3 Days / 2 Nights

These weekend 3 day / 2 night guided backpacking trips are perfect for beginners or first time backpackers!  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.  You'll hike alongside an experienced backpacking guide for approximately 20 miles over the course of 3 days on the Appalachian Trail along the Tennessee/North Carolina state borders.  Each day, you’ll hike between 5 and 10 miles while carrying all of your gear, stopping for breaks and views along the way, and then spend the night sleeping in a tent.  All backpacking gear and on trail meals are included on these hikes.  You will be outfitted with a comfortable backpack, trekking poles, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, water filtration and cook kit.  You will be expected to bring your own hiking clothes and shoes, as well as personal items such as water bottles and medications.  Your guide will provide you with a detailed packing list and be available to answer questions and offer advice during a pre-hike virtual orientation.  

Difficulty Rating:

Beginner - Perfect for beginner and first time backpackers.  All fitness levels are welcome, and the pace of the hike will be adjusted to accommodate the group.  The terrain is generally smooth, with some rolling hills and some challenging uphill climbs.  Hikers are expected to be able to carry their own gear (around 30 pounds in a backpack), and will learn how to properly pack and carry a backpack, set up and tear down camp, filter water, and use a backpacking stove.  

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Orientation and Hike: Meet at designated location, get fitted for a backpack and gear, and shuttle to the trail head.  Then hike 3-5 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 5-10 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 3-5 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!

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.