Frequently Asked Questions

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Does Rattle River Hostel accept mail drops?

YES! Label your package:

Your [Given] Name

Hold for A.T. Hiker, ETA: [MM/DD]

c/o Rattle River Lodge

592 State Route 2

Shelburne, NH 03581

[Also, write your last name in BIG letters on one side of the box.]

(This service is free for guests; otherwise, it's $5.00 per box.)

What is the maximum number of nights I can stay at the Hostel?

Three. We want guests to relax for the duration of their stay but not stop a hiker's hike.

Does the Hostel allow for overnight parking?

YES! This is free for guests; otherwise, it's $10/day. We collect payment on the day of arrival. We do have limited parking and there is free but unsecured parking at the Rattle River Trailhead parking lot, 1/4 mile east on U.S. 2. 

Can you give me a good piece of advice about slack packs?

Be sure to have the essentials: water, food, phone, maps, appropriate clothing for the weather, and a plan.

Does the Hostel offer a Mount Washington slack pack?

YES! We recommend this slack pack for individuals concerned for their knees--the northbound descent of Mount Madison with a full pack can be brutal on the knees. The Mt. Washington Auto Road offers shuttles up and down the mountain. Take the Auto Road shuttle to the base of the mountain, call us from the base, and we will pick you up ($5). (The Auto Road will return you to the summit of Mt. Washington the next day with the same shuttle ticket.) (Click on the 'shuttles' link at the top of the page for more information about slack packs.)

I'm looking to do my own slack pack but I don't see it on your website. What are my options? Can I still do it?

YES! Between our maps, guidebooks, and experienced staff, if there's a trailhead, we can search for a way to arrange drop offs and pickups. There are over 1,200 miles of trail in the White Mountains--let's take a look!

What businesses in Gorham are friendly to hikers?

1. Mr. Pizza, 603.466.5573, www.mrpizzanh.com. Sun-Th 11 AM-11 PM, F & Sat 11 AM-Midnight; delivery available until 10 PM; closed W from Labor Day to Memorial Day
2. Road Hawg BBQ Swine Dining, 603.915.9242. 195 Main St, Gorham, NH 03581. Sun-Tue 11 AM-8 PM, Wed 11 AM-9 PM, Th-Sat 11 AM-10 PM
3. Gorham Hardware & Sports, 603.466.9900. M-F 8 AM-5 PM, Sat 8 AM-4 PM, Sun 8 AM-1 PM
4. Post Office, 800.275.8777. 165 Main St., Gorham, NH 03581-9998. M-F 8:30 AM-5 PM, Sat 8:30 AM-12 PM
5. SAaLT PUB, 603.466.5330. Wed-Sun starting at 5 PM. (Libby's Bistro, Friday and Saturday starting at 5 PM.)
6. Nonna’s Kitchen (homemade Italian food), 603.915.9203. 19 Exchange Street, Gorham. Open May-October, W-Sun 4 PM-9 PM
7. Dynasty Buffet, 603.466.9888. 310 Main Street Gorham. M-Th 11 AM-9 PM, F-Sat 11 AM-9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM-9 PM
8. J’s Corner Restaurant and Lounge, 603.466.5132. 277 Main Street, Gorham. Sun-Th 11 AM-9 PM, F-Sat 11 AM-10 PM
9. Vashaw’s Variety, 603.466.5008. 302 Main Street, Gorham. M-F 5:30 AM-9 PM, Sat 6 AM-9 PM, Sun 7 AM-9 PM 
10. North Country Dental, 603.466.5015. 22 Exchange Street, Gorham. M-Friday 8:30 AM-5 PM
11. Walmart, 561 Main Street, Gorham, NH. M-Sun 6 AM-10 PM

What are some of the other nearby hostels, which offer shuttle services?

1. Notch Hostel, North Woodstock, NH. 603.348.1483. Shuttles by request. Check for availability. An outstanding Hostel
2. Hikers Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, NH. 603.989.0040. Shuttles by request. Check for availability. Pet friendly. Open mid May-Oct 1
3. Pine Ellis Lodge, Andover, ME. 207.392.4161. Shuttle to nearby towns, airport, and bus station. Ask about pets. Reservations required. 7 AM-8 PM
4. Human Nature Hostel, Roxbury, ME. 207.408.8216. Shuttles from Gorham, Grafton Notch, and Rangely (fees may apply)
5. Field Stone Cottages, Rangely, ME. 207.670.5507. Shuttle range between Gorham and Monson, including Baxter State Park. Shuttles to airports, bus stations, and car rental agencies in Portland, Bangor, Farmington, Augusta, and Waterville. Reservations required. Ask about pets. 8 AM-8 PM

What are the local shuttle services?

1. Shuttle Connection, Lincoln, NH. 603.348.7422 (reservations), 603.745.3140 (driver / pickup). info@theshuttleconnection.com. Shuttles between Lincoln and Kinsman or Franconia notch, bus terminals & airports throughout NH. Call reservation number for prices. Arrange for long distance shuttles (i.e. Lincoln to Crawford Notch) well in advance. Sun-Th 6:30 AM-Midnight, F-Sat 6:30 AM-2 AM
2. Notch Taxi Service, Littleton, NH. 603.991.8777. www.notchtaxiservice.com. Shuttle range between Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch, Lincoln, and to/from Manchester, NH airport. Out of area service (i.e. Pinkham Notch) includes pickup fee. Reservations required. 5 AM-11 PM
3. Apex Airport and Transportation Services, 603.252.8294. Shuttles to/from Hanover area or as far as Baxter State Park. Set rates for trailheads in Hanover area. Requires at least 1 day notice. Pet friendly. 8 AM-5 PM
4. Trail Angels Hiker Services, Berlin, NH. 603.252.8294. Shuttles to Baxter State Park. Requires at least one week (preferably two) notice for Jul/Aug/Sept. Cancellation policy is 7 days prior to pickup. Pet friendly. 7 AM-8 PM (call hours are 7 AM-6 PM)
5. Bruce, Gorham, NH. 504.615.9497. Shuttles to Baxter State Park, Bangor Airport, and trailheads. Flexible rates. Reservations required. Pet friendly. 7 AM-8 PM
6. Don (of The Cabin), Andover, ME. 207.392.1333. Long distance shuttles, often the least expensive option

Can I reserve the Hostel for an education seminar? Training classes? A conference?

YES! Our Lodge is an ideal setting for an exchange of ideas or a presentation--quiet, affordable, spacious, and comfortable.

I am enrolled at White Mountains Community College. Do you offer longterm student housing options?

YES! Call to ask about rates and availability.

• Mount Washington Forecast
• New England Trail Conditions
• White Mountain National Forest
• Mount Washington Auto Road
• Mount Washington Cog Railway
• Pinkam Notch Visitor Center
• A.T. Guide - Handbook Hiking Appalachian Trail