Page 21 - SMH 2017 2nd edition

A Special Day at Standing Bear Farm with the Trail Angels

About 71 miles of the 2100 miles of the Appalachian Trail, commonly known to hikers as the AT , runs through the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park beginning at Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap. This lovely trek through the
Smokies is beautiful and can typically be done in a week’s time. There are several primitive open front shelters along
the trail where hikers bed down for the night or weigh out an unexpected thunderstorm or bad weather. In the
mountains, weather can be very unpredictable. Therefore, keep in mind, if you are making the trek in March or
April, be prepared for snow and ice. Shelters are a meeting place for where hikers to get to know one another and
on many occasions, fulfill the journey together.

AT hostels also shelter hikers, but have a few more amenities. On Good Friday, 2017, trail angels Denise, Debra and
Teri, had the opportunity to visit one very unique hostel known as Standing Bear Farm located near Davenport Gap,
and is approximately 300 yards off the AT. The hostel is a multi-generational farmstead whereby the outer buildings
have been converted into rustic lodging in a form of a bunkhouse, a cabin, a treehouse, or tent site while surrounded
by the scenic Cherokee National Forest. Standing Bear Farm offers hot showers, phone, WIFI, mail drop, shuttles,
a very good re-supply of trail food and gear, as well food to cook food here such as pizzas, etc. and use of a kitchen.
They also will board your dogs while your making the hike through the Smokies, as pets are not permitted in the
park. We met with Maria Guzman, the owner, who graciously gave us a tour of the property.

While we were visiting there, we met some folks with the program known as Warriors Expeditions. It is a unique
program that assists veterans with long outdoor trips at no cost to the veteran, and provides a significant platform in
helping with improvement in their physical, emotional and social comfort after their journey.

Article by Debra Ferrell
Photos taken by Debra
Ferrell

For reservations contact:
Maria Guzman
4255 Green Corner Rd.
Hartford, TN 37753
423-487-0014

21 Smoky Mountain Hiker