So I had to come off the trail. I had a injuries to my ankle and knee. They had available and told me that they would love to have me. This is my first time staying in a hostel. But it won't be my last. The inn keepers were amazing. Lisa was very kind and friendly. The room was clean and the showers were hot. They offer shuttles into town daily, but most anything you would need is onsite. They even had ice packs and massagers. It was a joy and God sent that I ran across them on my hike. I highly recommend stopping or staying a night or two. If your on the AT or just passing through northern GA.

Gordon and Lisa have created an amazing environment in this hostel. Great rooms, comfy beds, clean and well stocked bathrooms. They have an eye for detail and were super friendly and responsive. We stayed three nights and could have stayed longer. Highly recommend!

This is one of our favorite places to stay when we are in the area. Very clean, lots of space, has everything you could need on the property for hikers or just vacationers. Owners are very nice and we always have a great time!

Hostel Around the Bend is hands down the best hiker hostel I’ve ever stayed at. It’s completely renovated inside and out by the new owners. They thought of every single detail. Literally anything you could need is available in their free boxes or to purchase. Food, gear, medical supplies, mailing supplies, and even small things I would have never thought of. Their beds are so comfortable and they even provide extra pillows and blankets. Plenty of space to spread out and socialize inside and by the fire pit. I love the full kitchens so we can cook fresh meals too. It’s so clean which is crazy because hikers naturally come with a lot of dirt. I feel like the space is so clean that everyone just goes above and beyond to keep it that way. Honestly, I’d come here again on vacation with the family just for the community experience!

Gordon and Lisa were great hosts. They were friendly and very helpful. Room was clean and the whole property is well kept. Their small gear shop is PACKED with quality gear and reasonably priced.

Best hiker hostel I’ve ever stayed at. Lots amenities, great shuttle service, and the friendliest and helpful owners. Check out the gear shop, too. Don’t let small size fool ya. It’s jam packed with awesome gear at fair prices.

This is an odd review as I didn't stay there, but I ran into enough north bound AT thru-hikers that had stayed at the hostel during a winter storm. They all spoke so highly of the hosts. Time and again saying how great the stay was and how kind the hosts were. One woman said she didn't know how they stayed in business as they were so kind. Never met the hosts but wanted to share their impact on folks hiking.

This is the third night in four days that I’ve stayed here, and I just want to stay here forever. The people who own and work here are so incredibly helpful and kind. I’m down on myself for needing to take zeros because of my knees, but I would rather be here healing than anywhere else. I am already going to miss them. It really feels like another family in such a short time. They’re amazing ❤️

Great place. Did a long haul slack pack. Paid extra for a 7 AM shuttle and it was WORTH IT. They take you to Blue Ridge gap right at the AT intersection wich is just a few miles south of NC. Those roads are 4x4 recommended, no parking, and you probably won't have cell service half the way there. Was behind pace; they picked me up from Indian Grave gap which is similar. Clean place. You'll meet some serious hikers; some of the staff have done the entire trail. Outfitter store is stocked; forgot my cell coord for the power bank and was able to buy one there.

I section hiked the AT with my son recently and we stayed at Hostel Around the Bend. Lisa and Gordon have a terrific establishment on their hands. Clean and comfortable with everything you need. Beautiful facility. Lisa and Gordon were both extremely friendly and approachable. Do not hesitate to stay here and hopefully in the future I will get back here.

This hostel and the entire grounds are spectacularly gorgeous. Nice hot showers and clean restrooms. Need washing/drying? It's all here as well. Shuttles to Hiawassee were provided for dinner and resupply. The beds/linens were clean and comfortable, leading to a great night's sleep after a full day of hiking the A.T. HIGHLY RECOMMEND staying here when coming off of the trail!

Amazing hiker hostel! Lisa and Gordon are super chill and friendly hosts! They were very accomodating, helpful, and nice to have a conversation with. I couldn't have asked for a better stay. Facilities are great. It feels more like a home than a hostel.

Gordon and Lisa were so welcoming and helpful. We stayed in one of the small cabins for 2, and it was clean, the beds had nice sheets and we had fresh towels. There was a porta potty nearby, if you did not want to make the short walk up the the house to use the indoor bathroom. There was soap, shampoo, and conditioner and plenty of hot water. You can resupply there. You can shuttle and day hike from there. I am planning next years hike to include another stay.

What an amazing experience! This is the first time I’ve stayed at a hostel and the first time I’ve hiked the Appalachian trail. It was awesome being welcomed and treated like family and meeting fellow hikers to share stories with. Everyone was friendly and willing to lend a helping hand if asked. They ran a shuttle service throughout the day to accommodate any of your needs and are located right next to the trail. We stayed 2 nights, but we extended an extra night due to weather and injuries and they were able to keep us in the same cabin without relocating us. I used the slack packing option and borrowed one of their day bags and they drove me to a trail point. The WiFi wasn’t the greatest in the cabins, but they usually have bonfires at night so get out there and be social. Thank you Lisa and Gordon (and thank you to the dogs and cats for being so friendly)

I stayed here back in May. The place was very clean, the owners were very kind and welcoming, and the overall environment was just what anyone would want from a hostel...full of camaraderie. I felt VERY SAFE here. Had good resupply and ran shuttles into an idyllic little town with a SUPERMARKET, restaurants, and an OUTFITTER. Not stopping here would be a missed opportunity if you are on a thru-hike or a section hike.

My partner and I had an amazing hiking adventure at Black Rock Mountain State Park. Our trip was almost cancelled when we could not find any reasonable accommodation near Clayton. 'Around the Bend' saved the day and just about 15 ish minute beautiful drive away. Great rates, cozy comfy bed, clean bathroom, friendly warm hosts. They thought of everything and did it right. We will definitely be back.

Top notch hostel, perfect location & excellent people! Gordon & Lisa go above & beyond the call of duty to accommodate you during your visit. A must stay during your hiking adventures. Don’t forget to let Gordon show you the all new gear shop!

Great experience. Gordon and Lisa great people, who were very helpful in a lot of ways. Cabin very nice and comfortable for sleeping. Living room, kitchen and bathroom shared by all was like being at home. Check out website or call them for information if you need somewhere to stay especially if you are a hiker

This place has it dialed in. I’m hiking the Appalachian Trail. It’s the perfect place for a hiker. It’s clean, well run and has just about anything a hiker needs for a stay and to resupply...not just food, but a lot of items on a typical backpacking list. I walked the 0.6 miles down to it, but was shuttled to town to eat and grab some veggies from the store as well as a side trip up to a beautiful overlook out over the lake and mountains. Was shuttled up to the trail in the morning. The shuttles were included with my stay.