O'Brien introduces a hiker named Sunshine, who's making use of the coin operated washer and dryer.

"I've been averaging about 18 miles [29 kilometers] a day and I finally got here at the inn and I'm really excited for my first shower and some clean clothes," she says.

After a week on the trail, Sunshine says taking a zero day - that's what hikers call a day they don't do any walking - is priceless.

"Taking your hiking boots off is probably the best feeling in the whole entire world. If you've ever been on a long hike you know, it's like instant relief you put up your feet and the blood is flowing. It's like being born. I don't know, it's awesome."

Room at the inn

Murray and Patty McGrath, whose family bought the inn in the late 1970s, say the hotel hasn't changed much in 70 years.

Aside from a few additions, there's the same rustic stone fireplace in the living room, plenty of bentwood furniture to plunk down on and the original beamed ceiling.

The McGraths did add the Irish pub, which Murray says has been a big hit with the hikers.

"When the trail used to run right through our parking lot we were the only draft beer restaurant on the trail for them and that was perfect for them," says Murray McGrath.

According to Patty McGrath, their non-hiking guests are sometimes a bit put off by the hikers. But because most of the rooms don't have TVs, she says, everyone usually ends up in the pub, laughing and sharing stories.