AT Happiness: Standing Bear Farm
Lumpy on the left with the AARP gang
The Smoky Mountains are a huge figure in the mind of a thru-hiker for a lot of reasons. They contain the highest point on the AT, the weather is unpredictable in the spring and the park has a variety of additional regulations to adhere to while hiking there.
Lumpy’s predecessor at Standing Bear, Rocket Man
So for some completing the Smokies is an achievement, for some it’s a relief. For a lot of us, what signifies the end of the Smokies is arriving at Standing Bear Farm.
The laundry tub, yes this is how you do wash there.
A unique hostel with a variety of sleeping options including a tree house. Standing Bear is a place both full of character and full of characters.
I liked my night there, our group bought the camp store out of pasta and sauce and made a group dinner. Shaggy Hobo and Backtrack cooked and we had a really wonderful night there. It was also the night I was rejoining my group after my Knoxville excursion.
Lumpy has recently taken over for Rocket at the farm and he was a gracious host and his nickel tour is not to be missed. Definitely one of the unique places on the trail, and someplace that provided a very happy day my friends. – Rev Kane
The Ministry of Happiness 