The Holy Family Hostel is one of the oldest on the trail that is still in operation. It has a full kitchen, shower, washing machine, sleeps 12- 18, and is within walking distance to wal mart.
Recommended donation is still just $10.
The barn was given new purpose in 1977 and continues to this day in 2025, nearly 50 years.
The church property has some of the biggest and beautiful trees in the area.
Gazebo with outdoor grill
Holy Family Hostel
A walking trail to grocery and restaurants
Not very good photography
No TV
Many big beautiful trees on the land.
Barn Hostel faces east.
Kitchen
Church graveyard
Covered porch
Kitchen 2
It’s currently managed by caretaker Twig, who has been there during the season since 2015 after LASHing from Georgia to Virginia. Twig is an avid bicyclist and snowbird who spends the colder months down south. Twig also had a cameo in the movie “A Walk in the Woods”
I had a hard time waking up this morning. Last night I smacked my eye with a branch while gathering firewood. It wasn’t comfortable, but I can still see which I’m grateful for.
I marched down to the Mcaffees knob parking area just in time for a chance encounter with Mr Freeze from 4 pines hostel. He hitched me back to the hostel where I cleaned up myself, my laundry, and the last of a breakfast fritata courtesy of Thornberry. 4 Pines has been an institution on the trail as long as I’ve been walking it.
After charging my power Bank I set out towards the Dragons Tooth, but not the normal way. I took the road walk to the Dragons Tooth parking to connect to the Appalachian Trail.
At the junction I stopped for a snack, knowing the terrain ahead is brutal and I may not hit a good stopping point for a while. I had a friend protect me from bugs in exchange for some salt.
After a very strenuous walk on the ridge, a rollercoaster of anklebusters, I began switchbacking down. I met a section hiker named Saunter walking to Harper’s Ferry, and a local named Bilbo Baggins who hiked the trail in 93 and traveled with a dog named Buddy.
I walked down to the 620 trail crossing to camp and performed my nightly routine involving fire, bear hangs, and food, drying my clothes under a shade umbrella, and push-ups. I even got to eat mayapples in July and drink Dr Pepper. It’s quite remarkable what the locals have done to enhance this camping area.
Shortly before dark, Bilbo and Buddy came off the hill and chatted a bit about the Roosevelts and eminent domain and the possibilities that exist for a positive outcome even in a difficult situation.
Now with the fire as my companion, I finish second supper and wait for sleep to come.
Gazebo with outdoor grillHoly Family Hostel
