Day 8: The Green Dragon changed everything

7 am and I was up and moving.

Today was special.
Not because of the kilometers.
Not for the views.

Because tonight… I had a warm bed waiting for me at the Green Dragon Hostel.

Unfortunately, there was one small problem: I had to absolutely reserve it to take the 11 am bus.

The morning was misty and glowing, with sunlight filtering through the trees as if nature was trying to reward me for waking up early. I decided to accept the bribe and started walking quickly.

Since I hadn’t made it to Deep Gap the night before like I told Dread Pirate, I stopped there to refill water and say goodbye.

When I arrived, I discovered that the refuge had been converted overnight into a full-fledged wildlife documentary.

Dread Pirate had slept next to:

• a bat






• a snake skin






• and of course mice

Meanwhile Dan woke up mouse poop on most of your belongings.

Naturally, I met another hiker named narwhalwho had also been emotionally tormented by mice.

We started chatting while he repaired his tent and talked about resupply plans. I told him about Green Dragon Hostel and how amazing it sounded.

Little did I know…that one conversation would completely change the social trajectory of my life on the trail.

I continued on toward Powell Mountain Vista to text Bill that I was on time.

Out of nowhere, Narwhale came running after me and immediately clarified:

«I’m not harassing you.»

Which I appreciated.

He then informed me that after hearing me promote the Green Dragon so much, he decided to stay there as well.

Accidental hostel marketing career unlocked.

I basically I quickly walked the Appalachian Trail to make the ferry.

I made it to Dick’s Creek Gap with a few minutes to spare, collapsed on the sweaty ground, and right on cue, Bill from the Green Dragon stopped.

The moment seemed like something out of a movie.

When I got into the passenger seat, I realized something shocking:

this was my First time in a car in eight days.

I felt like I had entered a parallel universe.

The tour of the hostel was incredible, but the shower He was the real star of the show.

Nothing compares to a shower after the trail.
Baby wipes may do their best, but they simply can’t compete.

After calling my mom for Mother’s Day, we headed into town for food and resupply.

The burger joint was closed (devastating), but the backup plan was a mexican holiday —and honestly? Even better.

Yes, I ordered the 27 ounce strawberry margarita.
Yes, I felt it immediately.

Replenishing after a margarita is… a chaotic experience.

I took what felt right at the time.
Was it strategic? No.
Did it work anyway? Yeah.

Narwhale and I wandered around Hiawassee’s adorable town square before Bill picked us up.

Back at the hostel, I sorted the food, raided the hiker’s box, grabbed drink mixes, and got a festival blanket that matched my shirt perfectly. Priorities.

The Green Dragon was magical.

The property was beautiful.
The hostel was cozy.
But he fire pit and cats They were my personal highlight.

Bill and Donna were amazing hosts and made my second hostel experience unforgettable.

Honestly?
Every AT hiker should stop here.

Without exaggeration.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.