Standing Bear Farm/Hostel

This place is absolutely amazing. From the history to the people, this place is full of stories. Everyone I've met here has been awesome. Definitely a haven for weary travelers. You don't even have to catch a shuttle to town with all the options they have in their store. The prices are reasonable and it's relaxed enough so you can make your own experience of it. Even if you don't stay the night, I'd definitely recommend stopping by and hanging out for a bit. You won't regret it. The staff are awesome and the owner, Maria, seems to be one of the sweetest ladies I think I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Nothing but good times and good vibes.

A thriving hiker hostel just off I-40. Whether one hikes up the stairs to the ridge (AT), or just walks up the dirt road straight to the hostel...you can't miss it.nnFood, bunks and shuttles make this a full service hostel. They provide day packs if you want to slack pack the next section to Max Patch. Also have a resupply to get you to Hot Springs.nnThere's always a friendly campfire at night. Its a must stop to recover for the next leg of the journey.

A place with so much potential gets ruined by poor management and staff. We were greeted and almost immediately offered drugs. The manager (Gator) was obviously drunk and on drugs, and offered us the same. Late that evening he began insulting our religion which isn’t even something we had mentioned he brought it up and continued to talk about. He is very confrontational with a strong opinion on everything and he seems to think he’s always right. We all left feeling very uncomfortable because of him and rumor is spreading quick on the trail this year (2021) to stay away from this place because of him. Everyone seems to have the same opinion of him so I guess it wasn’t just us. Again a lot of potential but ran by a man like this it’s sure to go down hill quick. I wish it was old standing bear :(

I hear people are avoiding this wonderful hostel for one bad review on one bad night! I have never been anywhere so caring and so hospitable in my life the people who work here or even just stay to help a few days or more are just purely awesome!!! Maria is a doll and she truly cares about all of the hikers that come through here! There is hot meals that are made by Maria and her staff that truly does hit the spot, honestly I've never seen that much food put on one plate and plus there is pizza galore. The resupply is always stocked due to Marias late nights and many store runs to make sure all the hikers have what they need.. she wants everyone to come and take a piece of this place with them as they hike the rest of the At... please dont let one bad review from one upset person ruin a chance at a wonderful hostel and a good place to lay your head for a night or two on your big or small adventure . This mountain its self is full of love and you can feel it at standing bear farm come as strangers leave feeling like a family!!!

Everyone was really cool there and they trust all to do the right thing. This is Kentucky. ud83dude06 loved my stay...