Burkes Garden Hostel — Hotel in Tazewell

First, I should say that I'm not exactly the target customer of this hostel, which is an AT through hiker. I was a solo traveler (and ADK hiker) interested in going as far off the grid as possible on my drive cross country to visit a sick family member. I intended to bike around Burke's Garden in the morning before continuing, but the weather didn't cooperate. Anyway, the hostel was very quiet the night I stayed. I had the whole bunkhouse to myself. The host greeted me warmly, got me settled, and disappeared. I was in total solitude. I walked up to the Appalachian Trail before dinner, and took in the views of the valley on the walk down. I made myself a trail meal from the kitchen that was well stocked with gear. I cleaned up and relaxed in a hammock chair before heading upstairs for bed. The rain began rolling through, but I had a good sleep. The shower is strong and hot. I didn't need laundry, but the machines are clean and new. I made my free waffles and coffee as promised, and headed out in the rainy morning. Not a single soul was moving around Burke's Garden, and I didn't see another car until I turned on the main road to Tazewell. Highly recommended location to get far into the backroads and be provided a clean, welcoming, restful stay. Edit ** A note for driving travelers. I arrived late afternoon and left early morning. The general store was closed, so there are no food options nearby, bring...

Our family of 4 was hiking the Appalachian Trail and got stuck in a bad thunderstorm. We called Burkes Garden from the top of a mountain and hiked to the hostel. They were overbooked (because of the rain) but were taking out mattresses, cushions, etc. just to fit in as many hikers who needed to get out of the cold and rain. They were not renting out the main house that night, but they decided to offer my family (2 adults & 2 children) bedrooms in the main house so they could continue to pick up hikers. They were generous, kind, friendly, and accommodating. We were able to do our laundry, prepare a hot meal, shower (several times), and eat a breakfast of all-you-can-eat waffles. Rebecca even drove us back to the trailhead in the morning. We cannot recommend Burkes Garden Hostel...

We were there on April 2nd and they had just opened the bunk house and we stayed there for the night in the bunk house while we were hiking the Appalachian Trail. They had stuff to finish inside and we thought it was a little pricey but overall it was great and kept us out of the high winds that night. Also the mattresses were very comfortable. They're adding a deck and other stuff that should make it even better. We didn't go in the main house so I can't speak to that. It's less than a mile from the Appalachian Trail and would be a great day hike up to Chestnut Knob Shelter. Rebecca and her family were very friendly...