Ga Mountains Guide

Hostels in the North Georgia Mountains

by

The North Georgia mountains are a dream basecamp for hikers, backpackers, and road‑trippers chasing waterfalls, ridgelines, and small‑town charm. For travelers who just need a hot shower, a comfy bunk, and a place to reset before the next big climb, these hostels are an affordable way to rest up, clean up, and get right back outside. 👣

Hiker Hostels in the North Georgia Mountains

Hiker Hostels in the North Georgia Mountains

 

Hostels in the North Georgia Mountains

These North Georgia hostels offer a cozy place to relax after a day of hiking in North Georgia. Before you book, always confirm shuttle details with your hostel so you know exactly how you’ll get to and from the trailheads.

 

Map of Hostels in North Georgia

Use this interactive map to see North Georgia hostels plotted alongside the Appalachian Trail, so you can quickly spot which hostels are closest to your planned route.

 

 

Hostels Near the Appalachian Trail in North Georgia

To make planning easier, the hostels below are organized by 🥾 Appalachian Trail NoBo Mile, the northbound distance in miles from the southern start of the Appalachian Trail.

 

Above the Clouds Hostel (Suches)

Above the Clouds hostel sits in the Chattahoochee National Forest and is the first hostel northbound hikers reach on their Appalachian Trail journey. Book a private room or a single bunk and enjoy the on-site amenities, including wifi, privacy curtains, showers, laundry, plus shuttles toA.T. crossings at Woody Gap (1.3 miles away) and Gooch Gap (2.4 miles away).

 

Kennedy Creek Resort (Suches)

Set on a wooded resort campus, this laid‑back property offers a variety of lodging options, including cozy cabins, glamping yurts, and social bunk rooms, all blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Choose a yurt stay for a unique mountain‑camping experience with comfy beds, stargazing skies, and easy access to hiking trails and scenic overlooks, creating an easy launchpad for your next North Georgia adventure.

 

Barefoot Hills Bunkrooms (Dahlonega)

The two Bunkrooms at Barefoot Hills offer the perfect retreat from the Appalachian Trail. Save money and book a night in a bunkroom with 2 twin bunks that includes a shared bathhouse. Enjoy a peaceful night of comfortable sleep in a heated/air-conditioned room, then spend time on the communal patio with tables, a fire pit, and a grill. Wifi and a smart TV are also included with your stay.

The location is within walking distance of the Crisson Gold Mine local attraction. There are also two gas stations and a Dollar General within 0.3 miles, providing thru-hikers with a place to resupply. Rent kayaks on-site for the nearby Lake Zwerner or Yahoola Creek.

Hikers beginning their Appalachian Trail NOBO trek in late Winter/early Spring can book packages that include shuttle service from Atlanta-area locations (including the ATL airport). No dogs are allowed at The Hiker Hostel.

 

Mountain Crossings Hostel at Walasi-Yi (Blairsville)

The only North Georgia hostel located on the Appalachian Trail, the historic Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center is also the only place on the 2,175-mile-long trail that passes through a man-made structure! Stock up on supplies at the on-site outfitter, or pick up a mail-drop resupply without leaving the trail.

Affordable hostel beds are available on a first-come, first-in basis (no reservations are available). Dogs are not allowed inside the hostel, but hikers are welcome to camp for free with their dogs at the campsite just 200 yards behind the building.

 

The Green Dragon (Hiawassee)

This hiker‑friendly bunkhouse near Hiawassee offers affordable shared bunks, with lots of great amenities for hikers, including laundry, loaner clothes, linens, a hot breakfast, Wi‑Fi, stocked showers, and streaming TV included. Free shuttles run to Unicoi Gap and Dicks Creek Gap, plus quick runs to the grocery store, post office, and outfitters (plus longer shuttles for a fee).

 

Stanimal’s 328 Hostel Around the Bend (Hiawassee)

Formerly known as the “Top of Georgia Hostel & Hiking Center,” this North Georgia hostel changed ownership in 2020 and is now called Hostel Stanimal’s 328 Hostel Around the Bend.

Hostel Around the Bend is located 0.6 miles from the Appalachian Trail at Dicks Creek Gap and offers private rooms and individual bunks. Reservations are accepted for private rooms only. Bunks in the bunkhouse are available to walk-ins only (no reservations accepted).

Amenities include a massage chair, guest laundry, a shuttle to town, Wi-Fi, an outdoor grill, and a resupply box. Pet-friendly options are also available.

 

Former Hostel Locations in North Georgia

There used to be additional hostels in the North Georgia area, but no longer offer hostel space to hikers.

  • Lost on Purpose Hiker Haven in Hiawassee: check their Facebook page for open status and seasonal updates
  • Wolf Pen Gap Country Store in Suches: The store is still open, but Facebook page bio states hostel beds are available to hikers
  • Top of Georgia Hostel & Hiking Center in Hiawassee: This hostel underwent an ownership change in 2020 and now operates as Hostel Around the Bend (see details above)

728*90

For youth hostels and more hostel locations, check HostelWorld.com for more hostels in the USA and around the world.

 

Other Unique Hiker Lodging in North Georgia

For hikers looking for more than a hostel offers, check out other unique North Georgia lodging!

 

Len Foote Hike Inn

The Len Foote Hike Inn is a sustainably designed backcountry lodge that offers a truly unique option for hikers. Guests are required to make a 5.0-mile hike to get to the inn from Amicalola Falls State Park. From the Hike Inn, it is a 4.4-mile hike to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain.

The inn has 20 private “bunkrooms” available, each accommodating up to 2 adults plus 1 child (larger parties will need to reserve more than one room). A shared bathhouse has separate facilities for women and men and includes hot showers, soap, shampoo, and fresh towels. Two hot home-cooked meals are included each day and served family-style.

The Hike Inn has a strong focus on conservation and utilizes smart designs, including solar power and composting toilets. Facility tours are given each night before dinner, and educational programs are hosted after dinner. Note that unplugging is strongly encouraged — guests are asked not to use cell phones, and there are no power outlets in the bunkrooms.

 

Trail‑Tested Gear for North Georgia Hostels 🥾

These popular trail items help make the hike safer and more comfortable:

***

Thank you for saving and sharing this article!

Which unique accommodations in North Georgia look best for your next trip?

14Shares

Tags:

10 Responses

  1. bethebest#128 says:
    January 10, 2022 at 4:18 pm

    What’s the importance of spending time in nature without technological devices? Because of the recent Omicron variant, do you recommend traveling in the Hostels in the North Georgia Mountains? How does the experience vary between the four seasons? Isn’t it a wise idea to bring a flashlight and utilize the old-fashion elements to unlock creative expression? Are writers more prone to visit this location? Who do you think would enjoy this trip the most and why?

    I would love to travel in the North Georgia Mountains. However, I have slept outdoors before and know the importance of having a relatively warm place to rest and a clean area to shower. I believe Hostels encourage visitors to use more of their mental factualities and embrace the fundamental nature inside. Overall, I think your post is a helpful, comprehensive guide!

    Thanks again!!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      January 11, 2022 at 11:47 am

      Hello, and thanks for your questions. 

      Hostels provide a more economical place to stay than traditional lodgings. Usually, the accommodations will be shared with others in bunk rooms or something similar. Most hostels offer indoor lodging, but some may also offer outdoor places to pitch your own tent while allowing the use of bathroom facilities. 

      In Europe, hostels are popular with young adults traveling on a tight budget. In North Georgia, hostels are most popular with hikers — many of whom are beginning their hike of the world-famous Appalachian Trail. 

      Reply
  2. Fatoumata says:
    June 8, 2021 at 12:57 pm

    Hi. I have read many of your articles about the hostels this place offers, and they all look amazing. I would like to have this place as one of my destinations to visit.

    After this pandemic is over a nice quiet place would be awesome. I like all of them because they remind me of a place I miss visiting. 

    Thanks for sharing with us, and I hope to visit the Georgia Mountains one day. 

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      June 8, 2021 at 1:51 pm

      There are definitely some beautiful spaces in the North Georgia mountains that make for wonderful vacation memories. We’ll see you when you’re able to safely travel and visit North GA! 

      Reply
  3. Michael says:
    June 8, 2021 at 12:57 pm

    I commented on another article you had where I thought the chain motels would be my preferred option. 

    However after seeing this I have changed my mind, and the Hiker Hostel at Barefoot Hill looks to be the type of place I would stay a couple of days. 

    It is easy to make decisions off your reviews.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      June 8, 2021 at 1:45 pm

      Thanks, Michael – I’m so glad to hear that you’ve found the perfect place for your overnight trips!

      Reply
  4. LineCowley says:
    May 30, 2021 at 3:25 am

    This is a very helpful guide on hostels in the North Georgia mountains. A great tip that one needs to ask about a shuttle between the hostel and the hiking trail. The Hiker Hostel at Barefoot Hills with their boot warmers, sounds like the perfect treat that a hiker needs at the end of a day of hiking. 

    My top choice would be the sustainably designed Len Foot Hike Inn, with solar panel and composting toilets, if I can still walk the 5 miles to get there at the end of the day of hiking.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      June 1, 2021 at 2:46 pm

      The Len Foote Hike Inn is a great way to experience the woods with a like-minded group of other hikers too. Enjoy the hike! 

      Reply
  5. Abel says:
    May 29, 2021 at 9:11 pm

    I would like to visit Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center. I have been researching about it before going. I find it interesting that it was originally a log structure built by a logging company. And later in the 1930s, the building took its present form when it was rebuilt by the Civilian Conservation Corps. I am a photographer, and there are some ideas I want to portray with its structure.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      June 1, 2021 at 2:42 pm

      Hi Abel, The Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center is definitely a unique building with an iconic look that would make a great location for photography! Plus, it’s beautiful no matter what season you choose to visit. Enjoy!  

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *