Standing Bear Farm Hikers' Hostel

Stop by, relax, and take in the ambience of the trail.

Standing Bear Farm Hikers' Hostel

Stop by, relax, and take in the ambience of the trail.

About Us

In the heart of the Smoky Mountains, surrounded by Cherokee National Forest, lies Standing Bear Farm, a turn of the century multi-generational farmstead that includes the original homestead, barns, outbuildings, and farmhouse. The outbuildings have now been converted into a cozy family-owned and operated hostel, specifically Standing Bear Farm Hikers' Hostel, where we offer rustic lodging to hikers and others interested in stepping back from today's hectic lifestyle to a time in America's past when life in rural back-country Appalachia was considered the 'good life'.

We are located just 3 miles north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (see map below under "Getting Here" for details) and only 200 yards from the Appalachian Trail, making it an ideal spot for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

For your convenience, shuttles are available. To schedule and get quotes, please TEXT Maria at (423) 608-0149 (preferred) or CALL us at (423) 487-0014. Note that shuttles are cash only. Additionally, parking is available at our location for $5/vehicle/day, payable in cash or via Venmo upon arrival. As of 2025, an ATM is now available on site for your convenience. Please note, we are Cash and Venmo ONLY for accommodations and purchases on site!

Note to travelers by vehicle to Standing Bear Farm Hikers' Hostel:

Google maps and other navigation apps currently have the Waterville Rd Exit 451 listed as closed, however it is open to access our facility, just not to through traffic. Proceed off Waterville Rd Exit 451 and go up the gravel road (Green Corner Rd) to our location approximately 1 mile.

Services

Lodging

Rustic wooden bunk beds with maps and badges in a cozy cabin room.

At Standing Bear Farm Hikers' Hostel, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis during the Northbound thru hiking season from March 15 through May 15, however you can make reservations at our hostel during all other times of the year by reaching out to us via text at (423) 608-0149 (Preferred) or call us at (423) 487-0014. You can choose to hike or drive in to our location. Open year round from 8am to 8pm including holidays. If you're planning to arrive early in the morning or late at night, please text or call ahead.

Shuttles, Kenneling and Parking

A forest trailhead marked by a post beside a gravel road.

We offer shuttles to various locations both on and off the trail. For prices and scheduling, please text us at (423) 608-0149 (Preferred) or call us at (423) 487-0014. Our shuttle prices vary based on party size, distance, and current road conditions or closures. Please note that shuttles are cash only. Additionally, feel free to inquire about our kenneling and shuttle service for your furry friends who are not allowed in the GSMNP by texting Maria at the number above. Parking at Standing Bear is just $5 per vehicle per day, payable in cash or via Venmo upon arrival.

Resupply

Mail-drops

Rustic store shelves with various packaged food items and empty baskets below.

We have trail foods and ready-to-make meals available on-site for all your hiking needs. Additionally, we offer camp fuel for sale, toiletries, and other trail essentials. Whether you're heading North to Hot Springs or South through The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, restock on essential food items here at the Standing Bear Hostel. We also provide cooking items like pizzas, burgers, and much more! If you're looking to quench your thirst after many hard-trodden miles, our hostel has you covered with sodas, electrolyte drinks, and beer!

Mail-drops

Hammock and Tent Camping

Mail-drops

Colorful garden tools painted to resemble a bird among green foliage.

Mail-drops can be sent to Standing Bear Farm Hikers' Hostel at 4255 Green Corner Rd, Hartford, TN 37753. Please include the hiker's name or trail name and expected arrival date on the package. We charge $5 for package pickup at our Standing Bear Farm Hostel location; however, it is complimentary if you stay with us.

Hammock and Tent Camping

Camping hammock suspended between trees in a forest setting.

We have a limited number of hammock and tent sites available. The tent sites vary in price depending on your party size and the dimensions of your tent. $15 and up. Includes towel, access to kitchen, shower, and laundry facilities, all the free, clean, and delicious mountain water you can drink, and limited internet!

Questions?

Hammock and Tent Camping

Rusty horseshoes and a circular saw blade on a wooden wall.

Please text Maria at (423) 608-0149 or call the main business line at (423) 487-0014 if you have any questions about Standing Bear Farm Hikers' Hostel. Alternatively, you can email Maria's son, Ian, at StandingBearIan@gmail.com for general inquiries. Please note all reservations, shuttle quotes, and trail info inquires are only done by Maria at the numbers above.

Price List