For the 2025 Spring Hiker Season- Please note that some businesses may be closed as they rebuild. Find regularly updated information on hours and services on our BUSINESS HOURS page.
Downtown Hot Springs, NC was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 and continues to recover. We are happy to welcome spring hikers to businesses that are OPEN!
Our Town & Trail Fest event is happening May 2 & 3, 2025!
- 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
Hot Springs Resort & Spa Campground
HIKER SUPPORT PROGRAM- The Hot Springs Resort & Spa has announced that it will have amenities available to hikers from March 15 – May 15. Camping, Laundry, Showers and Device Charging. Check in at their main office.
OTHERWISE, THE CAMPGROUND IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED- 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 Lodge and Hostel
TEMPORARILY CLOSED- Located near the AT Trailhead on Serpentine Ave, the Laughing Heart Lodge and Hostel are closed for renovations.
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
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
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) 367-9393 or trailer@blueridgehikingco.com
Rental Homes or Cabins within walking distance of the AT
SEE OUR LODGING PAGE FOR ALL OPTIONS
- Songbird Cottage and Honeymoon Cabin (828)622-3300
- Boat House, Rock Cottage, and Mountain View Cabin Suites (828)380-0000
- Appalachian Trail Cottages (828)380-0399
- Little Bird Cabins (828)206-1487
- Bailey Hot Springs (828)539-1930
- Shoehouse (615)456-4238
- Garden House (828)206-4146
- Red Bridge Cottage (828)231-9448
- Red Bridge Lodge (828)545-7670
- Treehouse Cabins
- Dorland-Bell Lodge
- Frog Holler Cottage
- Hot Springs Getaway (828)206-7456 or (828)206-7010 Managing rentals of Blue Heron Cottage, Creek House, Stone Cottage, Little Stone Cottage, and Spring Creek Farmhouse
Hotels and Suites
- Suites at 158– 3 Suites above Vaste Riviere Provisions
- The Studio at Gallery 339 (704)334-2047
- Fowlers Bend Suites
Iron Horse Station
TEMPORARILY CLOSED- 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). Contact: (828)622-0022
Springbrook Cottages
TEMPORARILY CLOSED- 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. Contact: (828)622-7385
Hot Springs Resort & Spa Suites and Vacation Rentals
TEMPORARILY CLOSED- 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
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. Contact: (828)406-1642
Laughing Heart Lodge
TEMPORARILY CLOSED- Located near the AT Trailhead on Serpentine Ave, the Laughing Heart Lodge and Hostel are closed for renovations.
Food and Drink
Artisun Gallery
NEW LOCATION for Artisun Gallery until Repairs are Made to Andrews Ave location- 311 Hwy 25-70. Artisun Gallery serves coffee, tea, snacks and fresh baked goods, and locally made ice cream, and features the works of local artists. WI-FI available. General Hours: 8am-6pm daily Contact: artisungalleryandcafe@gmail.com
Big Pillow Brewing
REOPENING MARCH 14 3-9pm- Open Saturday & Sunday 12-9pm. Big Pillow is our local brewery and serves food from the Grey Eagle Taqueria. Hours: Check their social media for posts. Contact: (828)539-1939
Bluff Mountain Outfitters
Bluff Mountain Outfitters
GRAND REOPENING ON MARCH 15 AT NOON
NEW LOCATION downtown at 88 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: 9:30am-5:30pm daily 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: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-5pm
Iron Horse Station
TEMPORARILY CLOSED- Located on Andrews Street across from the railroad tracks, the Iron Horse Station is a restaurant with a nice menu and a bar. 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: 8am- 5pm daily
Smoky Mountain Diner
The Smoky 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
TEMPORARILY CLOSED- 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
Tobacco Road Burley & Brew
OPEN- Shop with fine selection of craft beer, wine, snacks and tobacco products. Open Daily 10am-9pm.
Vaste Riviere Outpost
OPEN- New space for food and events inside Pine Hall, 64 S. Spring St. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am-5pm.
Vaste Riviere Provisions
TEMPORARILY CLOSED- 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
TEMPORARILY CLOSED- 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 Outpost, Big Pillow Brewing – all listed above.
Hiking Supplies
Bluff Mountain Outfitters
GRAND REOPENING ON MARCH 15 AT NOON 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: 9:30am-5:30 daily Contact: (828)622-7162
Gentry Hardware
Keith and Jeanne Gentry
TEMPORARILY CLOSED- 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 is an ATM inside Smoky Mountain Diner.
Post Office
Post Office
COUNTER TEMPORARILY CLOSED- MAIL & PACKAGE PICKUP ONLY AVAILABLE
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
NONE AVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH 15. The Hot Springs Resort & Spa will have a Hiker Support Program from March 15 – May 15 that will offer amenities to hikers including laundry, showers and camping.
Information
Welcome Center
The Hot Springs Welcome Center
OPEN- 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
OPEN IN NEW TEMPORARY LOCATION AT 64 SOUTH SPRING ST. The Hot Springs Library is still closed at the original location at 170 Bridge St. Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-2pm, Closed Sunday and Holidays
Bluff Mountain Outfitters
GRAND REOPENING ON MARCH 15 AT NOON 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
OPEN WITH LIMITED AVAILABILITY- 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
FIND ALL SHOPPING OPTIONS and their hours on our BUSINESS HOURS page.
Artisun Gallery
NEW LOCATION for Artisun Gallery until Repairs are Made to Andrews Ave location- 311 Hwy 25-70 Hours: 8am-6pm Daily
Bluff Mountain Outfitters
GRAND REOPENING ON MARCH 15 AT NOON 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: 9:30am-5:30pm daily
Gentry Hardware
TEMPORARILY CLOSED- 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.
