Backpacking Western N.C. (etc)

What better way to work off those holiday indulgences than a two-day backpacking trip that has us “camping” inside a warm hiker hostel?! We’ll hike an 8.5 mile segment of the AT from Indian Grave Gap down to Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel (“U.J.’s”) near Erwin, TN. Our hike will take us over several stream crossings along the Jones Branch Tributary which most likely will NOT get our feet wet (not guaranteed, of course). We also pass through Curly Maple Gap, by old cabin foundation ruins, and hopefully nice views of the Nolichucky River below and mountains around us. I’ve never hiked this segment before, so come along to discover its treasures with me.

I’ll be hiking an intermediate pace of around 30-min miles uphill and 25-min miles down hill. This hike is a bit unique in that we need to arrive to the Nolichucky River together. Hurricane Helene washed away the bridge that connects the AT over the Nolichucky River, and Uncle Johnny’s Hostel is on the other side of the river. Our rough plan is to arrive to the river around 2:30. We’ll call U.J.’s to shuttle us all together to the hostel.

Hike Level – Strenuous Hike at an Intermediate Pace -- typically hiked at 30-35 minutes/mile uphill & 25 mins/mile downhill

Itinerary:
Saturday, January 3, 2026 9:00 am - meet at Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel (AT mile marker 344.5 at an elevation of 1,679’) near Erwin, TN. We’ll pile into 2-3 cars and drive the 12 miles - 21 minutes - to our trailhead at Indian Grave Gap - mile marker 352.9, elevation of 3,349’. All hikers must agree to carpool to the trailhead. Parking is quite limited there.
We’ll hike the AT south back to the Nolichucky River (mile marker 344.6) where we’ll call U.J.’s Shuttle to pick us up and take us all together to the hostel. 8.5 miles, 1,000’ AEGain & 2,500’ AELoss.

Sunday, January 4 – 9:00 am - The shuttle will depart to take us to the AT Trailhead on the other side of the Nolichucky River. We’ll reverse our hike from the previous day hiking north along the same AT segment. 9 miles, 2,500’ AEGain & 1,000’ AELoss. Drivers will return the other hikers to U.J.’s to get their cars.

Shuttle Costs:
Shuttle: U.J.’s shuttle service from and back to the AT across the river is free. We should each have some small bills to tip the driver.
Hostel Costs:
Once you have a spot on this hike, each hiker should call U.J.’s to reserve a spot. (423) 707-4013. Please note that U.J.’s has been completely renovated since Hurricane Helene, and they have not updated the website with the new configuration of bunk rooms and private rooms.
U.J.’s has 4 bunk rooms that have 4 bunks in each room for $30/night. Hikers would need to bring a pillow and sleep sack/blankets/sleeping bag.
U.J.’s has 5 private rooms that have a queen bed and one twin above for a minimum of $80/night that covers 2 people plus $25 more for a third person. These rooms have sheets and pillows, but U.J.’s recommends bringing blankets/sleeping bag.
Food: Hikers should pack 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and hiking snacks for Sat. & Sun. At the hostel there is a kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and hot water kettle. Coffee is included in the stay. On Saturday afternoon we plan to drive into Erwin to explore the downtown and to eat dinner. We hope you might want to eat with us at the Red Fork, 105 S Main Street, Erwin, TN.

Disclaimers:

• Know your abilities. This is a strenuous hike typically hiked at 30-35 minutes/mile uphill
• We do not wait at trail intersections. Be prepared by having a map (or map app) and studying the route. Each mile or two we tend to wait 3-5 minutes for folks to re-group, but we don't wait too much more than that. Be prepared to navigate yourself.
• Hike organizers are in no way responsible for you, your health, or safety. By attending this event you acknowledge that the organizers assume no liability for you or your gear.

Directions to parking:
In Google Maps type in “Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel” 151 River Road, Erwin, TN 37650. U.J.’s is at elevation 1,679’ and northbound AT mile marker 344. On Saturday morning, we’ll type in Google Maps “Indian Grave Gap” to get directions to our trailhead.

You can find a .gpx track of our hike here AT Indian Grave Gap to Erwin
You can find a trail profile here AT Indian Grave Gap to Erwin hiking profile.

We hope you’ll join us!