Trek Stars: Hotels for Appalachian Trail Walks

“There are two types of Appalachian Trail hikers: “thru-hikers”, the hardy souls attempting to do the whole route in a single season, and “section-hikers”, who take on smaller portions. Since thru-hikers tend to use the basic shelters dotted along the trail, this list probably isn’t for them – but it does include some hotels near the start and finish of the route, and some good midway options for an R&R day. For section-hikers there’s loads here, including a fantastic point-to-point day hike with accommodation at either end. Get your boots on and let’s go….

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Amicalola Falls Lodge
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Most thru-hikers tackle the route from south to north, starting in spring so that they reach Maine in summer – weather-wise, it’s by far the best approach. Amicalola Falls Lodge is close to the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, and is the starting point of an eight-mile approach trail (from the on-site Visitor Center). Set in expansive grounds, the lodge also comes with a full complement of activities, from zip lines to archery. If you’re looking for an AT gateway hotel or an outdoor adventure base that’ll allow you to take on the trail’s southernmost stretch, this is a great choice.

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Skyland Resort
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There are two big selling points at Skyland Resort. The first is the view, which looks down over the West Virginia plains from the heights of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Not a bad backdrop for a hard-earned post-hike meal. The second is the location: Skyland is more or less right on the trail, so you can jump straight into an AT day hike or use it as an overnight stop without making a major detour. There’s history here too – Skyland has been around since the late 1800s, and actually predates the surrounding Shenandoah National Park.

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Big Meadows Lodge
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Think of Big Meadows as a partner to Skyland. It lies about 8 miles south along the trail, so the two make an ideal point-to-point day hike, done as a one-off or as part of a longer trek through Shenandoah. Facilities here are similar to Skyland – there’s a restaurant, a bar, a shop and simple but comfortable rooms. As for the lodge’s name, it comes from a nearby meadow whose wide-open skies have made it a popular spot for stargazing. It’s about a mile away.

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The Porches, North Adams
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Image credit Beyond My Ken on Wikimedia.

In Massachusetts, the trail emerges from Clarksburg State Forest and passes through the town of North Adams before entering Mount Greylock State Reservation. The lovely Porches Inn offers boutique B&B accommodation in the heart of North Adams, just 2.5 miles from the trail. It works as starting point for a short day hike towards Mount Greylock, or as an overnight on a multi-day walk. Bonus for cultured hikers: it’s around the corner from the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.

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Katahdin Cabins, Millinocket
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The little town of Millinocket is the nearest settlement to the AT’s northern terminus, which is at Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park. There are a few big motel-style properties on route 157 – try Katahdin Inn & Suites or Baxter Park Inn – but if you’re looking for pure character, the cute yellow-painted wooden cottages at Katahdin Cabins will be just the ticket. It’s a family-run spot that offers complimentary BBQs and mountain bikes. Bear in mind that the AT is still 17 miles away, so you’ll need to arrange shuttle transport from one of the local hiker services.”