Updates: A.T. Thru-Hikers' Companion

The Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion provides details on towns and services along the Trail. Updates to the 2008 edition are outlined here. Please send suggested updates and corrections to editor@appalachiantrail.org.

The Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion is available for sale through the Ultimate A.T. Store.

Updated: 09/04/08

Great Smoky Mountains NP

(Page 37) Smoky Pines Motel in Gatlinburg (new listing) - Located at 344 Baskins Creek Road in Gatlinburg, phone (877) 678-3041.  Hiker rates: $39 double, $29 single.  No pets; no smoking inside rooms.  Laundry facilities available at motel; public transportation available to grocery store and post office.  (Posted 05/12/08)

Tennessee

(Page 55) Abby's Place hostel closed (update) - Due to the passing of Ron Frey "Van Go", the hostel will not be open this season.  (Posted 02/12/08)

Southwest Virginia

(Page 69) New hostel in Rural Retreat, VA, near Atkins/Groseclose (new listing) - Located 6 miles Trail east (compass north) of the US 11/I-81 A.T. crossing, this new hostel is operated by the Rural Retreat Historical Society.  No set rates, but donations appreciated.  One large room with bunk space for 20 persons.  Hostel also has kitchen and restrooms with hot water (no showers).  Dogs are ok; alcohol/drugs are NOT ok.  No outdoor camping.  No maildrops (use P.O.).  Nearby services in the town of Rural Retreat include post office (zip 24368), grocery store, laundromat, restaurants, and library with internet.  Call Gail Hall at (276) 686-6347 for availability of bunk space and potential shuttles.  Website is www.ruralretreathistoricalsociety.com.  (Posted 03/20/08)

(Page 70) Happy Hiker Hollow hostel in Aktins (new listing) - Two private rooms (up to 4 hikers each) and outside tenting space available for southbounders this fall; barn will be converted into bunkhouse for 2009 season.  Call for rates - (276) 783-3754.  Dogs ok, but must stay outside.   Amenities include shower, meals, internet, free long distance phone, laundry, shuttles/slackpacking, and long term parking.  Maildrops accepted - send to 484 Phillipi Hollow Road, Atkins, VA 24311.  Local A.T. maintainers stay for free.   Hostel operated by Carol "Rambunny" Barnes.  (Updated 09/04/08)

(Page 79) Wade's Market closing (update) - Wade's will be closing permanently in late June or early July.  (Posted 06/25/08)

(Page 79) Changes to Pearisburg services (update) - Both Little Giant Grocery and Mutter's Shoe Shop are no longer in business.  (Posted 05/12/08)

(Page 79-80) Holy Family Hostel changes (update) - Bill Gautier is no longer the contact person; hostel contact is church office, (540) 921-3547.  Leave message between 9 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. only.  Hostel no longer accepts maildrops; packages should be sent to Pearisburg post office, zip 24134.  Hostel now closes for the season on Oct. 15 (closed from Oct. 15 to April 15).  Wood stove has been removed from hostel.  (Posted 05/12/08)

Central Virginia

(Page 81) Huffman House B&B address (update) - The correct street address is 16 Old Huffman Store Rd., Newport, VA 24218.  (Posted 02/05/08)

Northern Virginia/West Virginia

(Page 118) Hilltop House Hotel closed (update) - Hotel and restaurant are undergoing a complete renovation and will be closed until 2011.  (Posted 02/20/08)

(Page 118) Pan Tran bus schedule changes (update) - Slight changes to bus schedule: leaves Harpers Ferry at 6:45 AM, 9:05 AM, 10:40 AM, 1:35 PM, 3:05 PM, 4:45 PM, 7:30 PM; leaves Wal-Mart (return to HF) at 8:50 AM, 10:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 2:50 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:05 PM, 7:15 PM.  Riders need to request drop-off at Wal-Mart; driver does not automatically stop there.  For return to Harpers Ferry, bus stops in front of store.   

Maryland

(Page 126) CJ's Pizza closed (update) - CJ's Pizza and Subs is no longer in business.  (Posted 06/25/08)

(Page 126) The Cascade Inn corrected info (update) - Email: thecascadeinn@comcast.net.  Address: 14700 Eyler Ave., Cascade, MD 21719.  Maildrops accepted for overnight guests.  (Posted 04/14/08)

Pennsylvania

(Page 142) Ye Olde Backpacker new phone number (update) - Phone is now (610) 562-2322.  (Posted 07/18/08)

Connecticut

(Page 172) Sundog Shoe and Leather in Kent (new listing) - Sundog sells boots, socks, and insoles.  Located at 25 North Main St. in Kent; hours are Monday through Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5.  Phone 860-927-0009, sundogshoe@aol.com.  (Posted 06/25/08)

(Page 175) Falls Village Inn & Restaurant closed (update) - Establishment is no longer in business.  (Posted 07/01/08)

Vermont

(Page 206) Gifford Woods State Park hiker tentsites (update) - Park has four 1-2 person hiker tentsites available, each $4.00 per night.  Normal drive-in sites are $14-$16 per night.  (Posted 08/11/08) 

New Hampshire

(Page 216) Etna General Store (update) - Phone: (603) 643-1655.  New hours are Monday-Friday 6 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 7 PM, Sunday 8 AM to 6 PM.  Hot foods available during weekdays.  (Posted 04/09/08)

(Page 216) Tigger's Treehouse hostel in Etna (new listing) - Will pick up hikers at Etna General Store or DOC in Hanover.  Phone is (603) 643-9213.  Please call at least one day in advance; this is our home and not a business.  Showers and laundry available; will also shuttle hikers into town for restaurants and re-supply.  Dogs are welcome.  Not a party place.  No set fee, but donations are welcome.  (Posted 04/07/08)

Maine

(Page 237) Pine Ellis Hiking Lodge (update) - New website is www.pineellislodging.com.  New bunkroom rate is $20 PP.  (Posted 04/09/08)

(Page 242) Changes to Caratunk services (update) - Moose Crossings Takeout has closed.  Steve Longely's store and camping (Rivers and Trails) has also closed.  Nearest re-supply is Berry's Store, about 10 miles west (compass north) on US 201.  (Posted 07/15/08)

 2007 Companion Updates (pdf)

2006 Companion Updates (pdf)

What is the Companion?

Compiled, written, and edited for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy by volunteers of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA), the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion provides details on towns and services along the Trail. The Companion is intended for those making thru-hikes but also is valuable for those taking shorter section-hikes. You can order the current Companion from the Ultimate A.T. Store.