The Discerning Hiker Hostel

Ken was an excellent host. We stayed in the shared loft. The beds were warm and cozy. The shuttle from the trail to the hostel and from the hostel to town to resupply was included in the cost. The house is a log cabin built by Ken it smells wonderful and is very clean. My favorite part was the bathtub with bubble bath that was provided ! Breakfast the next day was nice and the sound of the river by the porch was so peaceful. Would def recommend. Oh there are plenty of snacks around. Ken knows what hikers want and need. Very thoughtful hostel and host !

Highly recommend staying at this hostel. Ken is also a hiker and knows what hikers need. He went above and beyond as a hostel host! You have the option to stay in the upstairs loft which is a semi-peivate room that has 2 twin beds or stay downstairs in the private room with a queen sized bed. If hiking and staying at the hostel, Ken will pick you up from the AT at mile 240.6 Tobes Creek Road or at 240.9 at the I-40 underpass.

I stayed at the Discerning Hiker in early May, 2023, after completing my annual AT section hike. I had been aware of this relatively new hiker hostel since it's opening, but this was my first chance to stay there. And I will honestly say, I will be back. I really wish they had been in business when I hiked thru in 2016, because they have everything a thruhiker needs to reset after the Smokies. It's the full package deal, for one very affordable and fair price. Included: Pickup/Dropoff at Davenport Gap, transport to/from town for resupply and a super good restaurant meal, full laundry, shower, fully stocked coffee bar, comfortable beds, relaxing front porch overlooking a creek, a line to dry out your tent/tarp/quilt/etc, delicious breakfast, and I'm sure I have forgotten something. Th

This was the best hostel ever! Ken maintains the house like it is his own home - everything was very clean, it was quiet at bedtime, Ken drove us into town to go to Walmart and go out to eat, and showed us some karate in the evening. In the morning before we left, he made us breakfast - so good!

Stayed here for a zero after hiking through The Smokies. Absolutely a wonderful place to stay! Ken the owner picked me up at the trailhead, helped me run errands around Newport, and made a great breakfast each morning. The cabin has every amenity I could ask for. Definitely recommend staying here if you’re in the area.