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Here are 10 hostels in the mid-Atlantic, all belonging to the nonprofit Hostelling International USA. Most provide kitchens and separate dorm-style rooms for men and women. Some have family or private rooms for couples as well. Most close for several hours during the day. An annual membership good for discounts at most U.S. and international hostels costs $28 for adults and $18 for seniors 55 and over; it is free to those under 18. Info: Hostelling International USA, 301-495-1240, http:/
1. Collegeville Hostel, Collegeville, Pa. Located within 3,400-acre Evansburg State Park, eight miles from the Philadelphia-to-Valley Forge Bikeway, a paved scenic trail, and near Valley Forge National Historical Park. 837 Mayhall Rd., 610-409-0113. Open year-round; 18 beds, from $15 a night.
2. Newtown Hostel , Newtown, Pa. Stone farmhouse dating from 1790, located in Tyler State Park, with 1,200 acres of fields and woods near the Neshaminy River. 96 Covered Bridge Trail, 215-968-0927. Open year-round; 23 beds, from $15 a night.
3. Bank Street Hostel , Philadelphia. In a newly renovated 19th-century building a few blocks from Independence Hall, museums and restaurants. 32 S. Bank St., 215-922-0222. Open year-round; 70 beds, from $20 a night.
4. Chamounix Mansion Hostel , Philadelphia. Historic 1802 country home in Fairmount Park above the Schuylkill River. Cycle rental at hostel. 3250 Chamounix Dr., 215-878-3676. Closed Dec. 16 to Jan. 14; 80 beds, from $15 a night.
5. Weisel Hostel , Quakertown, Pa. This 100-year-old country estate is in Nockamixon State Park near the James A. Michener Art Museum and the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing and boating nearby. 7347 Richlandtown Rd., 215-536-8749. Open year-round except from Dec. 24 to Jan. 2; 20 beds, from $12 a night.
6. Washington Youth Hostel. This busy downtown facility attracts many international travelers -- and offers a free continental breakfast to boot. 1009 11th St. NW, 202-737-2333. Open year-round; 270 beds, from $27 a night.
7. Ironmaster's Mansion , Gardners, Pa. This roomy house that once overlooked a 19th-century iron furnace is in Pine Grove Furnace State Park on the Appalachian Trail near Gettysburg. Internet access, hot tub. 1212 Pine Grove Rd., 717-486-7575. Open Jan. 21 to Dec. 20; 46 beds, from $15 a night.
8. Harpers Ferry Hostel , Knoxville, Md. Located on a bluff overlooking the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. Hike the Appalachian Trail, bike the C&O Canal or tube the rivers. Within (long) walking distance of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. 19123 Sandy Hook Rd., 301-834-7652. Open March 15 to Nov. 15; 38 beds, from $20 a night.
9. Galax Hostel , Galax, Va. A mountaintop hostel with spectacular views near New River canoeing and tubing, and biking on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the 57-mile New River Trail. Berry-picking farms nearby. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 214 1/2 , 276-236-4962. Open April to October (all year for groups); 20 beds, from $17 a night.
10. Angie's Guest Cottage Hostel , Virginia Beach. One block from the beach in the heart of the resort area and within walking distance of shops, nightclubs and restaurants. 302 24th St., 757-428-4690. Open April to September (call for off-season open dates); 34 beds, from $12 a night.
