For the latest hours and information on services, also see our BUSINESS HOURS page.
- Places to Stay
- Food and Drink
- Hiking Supplies
- ATM/Post Office/Laundry
- Information
- Transportation
- Medical Care
- Relaxation
- Church Services
- Shopping/Gifts
Places to Stay
Camping
If you are thru-hiking or section hiking without a car, the most convenient places to camp are in town.
Hot Springs Campground
Located along the French Broad River, directly across from the Hot Springs Resort & Spa, the campground has tent sites, RV sites and cabins. The campground has bathrooms. Contact: (828)622-7676
Laughing Heart Hostel
Laughing Heart Lodge and Hostel
Located on NC 25/70 across from the elementary school, hikers can’t miss the Laughing Heart Lodge and Hostel. You can pitch a tent there, which includes shower access. Contact: (828)206-8487
Lover’s Leap Trail
There are several informal, primitive camp sites along the North side of the French Broad River on the Lover’s Leap Trail.
Hostels
Sunnybank Inn
Hot Springs NC
The grand-daddy of hostels in Hot Springs. Located right on the AT across the street from Dollar General and the Smoky Mountain Diner, Sunnybank Inn is one of the beautiful historic houses in Hot Springs and was formerly the house of Jane Gentry, famous balladeer. Guests enjoy a music room with instruments available to play, and extensive movie and book library, 6 outdoor porches, and a private backyard with a fire pit. Elmer Hall, long-term innkeeper, prepares and serves organic, garden fresh vegetarian breakfasts and dinners for guests.
Call for current rates and availability.
Work for stay or food often available
Contact: (828)622-7206
Laughing Heart Hostel
Located on the Appalachian Trail at the base of Deer Park Mountain, the Laughing Heart Hostel offers bunk rooms, twin bed private rooms, full bed private rooms or camping. WI-FI, DVDs, and a kitchenette are available, as well as showers and laundry. Pets are allowed in private rooms. Note that rates are subject to change.
Bunk: $30/night
Twin Bed Private Room: $40/night
Full Bed Private Room: $55/night
Camping: $15/night
Laundry: $5/ load, includes wash, dry and detergent
Showers for non-guests: $5
Work for stay is sometimes available
Contact: (828)206-8487
Appalachian Trail-er Bunkhouse
Appalachian Trail-er bunkhouse is surrounded on three sides by the Appalachian Trail as it leaves the main street in town to climb up Deer Park Mountain. This ideal location is also the local headquarters for the Blue Ridge Hiking Company, offering guided hiking and backpacking trips, gear rental and shuttle services.
Contact: (828)622-3319
Hotels and Motels
Alpine Court Motel
Conveniently located on Bridge Street, the Alpine Court has rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people.
Iron Horse Station
Located just off Bridge Street on Andrews Ave South, the Iron Horse Station has a restaurant downstairs and lovely rooms upstairs. There is a guest lounge with a TV and WI-FI (no TVs in rooms).
$75-$160/night
Contact: (828)622-0022
Springbrook Cottages
Located on Andrews Ave S, across from the railroad tracks, Springbrook Cottages offers single rooms, kitchen units and a Carriage House. Amenities include: microwave, TV, porch, refrigerator, linens, soap, coffee pot, A/C and heat, grill, picnic tables/fireplace by the creek.
$85-$100/night
Contact: (828)622-7385
Hot Springs Resort & Spa Suites and Vacation Rentals
An upgrade from camping or cabin staying, these units are all located close-by, on the grounds of the historic Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Suites, Deluxe cabins, and the Sandbar House are available.
Call for Rates and Reservations: (828)622-7676
Rental Cabins Within 100 Yards of the AT
Songbird Cottage
$99/night/2 people; minimum 2 night stay on weekends; (828)622-3300
Boat House and Rock Cottage
$100-$120/night/2 people; (828)622-7478
Appalachian Trail Cottages
$110-$135/night/ 2 people; 2 night minimum on weekends; (828)380-0399
Little Bird Cabins
Pet-friendly cabins with WiFi, kitchenette, shower, and bath. 5-10 minutes walking distance from Hot Springs restaurants etc.
$85-$115/night. Pet fee $15.
Sleeps up to 7 people. 2 night minimum stay on weekends
(828)206-1487
Bed and Breakfasts
The Belle of Hot Springs
Close to downtown yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle, The Belle provides nightly lodging with free continental breakfast.
$165/ room/ 2 people
Contact: (828)406-1642
Laughing Heart Lodge
Formerly the Jesuit House of Prayer, the Laughing Heart Lodge is located on 7 beautiful acres at the base of Deer Park Mountain right on the AT. It is a peaceful and quiet retreat center that operates as a bed and breakfast, and it is also home to the Laughing Heart Hostel. The staff is friendly and family style.
$100-$150/room, includes home cooked breakfast
Contact: (828)622-0165
Food and Drink
Artisun Gallery
Located on Andrews Ave. South, across from the railroad tracks, Artisun Gallery serves coffee, tea, snacks and fresh baked goods, and locally made ice cream. The rest of the large space is gallery and shop featuring the works of local artists. WI-FI available.
General Hours: 8am-8pm daily
Contact: Artisungallerycafe@gmail.com
Big Pillow Brewing
Big Pillow is our local brewery and serves food from the Grey Eagle Taqueria.
Hours: Tues-Thurs 12-9pm, Fri-Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-9pm, Closed Monday
Contact: (828)539-1939
Bluff Mountain Outfitters
Bluff Mountain Outfitters
Located downtown on Bridge Street, Bluff Mountain Outfitters is a central hub for hikers. In addition to hiking and camping gear, maps, referrals to shuttle services, internet, and fuel by the ounce, they have a grocery section with trail food, organic food, and some special treats!
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Contact: (828)622-7162
Dollar General
“DG” is a grocery store with some food items, first aid, household items, etc.
Hours: 8am-10pm daily
Hillbilly Market
Located beside Ricker Triangle, the Hillbilly Market is a grocery store and sandwich deli. They sell beer and Amish baked goods as well.
Hours vary, but generally: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-5pm
Iron Horse Station
Located on Andrews Street across from the railroad tracks, the Iron Horse Station is a restaurant with a nice menu and a bar. They have live music every night but Mondays.
Hours: Thursday 3pm-9pm, Friday & Saturday 11:30am-9:30pm, Sunday 11:30am-9pm and Monday & Tuesday 3pm-9pm. Closed on Wednesday.
Contact: (828)622-0022
Sara Jo’s Station
This is the town gas station, and so much more. It has a small convenience store with beer, sodas, tobacco products, snacks, local crafts and fresh food.
Hours: 7am- 7pm-ish daily
Smokey Mountain Diner
The Smokey Mountain Diner is a hiker favorite. Open 7 days a week with a full menu and great, friendly service, the Diner will fill your belly and not break your bank. Vegetarian options available. Take out available.
Hours: Open Monday thru Saturday, Closed Sunday
Contact: (828)622-7571
Spring Creek Tavern
Spring Creek Tavern and Inn is in the middle of town and has a deck with creekside seating. A restaurant and bar, this is a central meeting place.
Hours: Wed– Sat 11am – 9pm, Sun 11am – 8pm, Closed Mon and Tues
Contact: (828)622-0187
Vaste Riviere Provisions
Open daily with indoor and outdoor seating. Vaste Riviere has a delicious variety of grab-n-go meals, fine wines and craft beer, quality meats and cheeses and general grocery items.
Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-8pm, and Sunday Brunch 9am-4pm
Contact: (828)777-9379
Vinyl Pies Pizza
Serving mouth watering, brick oven pizzas with quality ingredients, and crisp salads with fresh toppings. Vinyl Pies Pizza is downtown between the Hot Springs Library and Vaste Riviere Provisions.
Hours vary. Closed on Wednesdays.
Contact: (828)682-8850
Beer and Wine to Go (no spirits in Hot Springs)
Sara Jo’s Gas Station, Hillbilly Market, Tobacco Road, Vaste Riviere Provisions, Big Pillow Brewing – all listed above.
Hiking Supplies
Bluff Mountain Outfitters
This is a place you must go. Wayne and the staff at Bluff Mountain Outfitters can help you with hiking gear, maps, shuttle services, shipping and receiving packages, fuel by the ounce, and grocery/ trail food items.
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Contact: (828)622-7162
Gentry Hardware
Gentry Hardware
Gentry Hardware store is an old fashioned, family owned and operated hardware store with friendly customer service. You may find supplies for the trail such as knives, duct tape, tools, flashlights, bug spray and lots of other useful items.
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8am-4pm, Sat 8am-12pm, Closed Weds and Sunday.
Contact: (828)622-3761
ATM/Post Office/Laundry
ATMs
There are ATMs in Bluff Mountain Outfitters, Smokey Mountain Diner and outside Vinyl Pies Pizza.
Post Office
Post Office
The Hot Springs Post Office is located in the middle of town on Bridge Street.
Hours: M-F 9am-11:30 and 1-4pm, Sat 9am-10:30am
Contact: Hot Springs General Delivery, Hot Springs, NC 28743
Laundry
The Wash Tub is now Closed.
The Laughing Heart Hostel has laundry facilities for guests, and Sunnybank Inn will also do hiker laundry for a small fee.
Information
Welcome Center
The Hot Springs Welcome Center
Located across from the Post Office in the middle of town, the Welcome Center has useful information about the town, history, recreation, maps, the mountains and the entire area. Sometimes there are lectures, readings or other programming in there. It’s great! Do drop in.
Hours are 10am-5pm daily.
The Hot Springs Library
Located downtown at 170 Bridge St, the Hot Springs Library is the place to visit for fast Wi-Fi and computer access.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-2pm, Closed Sunday and Holidays
Bluff Mountain Outfitters
For maps, directions, referrals and general gossip, stop at Bluff Mountain Outfitters.
Transportation
Shuttles
Bluff Mountain Outfitters can recommend shuttle services. The hiker hostels also have information about shuttle services.
Airports
Asheville Regional Airport (48 miles) Asheville, NC
Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport (85 miles) Knoxville, TN
Greenville/Spartanburg International Airport (100 miles) Greenville, SC
Bus
Greyhound Bus, 605 Swannanoa River Rd, Asheville, NC
Medical Care
Hot Springs Medical Center
Located on NC 25/70 across from Ricker Trucking. They have a compliment of doctors, nurses and physician assistants, as well as a pharmacy.
Hours: M-F 9:00-5:00, Sat 9-12
Contact:(828)622-3245; call for appointment
Relaxation
Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Located along the French Broad and Spring Creek, the Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers naturally hot mineral water in private, outdoor tubs year-round. They also offer massage.
Rates: Tubs range in size and prices start at $50, call for information.
Contact: (828)622-7676
Church Services
Dorland Memorial Presbyterian Church
Located right in town on the corner of Bridge Street and Meadow Ln. Sunday worship service: 10am
Hot Springs First Baptist Church
Located behind the Presbyterian Church on Meadow Ln. Sunday worship service 10am
Shopping/Gifts
Artisun Gallery
On Andrews Ave South, across from the railroad tracks, Artisun Gallery features works of local artists and craftspeople.
Hours: 8am-8pm Daily
Bluff Mountain Outfitters
In addition to practical hiker gear, food, fuel by the ounce, maps, etc, Bluff Mountain Outfitters has a cool gift shop section with regional and nature-themed gifts, as well as toys and fun novelties.
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Gentry Hardware
With a unique gift shop in the front and a complete collection of tools and hardware throughout the store, Gentry Hardware is a great place to visit.
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-12pm, Closed Weds
Read more about things to see and do in Hot Springs, NC in the official magazine of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy: A.T. Journeys.
