Four-Diamond Trail Food

Stretching 2,160 miles, the Appalachian Trail runs through 14 states from Georgia to Maine—and right through Hanover. Shelters, hostels, and the occasional bed and breakfast line the way.

"But nothing even comes close to the luxury of the Hanover Inn," says Juan Alban '97, who spent this past spring and summer hiking the entire trail. "It's simply in a class by itself."

The only four-diamond hotel on the AT, the Inn reports that several well-heeled hikers do stay there each season, though it's a small fraction of the number who pass by. "Most hikers prefer just to stay at the shelters,"says Alban. "Places like the Tabard and Alpha Theta let thru-hikers stay for free." Wherever they sleep, hikers call Hanover "the most sophisticated spot" on the trail.

Alban eats trail food at the Inn.