Appalachian Trail

6 Days / 5 Nights

This 6 day / 5 night guided backpacking trip covers approximately 40 miles on the Appalachian Trail, beginning at the southern terminus in Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia. This is an intermediate hike with daily mileage ranging from 5-11 miles per day with several challenging uphill climbs. Begin the trek with views of the beautiful waterfalls in Amicalola Falls State Park and finish with epic mountain views from Blood Mountain, the highest point of the Georgia section on the Appalachian Trail!  The trip includes expert advice from an experienced backpacking guide, shuttle service to and from meetup points and trailheads, 1 night hostel stay, and pre-hike virtual orientation and Q&A before the trip.

Difficulty Rating:

Intermediate - This hike has several challenging uphill climbs.  All fitness levels are welcome, but participants should have some prior backpacking experience.  Hikers are expected to be able to carry their own gear, set up and tear down camp, and help with camp chores.  Hiking mileage ranges from 5 - 11 miles per day.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Meet at Amicalola Falls State Park, meet & greet, gear shakedown, day hike and camp in the state park
• Day 2: 6.8 miles up and over Amicalola Falls waterfalls to camp
• Day 3: 9.5 miles to shelter / camp
• Day 4: 7.7 miles to shelter / camp
• Day 5: 4.7 miles to stay at a hiker hostel, showers, and a comfy bed
• Day 6: 10.8 miles over Blood Mountain to Neels Gap (option to slack pack while our shuttle driver carries our gear).  We will finish Day 6 around 3-4 pm, then the shuttle will take us back to Amicalola Falls State park to get your car or to the Atlanta Airport if you are flying

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

Includes:

• Pre-Hike Virtual Orientation and Q&A session with your guide
• Shuttle to and from Atlanta International Airport if needed
• Shuttle to trailheads and meetup points
• 1 night hostel stay
• Expert advice, tips, and planning from experienced backpacking guide

Cost:  

• $1200  per person 
• $300 required as a booking deposit, with the remainder due 1 week prior to the start of the trip

Optional:  Gear Rental:  $300 (Includes backpack, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, trekking poles, and cook kit)

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, backpacking gear, 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:

• Choose the lightest gear that fits within your budget.  Remember that ounces lead to pounds and pounds lead to pain!  Cut back to just the essentials to reduce your pack weight.

• Essential gear for Appalachian Trail backpacking: a comfortable, well-fitted backpack, a lightweight backpacking tent, a sleeping pad, a sleeping bag/quilt, headlamp, water filtration system, stove and fuel, lighter, cookpot and spoon, trowel and toilet paper, and trekking poles.

• 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. 

• 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:  Everyone has different food preferences, dietary restrictions, and caloric needs.  Packing the right amount of food for a backpacking trip can be challenging.  Your guide will send you a list of suggested foods and a sample menu to help you come up with your own food supply.  You’ll also be able to ask questions and get advice during your Pre-Hike Virtual Orientation.  

Cancellation Policy: 

• Trip cost includes a non-refundable $300 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.