Debby's Question
I love to walk, but I'm not a camper. Where can I get information for a more luxury type hike where I could stay at inns at night?

— Debby

Karen's Answer:
Debby,

One choice is to look for loop hikes. There are lots of backcountry lodges located right next to national forests, state forests, and state and national parks, ranging from B&Bs; to lodges to rustic cabins. You'll find these lodgings by calling chambers of commerce in towns near the national forest where you'd like to hike. Ask not only for B&Bs;, but for wilderness resorts, cabins, and lodges. Then get a map of the forest and figure out some loop hikes that bring you back to the same place at night.

	Karen is a hiker's hiker. She has finished the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide Trails — making her one of the few who've completed hiking's"triple crown." Meet Karen Previous Answers Hiking Forums

If you like hiking with other people, you might try joining a trip run by a hiking or environmental organization. Active regional organizations include the Colorado Mountain Club and and Colorado Trail Foundation (which run supported camping trips -- it's not a B&B;, but it is pretty luxurious -- on the Colorado Trail), the Appalachian Mountain Club (New England), the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (Washngton D.C area), environmental groups such as the Sierra Club, and organizations such as Elderhostel.

For longer hikes without a group, you might check out the Appalachian Trail. There used to be a set of books called Lodgings Along the AT, but it's been out of print for a while. A used bookstore might be able to get it for you, although the information will be out of date. Another reference is the annual Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion, available from the Appalachian Trail Conference. (304-535-6331). It contains listing of hotels, inns, B&Bs; that are near the trail. In Maine, for instance, it is possible to hike from one road crossing to the next and arrange to be picked up each evening by the owners of various hiker-friendly B&Bs.; The PCT sells a similar book (a guide to trail towns along the PCT); however, the larger distances between road crossings on the PCT make it difficult to hike from one lodging to the next.

Another option is to use backcountry huts. There is a series of high-country huts in Colorado. The most famous of these is the 10th Mountain Division Huts, which has 24 huts between Aspen, Leadville, and Vail, all above 9,700 feet (I think). You can get more info on these -- as well as link to other Colorado hut systems -- at www.huts.org. In the East, the Appalachian Mountain Club runs a hut system, as well, in the White Mountains. Lodging is dormitory style, and food is family style. Reservations are required. 603-466 2727. Finally, why not travel abroad? European trails have well-developed systems of B&Bs; and backcountry huts -- you can walk across entire countries without ever camping. The Coast to Coast Trail in England, the GR-10 in the Pyreness (France), and virtually anywhere in the Alps are great examples of high-class hiking! Stay tuned to GORP: We'll be bringing you more details on these international destinations in the coming months.

Anybody else out there have any suggestions? What are your favorite multi-day hikes that don't require a tent, sleeping bag, or mattress? Click here to give us your suggestions!