Appalachian Trail Beginner Guided Backpacking Trip: Max Patch to Hot Springs, NC

This 3 day/ 2 night guided backpacking trip is perfect for beginners or first time backpackers! You'll hike alongside an experienced backpacking guide for approximately 20 miles over the course of 3 days on the Appalachian Trail, starting at the iconic grassy summit of Max Patch and finishing in Hot Springs, North Carolina. Explore the beautiful rolling hills, wide-open mountain views, and winding woodland trails of the Appalachian Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. All backpacking gear is included on this hike, and you will be outfitted with a comfortable backpack, trekking poles, tent, inflatable sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and cook kit.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Orientation and Hike: Meet in Hot Springs, NC and get fitted for a backpack and gear, and shuttle to the trail head near Max Patch.  Then hike approximately 7 miles to the first campsite where we will set up tents, cook dinner, and settle in for the night.

• Day 2: Hike and Camp: Make breakfast, break down camp, and hike approximately 10 miles to the second campsite.  We will stop for lunch and take breaks along the way, then set up camp for the night.

• Day 3: Hike Out: Make breakfast, break down camp, and hike approximately 3 miles back to the starting location where you will return your gear.  The trip will finish between 12 and 2 pm on the final day.  

Daily mileage may vary.  Your guide may make adjustments to the itinerary to best fit the group's needs and experience level.

What to Bring:

Your guide will provide you with a detailed gear checklist a few weeks before your trip that’s tailored to your trip location and expected weather.  You’ll be expected to bring your own clothing, footwear, food, and medications.  You will also have the opportunity to ask specific gear questions during your Pre-Hike Virtual Orientation with your guide.  Here are some general guidelines for your gear:

• Clothing: You’ll need a system of layering for your backpacking clothes.  Remember that cotton kills!  Cotton clothing has a tendency to absorb water, become heavy and uncomfortable, and takes a long time to dry!  Athletic clothes with breathable fabrics are much better.  You won’t need to bring a clean set of clothing for each day.  Instead, you’ll want to pack an outfit for hiking, an outfit for sleeping, a warm layer, and a rain jacket.  An extra pair of socks and underwear are a good idea, too.  

• Shoes:  Generally, a pair of comfortable running shoes or trail shoes are better suited for the terrain and weather of the Appalachian Mountains than heavy hiking boots.  Many backpackers also choose to bring a pair of lightweight sandals or camp shoes to wear in the evenings.  Whatever you wear, make sure to test them out at home before bringing them on a week-long trip!

• Toiletries: Toilet paper, toothbrush and toothpaste, a small bottle of soap, and hand sanitizer are all you need!  Leave the deodorant, make-up, hair products, lotions, and other scented items at home.  Embrace your natural self while backpacking!

• Food:  On trail meals are included in this trip (Day 1: lunch and dinner, Day 2: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Day 3: breakfast).  Meals are designed to be lightweight and easy to prepare in the backcountry.  Each hiker in the group will be responsible for carrying some part of the group meals (for example, a container of peanut butter or pack of tortillas).  You will need to bring your own snacks for the trip.  We recommend 2-3 snacks per day, which could be energy bars, trail mix, beef jerky, etc. 

Cancellation Policy: 

• Trip cost includes a non-refundable $150 booking deposit.  The remainder of the cost is due 1 week prior to the trip.  Trips may be canceled up to 1 week before the start date for a refund, minus the deposit.  Within 1 week of the trip, a 50% refund will be offered for cancellations.  No refunds will be offered for cancellations within 48 hours of the trip start date.

• We hike rain or shine! Backpacking is a challenging endurance sport, and it can be uncomfortable during inclement weather.  We do our best to make sure hikers are adequately prepared for adverse weather.  However, safety is our biggest priority.  In the case of severe weather that could affect the safety of our hikers, our guides have the discretion to cancel a trip.  In this case, full refunds will be offered or vouchers given to reschedule.