The Trail-er is a ten person bunkhouse located on the Appalachian Trail in Hot Springs, NC. True to its name, the Trail-er is a 1,600+ square foot converted double wide. It serves as a basecamp for Blue Ridge Hiking Company backpacking trips and a bunkhouse for hikers, backpackers, trail runners and paddlers. Rates: $65 per bunk. The Trail-er is also available for private group rentals. Call for more information and to make a reservation.

Gear and logistics are the two primary hurdles that prevent people from backpacking. The Trail-er offers solutions for both with a selection of gear rentals and shuttle services.

We rent: backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp stoves and cookware, first aid kits, and water filters. (And we sell trail maps.) You provide: clothes, toiletries, and personal items. And, voila! You're ready to GO!

To access the Appalachian Trail, you can then walk out the front door - or take a shuttle! Our seven passenger vehicles with four-wheel drive will take you anywhere within a two hour radius. (The most popular trailheads are Max Patch, Davenport Gap, and Allen Gap.) From there, you can hike back to the Trail-er or schedule a pick-up!

The Trail-er is open Thursday afternoon through Tuesday morning and reservations should be made in advance by calling 828-713-5451. Walk up reservations will be granted based on availability and the caretaker's schedule. The Trail-er carries limited backpacking retail and Blue Ridge Hiking Company merchandise. Want to visit without a reservation? The Trail-er offers 'drop-in' hours between 1 and 3 PM, Thursday - Monday. Feel free to drop-in, meet the caretaker, and peruse our selection of lightweight backpacking gear.