Appalachian Trail Hostel & Outfitters — Hotel in Millinocket

I'm a very particular person, but having traveled a lot stateside and in Europe, I try to temper expectations with location, thus 3 stars. My family and I stayed at AT Lodge for 2 days in the Family Suite 2 (downstairs/basement). The room was SUPER clean and had everything you could possibly want, except Wifi ... we couldn't get Wifi in our rooms (2G so if we did get it briefly it wasn't functional) so we'd go up to the street to get it. No big deal though. ||||Upon check-in there was a lot of confusion and stops and starts.. interruptions with phone calls and disruptions by other people coming in and out. Took about 30 min to check in. I was really surprised when I paid with my credit card on Square Cash app and it was asking me for a tip. I wasn't sure what to do... I mean I'm checking into this place... do they expect a tip for having me/shuttling me? I asked Ol Man what people normally do and he said, "I can't tell you what to do." So, I tipped him cheapest available option like a dumb-ass (because later he asked US to strip all the beds in our rooms!). My recommendation to you is to pay in cash so you're not presented with this quandary in the first place when using a cc. ||||While we had privacy in our family suite, people we were with complained of snoring keeping them up all night and on our last day we heard every boot stomp above our heads so that's really why I recommend Katahdin Inn & Suites because after our hike we spent 3 days there in total comfort (much more comfortable beds, too) with a location that had all the conveniences - all within walking distances - a grocery store, Walgreens, McDonalds and Dunkin donuts. ||||The part of town where AT Lodge is is pretty deserted. We wanted lunch on Sunday at 3 p.m. and there were ZERO locations to grab lunch via walking... AT Cafe door was locked, the pub wasn't serving food... just booze, the other restaurant was closed. We wound up (along with the rest of the town) at a really great convenient store about a mile away that made us sandwiches. Another hiker we met had a game he played, "my game while at AT lodge was crossing the street without looking either way"... that's how isolated this part of town feels. Again, I'm very particular and I want a soft place to land. AT lodge was just fine to start us off, but I definitely didn't want to go back. ||||Finally, our backpacks were selected to be placed on top of the van while all but one other were placed inside the van (again... so glad I paid that tip!!) and sure enough I wound up with two items missing from the exterior pocket of my pack. I'm not sure whose stuff was battering the top of the van as we drove to Baxter Park, but consider that if you want a shuttle from here, too. ||||One last thing... because of injuries we didn't need our food drop-off so I did appreciate that AT Lodge did return our $35 fee and our items. That brought back a little good will, but only 3 stars worth and not my unnecessary tip....

Staying at the AT Hostel & Outfitters was an absolute delight. Koty, Danya, and the rest of the crew were so very helpful and insightful. Whether I had a question about the best places to eat in town, things to do to pass the time, or information about climbing Mt. Katahdin and the Hundred Mile Wilderness, their answers were detailed and honest.

The SOBO Workshop was invaluable, too. I knew a lot, but Koty knew more. He helped me lose two pounds and showed me how to better organize my pack.

Both the bunkhouse and private rooms were clean and tidy. The communal spaces were fully stocked with cozy pillows, plenty of puzzles and board games, and several books. Despite hundreds of people passing through a week, the whole place never once was unkempt. They do a very good job of providing a comfortable space while you decompress from a long hike.

Ultimately, Koty and Danya exceeded all expectations. When I had to get off trail at mm 41 for insane blisters, one of their crew, Maybe, had me in the car within hours of me sending a message. He kindly listened while I lamented how it felt like a moral failure to stop my hike, then sagely explained it wasn’t quitting unless I went home. Between the three of them, three days spent with my feet up, and a delivery of REI sock liners, I am ready to finish the HMW!

Additionally, since I had so much time to kill, Danya mentioned I check out the Katahdin Gear Library. When I rented a kayak from them for the day, she brought the car to help me load and unload it at the launch point. She didn’t have to give me and the kayak a lift, and taking the time to help me out so I could paddle away an afternoon was so extremely thoughtful and kind.

This was a truly spectacular stay. If I could leave 101/5 stars, I...

I have been lucky enough to stay at this hostel twice this year!

My first visit was in June 2022 under the previous owners and then again in November under the new owners. The first time I visited with a few friends and we stayed in the "Neck of the Woods" family suite. It's a lovely space that's more like a small apartment with its own kitchen, tall windows letting in lots of natural light, and a private bathroom. It was homey and comfortable and felt more like staying at a friend's place versus some sterile hotel.

The second time was the start of the winter season just after the hostel officially transferred hands. The new owners had been staff members last time I was here (and had made excellent recommendations for whitewater rafting and skydiving in the area!). They'd just begun renovations throughout the entire building; most rooms were getting fresh paint, new beds, and new mattresses. The changes were subtle but really livened up the place and gave it an all-new feel.

I'll definitely be back again this spring for the hiking season... with shuttle options to get picked up or dropped off anywhere in the Katahdin region they make it low-hassle for accessing trails. It really felt more like I was staying with family, not strangers. If you're looking for a quaint, community-based stay for your time in Maine, I can't recommend...