Rambling Roots Hostel

10/20/2026

The cool air is here!!! Elk in the GSMNP are waking up with frost on their rumps.
Now is when your sleeping bag seems a little too full. It may be the fact you have started sharing it with electronics, water filters, and a fuel canister.
We are happy to provide you with a little reprieve from a cold night. Shuttles are available if you want to venture further afield. Slackpacking is an option, with some great options to add an extra 20 miles with little weight and beautiful roads.
So excited to see the SoBo's making their way into this area.

10/03/2026

It is a beautiful time of year to travel to WNC. The foliage is just starting to turn, the elk are in rut, and the roads are winding. If you are looking to escape for a weekend and enjoy some cool fall weather this is the place to be. The Nantahala River offers rafting and kayaking opportunities. The GSMNP brings the wonders of the outdoors to you, sit and enjoy the elk bugle, keep your eyes peeled for bears. Come enjoy an evening or two with us while you take time to explore WNC.

10/01/2026

11 years ago today I summited Katahdin. This was not the end of my hike but the start of the next part of my journey. I left behind the amazing tramily I'd been with, new found friends, and embraced the idea I'd be hiking solo 456 miles. I took a 10 day break, I snuggled my beloved cat one last time before giving my goodbyes. Then I packed my bag, hopped in a friend's car, and No Shame and I were on our way back to trail in PA headed north to Greylock in MA.
** PHOTO OF NO SHAME AT KATAHDIN SIGN IS FROM TRAIL DAYS**

🐕

09/27/2026

Emotions are running high as I am recieving postcards and summit pictures from some of my hikers. Congratulations to those of you who made it the 2000+ miles of the AT.

CONGRATULATIONS to ALL of you who stepped foot on the AT. The trail is a humbling place, a place of growth, and discovery. For some of us it it the realization that 2000+ miles will not be the answer. For some, injury took you off trail. I am proud of ALL of you. You stepped out and did something most people will NEVER experience in their life time.

Happy trails to everyone!!!

09/19/2026

https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/the-2026-appalachian-trail-thru-hiker-survey-is-here/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUatK5jbGNrBRq0D3Bkb2YFZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEeepH2zgzK9jYYfaVjl97G1mggcx8J8QO42nQOnHT5xsjz0AZvKqL3s0VReAI_aem_fcQX0J2DWfRho_XzY1q0DQ

08/30/2026

Hey folks!
Teeka is looking to take a vacation from Faeden and needs some help! She is the athlete of the two and enjoys hiding out of reach from him but has limited places.
If anyone knows how to make some sturdy cat shelves she would be forever grateful!!!
I would love to be able to line some of the walls here with hiding spots. I am very open to design style; shelves, hammocks, tunnels, etc.

08/26/2026

Another batch of hiker trash!!! Gosh, at this rate I'll have them up by next spring! I'm already recieving postcards from those who have finished the trail!

08/24/2026

I'm always available to chat

Alright team… Post-Trail Depression is real.
You finish the hike, the purpose disappears, and suddenly real life feels empty.

Sadness, restlessness, missing the trail family, low energy, that “what now?” fog — most of us feel it.

What helps:
Be patient with yourself. Keep walking every day. Stay in touch with the good trail people. Get outside. Drink water. Set small goals.

If it’s heavy or lasting, talk to someone who gets it — fellow hikers, a therapist, or trusted friends.

Dark thoughts? Call or text 988. (Press 1 for veterans)

Helpful reads:
• ATC: https://appalachiantrail.org/news-stories/post-trail-depression-what-its-like-how-it-happens-how-to-get-over-it

• Mountaineers: https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/post-trail-blues-what-they-are-and-how-to-cope

You’re not alone. Drop a 🥾 if you’ve been there.

Keep moving forward.
Troll Marshall COMMUNITY all caps

08/18/2026

To sit and look back through the photos of all of the amazing hikers who graced the hostel with their presence is inspiring. I know I will start seeing SoBo's in the next month. Can't wait to meet them!
Thank you to all of you who've kept in touch. The updates are incredible!