Mountain Crossings is such a cool place to visit. It's part of the AT and has beautiful views. The store inside has so many cool things in addition to items a thru hiker may need. They even have showers and a laundry room for the hikers. You can access Neels Gap and so many other trails. read more

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September 7, 2020 After hiking the lower and upper Desoto Falls we drove up to the store to see what all the hub hub was about. HWY180 twists and winds all the way to the top of Neel Gap which is why it's a favorite amongst motorcyclists who race up these roads as they can cling to the corners so much faster than cars can. I won't say anything about safety tho. There are a few benches overlooking a nice vista at around 3000 ft. After perusing the store which was stocked with hiking paraphernalia for those AT enthusiastic-thru-hikers, we unpacked lunch and sat down enjoying the view on this sunny Labor Day. Every now and then the screams of loud motor cycles could be heard. Thru-hikers can book a hostel room here or ship food ahead to this location on their hiking adventure of the AT, which is very technical. read more

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Cool outfitter right along the Appalachian Trail. Staff was friendly and helpful. Lots of backpacking gear and food to resupply if you are hiking the trail, no it's not Walmart prices but they literally bring everything to you from the towns below. They close a bit to early but there is camping further up the trail. Due to COVID the bunk house is also closed. read more

I knew the history of this place and had to stop by to see for myself. In business to assist and serve hikers on the Appalachian Trail they were fully stocked with a variety of packs, shoes, socks and of course dehydrated foods. If you're ever in the area make sure you stop by and see for yourself. read more

During my GA section hike, this is where I was able to unload and resupply after the 4 day's and 30 miles of mountains kicked my ass. It's the first resupply spot you reach if you're heading north from Springer Mountain and the ONLY place that the Appalachian Trail goes THROUGH a building. The store is huge for a wayside, with a huge hiking and camping section, a vast souvenir and clothing section a small pantry with stocked with lightweight dried foods and snacks. The employees at the store were extremely helpful and knowledgeable about all thing hiking and Appalachian Trail. The two working on the day I came in were both AT thru-hike veterans and helped me pick new, lighter weight gear with a great 'bang for the buck' price. The hostel was nice too, I didn't get a chance to stay there and ride the approaching storm out because they are not dog friendly. Which kinda threw me for a loop bc it's RIGHT on the AT. Not even an small indoor kennel or anything like that... pretty disappointing in my opinion. I did get to walk around and check out the living quarters and common spaces which were really well kept and pretty comfy conditions. There is also a nice overlook with a couple picnic tables and a small campfire site just a short walk north on the trail where you can stay and are camp. Definitely a necessary stop, even if you're just a day or weekend hiker. Oh, and don't forget to look up at the tree of shoes. read more

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Nice store that has most of what you might need for the trail, but also a lot of gift/touristy stuff. A two very friendly cats outside (there may be more - we saw two). read more

Mountain Crossings - Killer kitties - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Blairsville, Georgia

Very helpful and knowledgeable people. They will take time to make sure you have what you need.

While not a thru hiker I was doing a large section of the AT and it was great to be able to ship food ahead and not carry it. The frozen pizza they cooked up for us after 3 days on the trail was lovely. We did not do a pack shakedown as we were only going a little further but they let us weigh our packs and give us some tips. The hostel was nice but we did not stay there but we did use the showers for a small fee which was wonderful We also loved the dog who came out and watched us eat pizza with grave interest. He tried every trick in the book to get a bite including sit, shake and lay down to try to get a bite of pizza. read more

I arrived at mountain crossings after the first leg of my thru-hike looking and feeling terrible. I spent a night at the hostel, which was extremely clean and comfortable for the price. They have an amazing selection of classic VHS movies, that alone was worth the admission, but the community of other hikers really pushed everything to the next level. The next day I got a shakedown and replaced 2/3 of my ancient, heavy, equipment. The staff was great, including Matt, Cara, and the owner. An infinite pool of wisdom, experience, and advice. They let me hang out all day and try on everything in the store until I had the perfect fit. I spent a lot of money, but all the gear was reasonably priced compared to research I had done previously online, and I was able to cut my base weight by 10lbs! I have yet to encounter another AT outfitter with such a good selection and expertise. Nothing here is cheap, but everything is excellent quality. My experience here may have saved my tru hike. In 24 hours I went from questioning all my life choices to hiking with strength and confidence. Finally, the pizza is amazing. It may be marked up like crazy, but nothing beats eating a feast like that after your first few days in the woods while the wind chimes gently wash all your woes away... I've gone another 100 miles since then and I fully expect to go another 2100 more. So far, nothing tops my experience at Mountain Crossings. I wish every trail town had a place like this. Update 11/16/18: I've since completed the AT (Summited Katahdin on 10/17) and I stand by everything I said in my original review. The sleep system they helped me set up was light and flexible enough to last the entire trail. read more

We weren't hiking the Appalachian Trail...but we saw it. We were on a weekend drive through the mountains and stopped here to see what we could. There isn't a lot to see, but we grabbed (and paid for...we didn't shoplift 'em) a couple of drinks and walked around a bit. Some picturesque vistas, some nice folks, and about a pleasant 30 minutes of goofing off. Stroll out back for a bit for better views and a ginormous historical monument. Lots of history out in the middle of nowhere, for real. With the ubiquity of dollar stores in "civilized" areas, I can say that one next door to this place would make a fortune. I don't know how many people live in the area (or what they do to make a living), but a store with a wide selection of...stuff...would be a shoe-in for people hiking the AT. read more

Mountain Crossings - The store/overlook. - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Blairsville, Georgia

So it's no surprise that this place has a mark up. In fact if you listen to any of the stories about Mountain Crossings and passing through you'll hear that the gear, snacks, meals etc are overpriced which is understandable as the establishment is technically on Chattahoochee National Forest land and must have to pay a hefty lease. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong about that) My issue isn't with that, it's with certain staff members who approach your pack shakedown with an almost absurd lack of regard for kindness or even respect. My shakedown guy who I cannot remember the name of but can only think of him as "Frowny McFrowny Face" approached me and the items in my pack with the kind of malaised/angry/snooty/rude indifference that you might save for a rock that got in your shoe and has to be removed. But I get it. I do. You deal day in and day with "thru hikers" who are carrying shit they don't possibly need and is weighing them down. Could he have asked me if I wanted to keep my Wilderness First Aid patient assessment card? Sure. Could Frowny've asked me with some semblance of humanness if I wanted to keep my iodine tablets? What about the camp soap? Oh I don't need that? I guess I should tell that to the Norovirus I suffered from by the time I reached Fontana Dam. Camp soap is entirely useless as Frowny will tell you. So yes, I got my pack down to 29lbs with food and water...great, excellent, awesome, stupendous...but the experience of getting there was shitty. But hey what do I know? I'm only a Hiker trying to have a good time and spending money in your overpriced shop. PS. I'm venting while I write this cause I am still in Fontana with Norovirus. read more

We stopped by Mountain Crossings on our way home from Vogel State park and it was a cool, funky place. I didn't find anything i had to have, but enjoyed looking around and taking some pics. We were kindly greeted when we walked in and nobody said a thing about my taking pictures in the store. I have watched a documentary about hiking the AT and all the extra weight hikers have shipped back home from this place. Sure enough, I heard the sound of tape being wrapped across the top of boxes filled with extraneous gear. The tops of the walls in the store are filled with pics of people on the AT or completing their hike and thanking the people at Mountain Crossings for their help in achieving their goal. it's quite inspiring. read more

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Great little outfitter and AT souvenir shop. The guy at the counter from Michigan is a cool cat!

AT at it's best! Notice the tree outside with the boots throw over its branches. Now, I'm not a hiker. I'm just an old woman that walks with a limp and a cane. But I love the AT and what it stands for, the scenery, the people, and the walking. What I wouldn't give to be starting my life over! This trail would be on my bucket list. But sadly I'll settle for visiting this little historical building. I feel like I'm almost walking the trail when I come to visit. Of just a couple of steps to the side of the building and I'm on the AT. This place is much more than a "store" (although my husband does buy his shoes there, he says they are the best walking shoes ever). It's part of history. I can just feel the trail walkers' spirits the minute I get out of the vehicle. It's a must to visit! read more

Want an experienced staff so friendly and knowledgable you feel like you've known them forever? Look no further. Ready for a bed and a hot meal? Bam! You got it. No matter if you're day hiking, thru-hiking or mountain biking they've got what you need. Ready to wash off that stink? Boom! hot shower at your command! After your shower you can enjoy a movie from their extensive VHS collection, I watched Hook, yea they've got Hook. Rufio! On a comfy couch no less! Want to send some fresh socks ahead? Send em there. Does a loved one want to send you some nutritious and delicious home-made snacks to replenish your mind body and soul? Send em there! Don't even get me started on what they have for sale in their shop, it's a lot and I don't feeling like typing that much! Georganna and Logan run a tight ship, and are more than willing to put a smile on your face! They're always happy, and you will be too! I'll be back, and I hope to see you there! read more

Mountain Crossings - I know, right?! - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Blairsville, Georgia

This is an incredible establishment, they're serious about providing quality service and suggesting things that they truly believe in. They're some of the sweetest people and they're there to help and do what they can where they can. I've seen them go above and beyond many times. They're really a wonderful place, with wonderful views, and wonderful people. Shout out to my main squeezes there, but I wish y'all had some vegan Mac and cheese ‍ read more

Talk about Shake Down Street! The Mountain Crossing @ Walasi-yi is actually a great outfitter. The backdrop is in the mountains of Georgia right off the Appalachian Trail. If you're hiking northbound, this is the first true outfitter you will come to. The history of the place is rich and many previous AT thru-hikers work there. The expert staff will offer to "shake down" the hikers and even ship their stuff back home. We walked in with 50 lb packs and walked out with 30 lbs. The staff was very helpful but the gear was indeed overpriced. The experience at the crossing can go either way depending on what you're there for. You can be taken advantage of for sure, but most likely will be helped. I didn't stay at the hostel, so I can't speak to that, but I believe the outfitter is a great place to stop in and get your gear situated properly. Heck, there's even a book about the place. It's worth stopping in just for the history of it and its setting. read more

Not passin' thru again! Weary, hungered and wet, a large group of Appalachian Trail hikers came to Mountain Crossings to re-supply and rest. Unlucky for us, Mountain Crossings hardly provides either. They do, however, take a captive audience for all it's worth. The store is very overpriced. The owner offers a shake-down "service" which costs $15 so he can tell you what pack items he thinks you should replace with items in his store. The hostel is the filthiest place I've ever slept. It was rife with mold, mice, insects, and bacteria. My boyfriend and I had to replace food, a stuff sack, and parts on both our water bladders because of damage inflicted by mice that night. He also caught athletes foot during our stay. When we expressed our concerns to a clerk about our water bladders, he told us that mice should be expected on the trail (this was our only encounter with mice on our 150 mile hike, and also, we weren't "on the trail" but in a hostel that we paid to stay at), and that we could speak with the owner even though he was nearly certain he wouldn't replace or refund anything. Since I had heard him call another customer an idiot earlier, I decided not waste any more of my time that morning by speaking with him. Other low points: in the hostel- no sheets, no stove, many alive and 2 dead rodents in the hostel during our 15 hour stay, no refrigerator, computer use only during store business hours, poor emergency exits, no continental breakfast. In the store: $1 for a pack of ramen, under stocked, very few food choices, most of which are junk food. You might think this may be a secluded incident, but upon sharing the tale of horror with fellow hikers, we learned that all who had stayed at Mountain Crossings experienced similar conditions, from the current as well as years past. read more

I have stayed at many hostels throughout the world. The Mountain Crossings hostel is the most dirty and unprofessionally run hostel I have ever stayed in. The store is clean, however the sleeping area, bathroom and kitchen are completely filthy. One of the staff members, "Baltimore Jack" was clearly intoxicated. Throughout our stay he openly expressed bigotry towards people of low socioeconomic status and minorities. Overall this is a horrible representation of the way backpackers and hikers treat each other and themselves. If you need to shower and need a place to stay, the next hostel north on the AT "Top of Georgia" is a very nice place, run by a kind and professional staff. read more

I ended up here after striking out with numerous shuttle drivers to the start of the AT. I went inside and asked if they knew of any options. They were super cool and hooked me up with a ride. Also they had everything you could need to hike on the trail. read more

I was in the Blood Mountain area last week on vacation. I had chemo & radiation last year for stage 4 cancer, and it led me to think about some things I really wanted to do....or do again. I had decided to get back into backpacking after about a 22 year layoff. I knew I needed some new gear. I read a lot of reviews on equipment and visited a couple of other stores, but customer was poor to non-existent. Mountain Crossings was the TOTAL OPPOSITE....AWESOME CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE! Bill & Carlie were both very knowledgeable and very friendly! Bill helped me find the right backpack and fit for me, and he patiently answered questions I had about several pieces of gear...including showing me how to set up a tent i was interested in. I knew Bill would be in the next day, and i returned to purchase the gear I had decided to buy. Carlie also assisted me and was very pleasant to deal with. You might can find some of gear elsewhere for a better price, but incredible customer assistance from some fine people goes a long way in my book. Thanks Bill & Carlie...I really do appreciate you! Michael read more

If you are hiking the AT you come right across this store so it's hard to pass up. They have a good selection of hiker foods at full retail prices. The no refrigeration cheese was actually very good. I also liked the frozen chicken biscuit sandwich they keep in the frig. Otherwise just buy enough supplies to get to Hiawasee where there is a proper grocery store. read more

Visited: 01/30/2016 Visited after our day hike up Blood Mountain and I found my gloves/mittens which were nice. Overall, this is more of a touristy place with some essentials that you could purchase for the hike. However, I'd think that you'd be better off getting your gear elsewhere, especially price wise :) read more

This is an amazing place. Well worth the stop. Not only do they have great outdoor gear, but many very cool gift items. The staff is so helpful and always has a hiking story or two to share. You may arrive as strangers, but you'll leave as friends! read more

Loved this store! Lots of great, useful and high quality souvenirs and clothes! Friendly staff. Matt helped me with finding a certain item in the store that I wanted to purchase again after I was back home in CA and couldn't find it on the website.... he sent me photos on his cell phone! So personable ! Took the time to do that for me during his busy Saturday ! Don't miss this shop and beautiful grounds. read more

Disgusting nasty decrepit showers and absurdly overpriced snacks. The showers could be used as a dungeon set in a horror movie. Other hikers told me the hostel is no better than the showers, but I'll never spend another cent here. read more

I could not have been happier with my visit and stay at Mountain Crossings in Blairsville Georgia. The staff were great to deal with, especially Will, and the hostel was a great value. The items in the outfitter/store were priced about where I would expect to pay in such a small out of the way business. I found the outdoor equipment to be more competitively priced then the gift/souvenir's. Mountain Crossing staff was able to package two $25 coffee cups that I purchased and mail them to my home in Illinois in such a way that the cups arrived in one piece. Now that took some doing! Yes, the Mountain Crossings hostel which was built in 1937 is dated, but the people who run both the outfitter and the hostel could not have been better to me, especially Will and his beautiful German Shepherd dog, Rush. My daughter and I stayed the night of 06/04/17. We met many wonderful people in the hostel. Concerning the few negative reviews on the hostel, one needs to remember that this is a "hostel" and not an "hotel". Yes, all guests have to share one bathroom and one shower, but you stay for $18 a night. Seriously, most of the people who stay at this hostel slept in the woods for the previous several nights before staying at the hostel so how can you give the hostel a negative review? It is just this simple, if you want all the bells and whistles then stay at a $75 to $100 a night hotel/motel. If you want a great price- $18, can wait a few minutes to use the bathroom or take a shower, and enjoy wonderful interactions with fellow hiker hostel occupants then stay at Mountain Crossings Hostel. Some reviewers complained that things can be expensive at Mountain Crossings. I ask those reviewers this question, "Where is anything cheap at any outfitter, in middle of nowhere, or on the side of any mountain?" Come on, some reviewers gripe about Mountain Crossings price...$8.75 for a cooked and cut large box pizza. I had no problem paying that price, not once, but twice. Try buying a single piece of pizza at any retail store with a deli counter and see what you pay. All other grocery type items were competitive with the small town grocery store in rural Illinois where I shop, so I had no problems with the prices in the store. I found the customer service at Mountain Crossings to be exceptional. I purchased a Sawyer Squeeze at an outfitter in Illinois that proved to be defective when I tried to use it on the A.T. I took the Sawyer Squeeze and showed it to Mountain Crossings employee Will. I told him about how it performed and showed him how it was missing a piece. (Please remember this)....I did not purchase the Sawyer Squeeze from Mountain Crossings but that did not stop them from representing me to Sawyer. The following morning Mountain Crossing employee, Will, spent three and a half hours on the phone with Sawyer arguing with them before finally getting me a replacement Sawyer Squeeze. Will did not have to do what he did but he was a great pro hiker outfitter. My daughter and I would gladly stay at Mountain Crossings hostel or visit the outfitters again in the future. Mountain Crossings gets my highest recommendation! read more

Mountain Crossings is a great place to visit. Anytime I am in the area I always stop in! The restrooms are clean and equipped with showers and laundry machines. The store has a big selection of outdoor gear, with friendly staff to answer any questions. For those passing through that are backpacking, Mountain Crossings has a wide variety of food and other necessities to resupply with, as well as a spacious hostel. They also have great gift items like handmade coffee mugs and t-shirts. The site has a spacious patio with a great view, perfect to relax have a snack at. It has recently changed ownership, and the new owners are doing a great job at maintaining the historic property. I highly recommend stopping through for a visit! read more

Stayed here 22 Feb 2011. Found store personnel to be friendly but not very professional. Bunk room and showers were clean but now there is no computer facility. However, what made the stay enjoyable was The Pirate. He cooked us a great supper and breakfast and also treated us to trail angel ice cream: he just asked for a contribution. We had a good time and if others found mice they are in all the shelters as well. read more