top of page

SHUTTLES AND SLACKPACKING

Free Guest Shuttles to Select Locations
Forest Road

HIKER SHUTTLES

We offer free scheduled shuttles for hostel and outfitter guests upon request (see schedule times below).

​

For shuttles to/from other locations or other times, we've provided a list of local shuttle drivers (see below).

​

AROUND THE BEND'S MORNING DROP-OFF SHUTTLE SCHEDULE
(FREE FOR HOSTEL GUESTS):

  • Dicks Creek Gap: 7:30 am, 8:00 am, and 9:15 am

  • Unicoi Gap: leaves the hostel at 8:00 am

​

GETTING HERE:

We welcome walk-ins and drive-ins! We are located just 0.6 miles from the parking area at Dicks Creek Gap (west of mile marker 69.2 northbound).

ARRIVING HERE FROM DICKS CREEK GAP:

​

We provide free shuttles for hostel and outfitter guests to and from Dicks Creek Gap upon request. Due to limited cell service at the gap, please text us with the time you expect to reach Dicks Creek Gap when you are 1 mile out and we will let you know the next shuttle availability.

​

ARRIVING HERE FROM OTHER LOCATIONS:

​

If you need a shuttle from another location, we have a list of shuttle drivers you can contact for assistance here.

SLACKPACKING

What is "Slackpacking"? When you Slackpack, you leave most of your gear behind at Hostel Around the Bend that you wouldn't need for a day hike, so you can hike with a much lighter pack! You can borrow one of our day packs or use your own pack.   Stay the night at the hostel, hike during the day with a light pack, then return to the hostel to stay another night in our comfortable beds!  We'll return you to where you left off on the trail when you check-out.

​

We offer slackpacking free for Hostel Around the Bend guests during stay from Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap (16.7 miles). The Unicoi slackpacking shuttle leaves the hostel at 8:00 am.

​

We will be happy to help you plan your trip, but please note that hikers must assume all risk and responsibility for themselves on the trail.

Availability and schedule of shuttles may be subject to change. Shuttles may not be available if the main Hostel Around the Bend is operating under limited capacity or is closed. Please contact the hostel for shuttle availability. We will provide a list of alternative shuttle drivers upon request.

Shutte List

OTHER SHUTTLE SERVICES

Local shuttle drivers (listed in no particular order):

​

  • Jason (Hiking Not Homeless): 678-979-0257, website

  • Dale “Bandit”: 828-231-7728, website

  • Encourager's Shuttle: 706-897-7281

  • Ron Brown: 706-669-0919, website

  • White Blaze Shuttle Service: 706-300-8964, website

  • Grace “Hitch-A-Hiker”: 813-294-6994

  • Bret Eady “Suches”: 404-569-8776

  • The Further Shuttle: 772-321-0905, website

  • Bobby the Greek: 847-400-7169, website

  • Sherpa Al: 305-216-7234 or 954-907-5140, website

  • Solace: 603-400-2019

bottom of page