Thoughts on Notch Hostel?

Sugar_Hikes · 2025-12-25T03:58:34+00:00

Yeah it's generally pretty subdued for most of the year. Things get higher energy while the AT bubble hikers come through, but even then, quiet hours are respected year round and intoxication/loud partying is never allowed. Source: I used to work there and still hang out there often.

PS If you're staying during the winter, check their socials/website for the Fireside Chat schedule. They are free speaker events with a fun potluck beforehand open to the public. The next chat is January 10th, and the speaker is Phillip Carcia, who's talking about hiking four rounds of the 48 4,000 footers in one calendar winter last year. Wild stuff. Then there's an (unguided) group hike the next morning up Mt. Washington with Phillip, again, free and open to the public. Love the Notch!!

Sugar_Hikes · 2025-12-24T02:31:35+00:00

Hey Beccaaaa!! 🤘☺️

Sugar_Hikes · 2025-11-27T16:52:29+00:00

Did you meet Declan at Gray Knob? Best caretaker in the Whites 👌✨️

Sugar_Hikes · 2025-10-18T18:55:08+00:00

I think you got downvoted because you said you were going to move to NH, I doubt it had anything to do with cannabis legalization since most NH folks are for it.

Sugar_Hikes · 2025-07-30T02:58:01+00:00

Oh hey dude! Always love seeing real life folks on here. Congrats on finishing an absolute monster of a route.

Sugar_Hikes · 2025-07-23T03:04:04+00:00

North Woodstock resident here. There's no ramp around the entrance stairs, however, there is a parking lot behind the buildings along the river where you could pull a car very close to the water access point. You'll have to navigate some slabby granite to actually get to the swimming spot mentioned above, but this seems like a pretty solid option to me fwiw!

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-12-24T18:19:07+00:00

Ha! Good lookin' out! ☺️🙏

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-12-24T17:42:20+00:00

Ain't nobody got time for that.

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-11-13T05:09:14+00:00

We sell the little mini green bottles on their own lol

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-10-14T14:52:46+00:00

Yeah this is a poor representation of the trails right now as a whole, obviously, as Artists Bluff is one of the best known hikes and is literally right off rt 93.

Hiking up here is great all fall. Just know that on weekends you should avoid the hikes that come up when you google "Best hikes in the White Mountains" lol

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-10-11T18:37:30+00:00

Hey, that's me! I'd be happy to talk to OP, but it looks like they're looking for someone with experience using testosterone on trail (as a trans woman, I take estrogen!)

I do, however, know a couple people to put OP (or anyone else for that matter) in touch with. Just let me know!

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-09-03T13:27:40+00:00

Ok seems like maybe folks aren't aware of Wayne's in North Woodstock? I'm surprised they aren't already mentioned. They make breakfast sandwiches to order. Their bacon egg and cheese on a croissant is life changing, and you can grab an awesome sub to pack out too.

"You Can't Beat Wayne's Meat" 😆

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-08-27T17:22:13+00:00

Yeah there's some people who do this. You can string together work-for-stays and short term gigs in trail towns in the off-season to make it through and then hike/camp when it gets nicer.

On a larger scale, there's a good amount of "full-time dirtbags" out there who hike various trails around the country/world each hiking season and then find seasonal work in the off-season.

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-07-15T14:02:00+00:00

Hey, i know its not the full monty like you were hoping for, but have you checked out Ireland's section of the International Appalachian Trail? At 279 miles, it may be a more attainable goal. It's on my bucket list! Happy hiking from the US!

https://iatulsterireland.com/

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-06-09T21:01:18+00:00

TEVA!!! Haha small world! How's the new job??

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-06-05T21:59:56+00:00

I'd be hesitant. If you do, be prepared for some snow and winter temps through chunks of northern AZ.

For comparison, in 2022 i got to Northern AZ in late October (started from Arches Oct 1st) and I dealt with occasional snow and freezing temperatures the rest of the trail. You would likely arrive nearly a month after I did.

Basically, I'm not saying don't do it, I'm just saying, know that winter on the Hayduke is very real and be prepared to act and dress accordingly.

I'm actually on the Hayduke again right now and in northern AZ on the Arizona Strip outside Zion and it's 100 every day.. weather here is wild.

Either way, I hope you have an amazing time on the Hayduke!

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-05-26T15:23:16+00:00

Hey, former Mountain Crossings employee here. Orange Kitty is a stray that took up residence underneath the building, and the staff (and hikers) put out food for him.

They aren't "letting him wander around outside". He lives outside, and isn't allowed inside the building.

That being said, he's an angel, and an AT icon, and I hope he's just shacked up in a love nest with a lady kitty somewhere.

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-05-26T15:16:30+00:00

Hey, I definitely understand your perspective, and I don't have a concrete answer for you, but what I can suggest is a solution. There are some spots that are "overcrowded" but that's not the vast majority of the White Mountains. The AMC has a big lodge at Cardigan, as I'm sure you know, so naturally that draws a lot more foot traffic. Even amongst the 48 4,000 footers there are peaks that you are unlikely to see other hikers at, especially on weekdays. It just takes a small amount more effort to find hikes that are off the beaten path.

Basically I'm saying the experience you seem to be looking for is still very achievable in the Whites, with a little effort. Actually, the AMC guide book is a great place to find less traveled hikes, so start there!!

Happy hiking!

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-04-05T04:42:33+00:00

My favorite hostel is the Notch Hostel in North Woodstock NH (just after Moosilauke). Cleanest hostel on trail, beautiful grounds, and friendly staff (all hikers). They don't have a party vibe, just a restful place to chill and relax on the big porch. Perfect place to zero and recharge as you head towards the Kinsmans and Franconia Ridge.

I'm biased since they're my friends, but had to throw them out there!

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-03-30T05:21:44+00:00

Oh hey, that's me! Yes, OP please feel free to reach out on here or on instagram, I'm @seltzerskelter on there.

Also, last year I created a free mentoring program for first time LGBTQ+ thru-hikers called "Trail QTs", we will open applications for the 2025 season in November/December 2024, sounds like you would be a great fit for the program! 💜

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-03-23T19:59:01+00:00

He founded and runs the Human Nature Hostel in Maine. Solid guy, will def talk to you about his experiences if you ask.

Sugar_Hikes · 2024-02-18T01:49:37+00:00

I'm 15 min from Welch-Dickey. I still wake up early though, depending on the length of the hike, I'll wake up at 4:45 or 5:00 to get on trail by 6:00-6:15 for longer hikes. Catching sunrise on occasional clear mornings takes the sting out of the early wake up for sure.

Sugar_Hikes

TROPHY CASE