Frequently Asked Questions
Check here for FAQs about our trip offerings. If your question isn't answered here, contact us via email or phone (828-713-5451) and we're happy to help!
Day Hikes
What do I need to bring on a day hike?
Please wear comfortable trail shoes (sneakers and running shoes are great; you do not have to wear boots). We ask that you bring a rain jacket and extra layers, as well as one liter of water per person for half day hikes and two liters of water per person for a full day hike. You are encouraged to bring a day pack if you have one. You also must pack any personal medications that you might need on the trail, such as an inhaler or epi-pen.
What do you provide?
In addition to the Guide, our hikes include snacks (half day, sunset) or lunch (full day). Headlamps are provided for sunset hikes. Trekking poles or daypacks can be provided for any hike upon request, at no additional charge. Kid Carrier Pack rentals are available on day hikes at a discounted rate of $30.
Where do we meet?
The guide will meet you at our downtown retail location, 70 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801. From there you will follow your guide to the trailhead in your own vehicle. We also offer Brevard based trips available; meetup location for these will be determined by the Guide and are based on where you hike.
Can I bring my pet?
We are happy to welcome well-behaved dogs to join on our Private Day Hikes! Dogs must be kept on a 6' leash at all times during the hike, and owners are expected to pack out any pet waste. Please notify your guide ahead of time if you have a pet that will be joining your hike.
Do I tip my guide?
If your guide does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip. Our team of well-trained professional guides never expects a tip, but always appreciates it! Industry standard gratuity for a guided hiking trip is 15-20% of the trip cost.
What if it's raining?
We hike in all kinds of weather - including rain and snow. If Blue Ridge Hiking Company deems the conditions unsafe for hiking or driving (e.g. flooding, lightning, ice) then we will cancel the trip and provide a full refund or allow you to reschedule the trip at your convenience.
What if I need transportation?
We are able to provide transportation for an additional fee, if the shuttle vehicle is available. Please call (828) 713-5451 for more information.
If I have a special need or health condition, can I still hike?
Absolutely! We have worked with blind, deaf, and mobility impaired individuals. We recommend booking a private hike, so we can customize the trip and distance to meet your needs.
What is your policy regarding COVID or other illnesses?
The health and safety of our guides and hikers is our highest priority. If you experience COVID-like symptoms or have contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID within ten days before you trip, please don't come! We will work with you to reschedule or refund your trip. If you have any questions or would like us to take specific safety precautions for your trip, please contact our office.
What is your cancellation policy?
For all Day Hikes, the trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hikes may be rescheduled once free of charge; an administrative fee will apply if hikes are rescheduled additional times. Hikes may be cancelled up to 1 week before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 1 week, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather.
How long are the hikes?
Half Day Hikes range in distance from 2 to 5 miles and range in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
Full Day Hikes range in distance from 5 to 10 miles and range in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
How far away are the hikes?
Our hikes are anywhere from 20 minutes to just over an hour's drive from Asheville.
Backpacking Trips
I don't have any gear. Is that a problem?
No! Blue Ridge Hiking Company can provide tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, and trekking poles. We also have group gear like water filters, stoves, cookware, rope, maps and a compass. Hikers are responsible for bringing personal items listed on the General Information PDF but we handle the rest!
How many miles will we hike each day?
That's up to you! Private groups customize their mileage to fit their needs. We want to work with all body types and experience levels (our mission is to make the wilderness accessible, after all!). That said, group trips usually cover 6-12 miles a day over moderate terrain. We also offer beginner group trips with lower mileage days and intermediate to advanced trips with higher mileage.
Do I have to have a certain level of fitness to participate?
Yes and no. We welcome all fitness levels! But to hike in the mountains and carry a pack comfortably, you should at least be able to walk several miles in your neighborhood without taking a break. Our trips can cover rugged, up-and-down terrain that is often times more difficult than an easy, flat "walk in the park." So the more in shape you are, the easier it'll be. That said, the majority of our trips are suitable for beginner to intermediate hikers. And our private backpacking trips can be customized for any fitness level. For more information about how to choose the right backpacking trip, see our Trip Difficulty page.
What can I do to get in shape?
Simply taking a walk while wearing a backpack (with something heavy in it!) can help quite a bit. If you're a "flatlander" (Florida, anyone?) and are concerned about elevation gain and loss, try climbing flights of stairs on your lunch break or hop on a stairmaster at your local gym. As the saying goes, "proper preparation prevents poor performance." That's as true in the Blue Ridge as in the board room.
What about food?
We have food! Blue Ridge Hiking Company provides plenty of food on our overnight trips. We offer an array of standard backpacking fair including dehydrated meals, dried fruits and nuts, granola bars, oatmeal, you name it. We pack fresh fruit and veggies for snacks, there's always a treat for your after dinner sweet tooth and yes! We have instant coffee for breakfast. We're also happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and preference whenever possible. Just give us a heads up in advance.
What if I'm still not sure what to pack?
Before each Blue Ridge Hiking Company overnight the guide offers a "shakedown" to make sure you have all the necessary items in your pack. They may recommend that you leave any unnecessary personal items behind. Carrying too much weight in your backpack can increase your risk of injury. The Pre-Trip Info PDF offers a comprehensive packing list.
Do I tip my guide?
Our team of well-trained professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip! Industry standard gratuity for a guided backpacking trip is 20-25% of the trip cost.
What is your policy regarding COVID or other illnesses?
The health and safety of our guides and hikers is our highest priority. While we don't have any specific COVID policies in place for our Group Trips, we are happy to implement safety precautions on your Private Trip. If you have additional questions or would like us to take specific safety precautions for your trip, please contact us via phone (828-713-5451) or email (trips@blueridgehikingco.com).
What is your cancellation policy for overnight trips?
The trip costs includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hikes may be rescheduled once (at least 2 weeks before the trip) free of charge; a rescheduling fee will apply if hikes are rescheduled additional times. Hikes may be cancelled up to 1 month before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 1 month, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 1 week, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather. We are unable to offer exceptions to this policy due to extenuating circumstances; we strongly recommend all hikers purchase travel insurance to cover their trip.
What happens if it rains?
We hike rain or shine! Sometimes, thunderstorms, ice, snow, or extreme cold may be considered severe weather. In these circumstances, we may change trip itinerary or cancel the trip.
Bunkhouse
How many bunks are there?
We have 10 bunks total. There are two rooms - one room with 6 bunks, the other with 4.
How many bathrooms do you have?
We have two full bathrooms with showers.
Do you have running water, electricity, etc?
Yes! Although we're a hiker bunkhouse, we have all the usual amenities like running water, electricity, even hot showers and air conditioning. Bunkhouse guests also have access to our kitchen and living room to relax after a long day on the trail.
Is it possible to do laundry at your facility?
We may be able to do laundry for you (depending on our cleaning schedule and your timing), for $5 per load.
Can we get a shuttle from your bunkhouse?
Yes, we offer shuttles and gear rentals. Our bunkhouse is located right on the Appalachian Trail, and folks often take a shuttle further down the trail and then walk back to the bunkhouse.
Do the bunks come with linens? What about towels?
We provide linens and towels. No need to use your sleeping bag unless you really want to!
What are the quiet hours?
9:30PM - 6:30PM
Shuttles
What is your maximum capacity?
Our shuttle can carry a maximum of 6 passengers in our SUV or 12 passengers in our van. If you have a lot of gear with you, that number may be smaller.
Do you offer shuttles year round?
We do offer shuttles year round, weather dependent.
Are pets allowed on the shuttle?
Pets are not allowed on our shuttle. Only well behaved service animals on leash are allowed in Blue Ridge Hiking Company vehicles.
How do I make a reservation?
Shuttles are booked through our bunkhouse directly. You can reach us by email at trailer@blueridgehikingco.com or by phone at 828-622-3319 (landline) or 828-367-9393 (mobile).
Should I tip my shuttle driver?
If the shuttle driver does an outstanding job, you are welcome to show you appreciation with a tip.
How far in advance do I need to make a reservation?
The earlier the better! We occasionally can offer last minute shuttle services, but in order to maximize your chance of availability, booking several weeks or even months in advance is encouraged.
Rental Gear
What kinds of rental gear do you have available?
We rent backpacks, sleeping bags with liners, sleeping pads, tents, trekking poles, cooksets (stove, pot, fuel), water filters, bear canisters, and kid carrier packs. We do not rent maps, cups/bowls/utensils, or first aid kits (all are available for sale at the Trail-er). We also have meal packages available for gear rentals with advanced reservations.
What does rental gear cost?
You can see our price list here.
Do rentals require an advanced reservation?
Rentals of kid carrier packs, trekking poles, bear canisters, ursacks, and Kahtoola ExoSpikes picked up from our Asheville, NC location do not require an advanced reservation (though a reservation is recommended to ensure availability).
All backpacking gear rentals require reservations in advance.
What happens if gear is damaged while I'm using it?
We expect some wear and tear on gear while its being used. If gear is damaged beyond normal wear and tear or not returned, a repair or replacement charge may be issued.
How heavy is the gear going to be?
Depending on how much personal gear and clothing you have, your pack may weigh around 25-35 lbs fully packed.
Where do I pick the rental gear up?
We rent most backpacking gear out of our Bunkhouse in Hot Springs, NC. We also offer pickup in Asheville, NC with at least 1 week advance notice. Some day hike gear - trekking poles, bear canisters, and kid carrier packs - is available for pickup at our shop in Asheville, NC.
Do you rent Bear Canisters?
Yes. We rent Bear Vault BV500. These are required for several sections of trail in Western NC. We also rent Ursack bear resistant food bags, which must be used in conjunction with Opsak odor proof bags in order to be used in place of a bear canister. We have Opsaks for sale at our Asheville location.
Is it OK if I bring the gear back muddy?
Gear should be returned clean and dry, if possible. We clean all gear between rentals. If gear is returned exceptionally dirty, an additional cleaning fee may be required.
