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, please write your last name in large CAPITAL letters on one side of the box.]

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

Does the Hostel allow for overnight parking?

YES! This is free for guests; otherwise, it's $10/day. We collect payment in full 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. 

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

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

Can you give me a good piece of advice about slackpacks?

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 slackpack?

YES! We recommend this slackpack 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 HERE for more information about slackpacks.)

I'm looking to do my own slackpack 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 so let's take a look!

Does the Hostel have an AT passport stamp?

YES! We stamp AT passports.

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; free delivery; 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

Can I reserve the Hostel for an education seminar? Training classes? A conference? Or just in general?

YES! Our Lodge is an ideal setting for an exchange of ideas or a presentation—quiet, affordable, spacious, and comfortable. It is also perfect for family reunions, vacations, or weekend adventures! Contact us to ask about rates and availability.

I work at a ski resort. Do you offer month-to-month, seasonal housing options for employees of Wildcat Mountain Ski Area or Sunday River Ski Resort?

YES! Contact us to ask about rates and availability.

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

YES! Contact us to ask about rates and availability.