I read somewhere recently that the Hike Inn (near Fontana) does not offer their thru-hiker rate ($50) until February 15th. Before February 15th they were supposed to charge double that rate.
That info is incorrect. I plan on staying at the Hike Inn before February 15th and called Jeff and Nancy about their prices. They said the thru-hiker rate is always $50. It is just that you need to make a reservation with them if you stay before 2/15. After 2/15 they are open continuously.
This is not intended as a plug for the Hike Inn - just a correction to some earlier info.
The Unknown Hiker