous hiking.

  • While this is not a guided trip, one of us will walk with the group each day. Both of us are seasoned thru-hikers; having completed the Appalachian Trail. Unfiltered has completed the Pacific Crest Trail, and Newfound will be attempting the PCT this year.

Follow us on Instagram!

Patches, Sunshine, Terminator Joe, and Bugs! Happy trails everyone. #atclassof24 #atmile110 

We’ve been full the last couple of days, but are anticipating some private rooms and bunks opening later this week. Please text 828-346-7657 to make y
Today in hostel life: lots o’ shuttles and slackpacking, one departure (Ethan, who got trail magic!) and @unfilteredhikes helping Yosemite Sam shave a whopping 3.8lbs off his pack weight. We have a full house of slackpackers tonight and tomorro
“What was your favorite part of the Appalachian Trail?”

“The people.” 

#atclassof24 #appalachiantrail #thruhikers #atmile110
This is why we do what we do. Months ago, when we were renovating everything and could only imagine what this house would be like when it was full of hikers, we thought it would look a little like this.

Last night was our most full night thus far&he
Lambchop and Unity met on the CDT, and after years of peer pressure from Unity, Lambchop finally gave in and decided to thru the AT. They ventured out into some quintessentially miserable #appalachiantrail weather with thru-hiker smiles on their face
When the AT looks like this, wet footprints start appearing on our porch… 🤔 Today’s a great day for a nero- we have just a couple bunks left! #atclassof24 #atmile110 #visitfranklinnc
Mitch, Troubadour, Sings with the Pines all passed through recently. It’s a chilly day on trail this morning with ice on the trees. Good luck and stay warm! #atclassof24 #thruhikers #appalachiantrail #atmile110
It’s Kenny and his iced tea against the world. Thanks for staying - we loved having you! Happy trails and Toby says “thank you” for all the doggy treatos 🥾 ⛰️ #atclassof2024 #atmile110 #appalachiantrail
Mainiac and Boom Boom absolutely rocked a long slackpack in yesterday’s torrential rain. We were sad to see them go, along with the big group of hikers that stayed in our hostel over the last couple of days. 

We’ve been so lucky to host

130 Hayes Circle

Franklin, NC 28734

Text only: 828-346-7657

contact@grovehostel.com

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