1. Will you shuttle our pets? Absolutely and without question, especially if they don't bite.
2. Can we send you resupply and have it delivered to us at a trailhead? Most definitely. We'll deliver resupply anywhere we shuttle. We can cache it for you at an agreed upon "secret" spot if you like.
3. Can we stop at the store/outfitter/restaurant/bathroom on the way? Sure. If you want to stop somewhere directly en route just say the word. If you want to make a detour (say... stop at REI on the way to Standing Bear Farm) please let us know ahead of time so we can adjust the schedule and get you an updated shuttle rate.
4. What payment methods do you accept? We'd be lying if we said we didn't prefer cash. Not because we're dodging taxes (I've worked too hard and too long to get in trouble with the IRS now....) but because cash doesn't have processing fees. Having said that, we'll except Visa, Amex, Discover, and MasterCard with a smile. We use Square to process payments so no need to stop at the ATM or run by a business to pay.
5. Are you affiliated with (insert name of business here)? Nope. hikershuttles.com is owned and operated by Tom "10-K" and Marie "J-Walker" Bradford. Having said that, we have good working relationships with everyone and don't have a bad thing to say about anybody. If you're staying somewhere you can ask for us by name - even if where you're staying also shuttles. That's one of the good things about running a top-notch service - businesses know that we'll take good care of you and that makes them look good too.
6. Do you tip shuttle drivers? We don't expect tips and won't notice if you don't tip. We'll accept a tip but the price of the shuttle covers our operating costs and a bit of profit so you can not tip and it's all good.
7. I heard that you were (dead, quitting, closed this season, going to prison, moving to the Ukraine, cheating on your diet, etc.) - is it true? No, we focus on providing safe and affordable shuttles so you'll have one less thing to worry about and that's about it.
8. Where can I park my car? There are several safe parking options in the area. The area trailheads that have parking are pretty safe. I'd personally leave my car for a few days at any trailhead within 20 miles of Erwin. Free parking is available in the Chestoa Recreation Area, just across the bridge over the Nolichucky River. There's a very large parking lot on the left and a smaller parking lot on the right - you can't miss them. Both lots are safe places to park. Mountain Inn & Suites is the absolute safest place to park and they offer free parking for guests. Their lot is lit at night and monitored by cameras. Section hikers can also arrange parking at the Super 8. We can get you on the trail (and back) from the Super 8 in 5 minutes. If you have questions or need more information about parking while you hike give us a call or send an email.
9. Where can I spend the night in Erwin? The nicest place to stay with full amenities is Mountain Inn & Suites just off Exit 40. Rooms are nicely appointed and they have a pool and hot tub. One of the most frequent compliments I hear is how good the breakfast is. And, they're really nice folks. A second option is the Super 8 off Exit 37. Priced mid-range, very clean, and also offers a morning breakfast as part of the room rate. No pool, but if you're walking the Super 8 is the option within reasonable walking distance of services in Erwin. A 3rd option if you have a dog is Best Southern on Jackson-Love Hwy. They're the cheapest hotel in town too.