Overnight Trips
With over 1000 miles of permitted trail - including 120 miles on the Appalachian Trail - Blue Ridge Hiking Company
offers a wide array of Overnight options. Our guides are expert backpackers who share a love for the outdoors - and a love
for getting people into the outdoors. And, all of our guided trips include the use of the highest quality Ultralight Gear.
Upcoming Trips and Events
Click on the listings below for pricing and booking information!
November 20, 2020: Private Half Day Hike & Jewelry Making Workshop - BOOKED
A true Asheville experience, celebrating our beautiful outdoors and vibrant arts community!
November 20-22, 2020: Private Weekend Hiking Getaway
A small town weekend getaway featuring some of our favorite day hikes!
December 4-6, 2020: Private Weekend Hiking Getaway
A small town weekend getaway featuring some of our favorite day hikes!
December 11-13, 2020: Private Weekend Hiking Getaway
A small town weekend getaway featuring some of our favorite day hikes!
December 18, 2020: Private Half Day Hike & Jewelry Making Workshop
A true Asheville experince, celebrating our beautiful outdoors and vibrant arts community!
December 18-20, 2020: Private Weekend Hiking Getaway
A small town weekend getaway featuring some of our favorite day hikes!
March 19-21, 2021: Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
Enjoy 3 days of backpacking on one of our favorite sections of the Appalachian Trail!
March 26-28, 2021: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
A women's only weekend on the Appalachian Trail to test out your trail legs and make new friends!
April 9-11, 2021: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
A women's only weekend on the Appalachian Trail to test out your trail legs and make new friends!
April 16-18, 2021: Introduction to Backpacking Course
A women's only weekend on the Appalachian Trail to test out your trail legs and make new friends!
April 23-25, 2021: Women's 50+ Backpacking Trip
Spend a weekend in the Smokies with like-minded outdoorswomen, aged 50+!
April 24-25, 2021: Smokies Family Backpacking Trip
A family-friendly weekend backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
May 2-7, 2021: Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip - Extended Edition
A full week on the Appalachian Trail for hikers looking to build their backpacking skills!
May 7-10, 2021: Women's Intermediate AT Backpacking Trip
A women's only weekend on the Appalachian Trail to grow your confidence in the backcountry!
...and more still to come! Check back for additional offerings!
Other Overnight Trips Available
We specialize in planning custom private trips! We'll plan an itinerary for your group based on the distance and difficulty you request, as well as any highlights you'd like us to include. Itineraries available in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest, as well as on the Appalachian Trail, Mountains to Sea Trail, and Art Loeb Trail. Family pricing now available!
Backpacking - Private Trips
You provide the group; we provide the planning, gear, food, and awesome guide. Our private overnights range from a 2-day/1-night trip to a week long adventure. The price is based on the number of clients and duration of the trip. So grab your family, college roommates, or co-workers and experience the adventure of backpacking.
Basecamp Trips
If you prefer to camp out and take day hikes each day, we can help! Our guides can join you for camping, or we can rent you camping gear and meet you each day for day hikes.
Supported Hikes and Shuttles
Do you like hiking and don't mind sleeping in the woods, but you hate carrying all that gear? No problem! Blue Ridge Hiking Company can create a personalized itinerary that will allow you to hike during the day and meet a guide who will deliver your food and gear to the trail, or provide transportation back to town to spend the night.
For information on our Day Hike offerings, click here.
FAQ - Overnights
I don't have any gear. Is that a problem?
Blue Ridge Hiking Company can provide tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, and trekking poles. We also pack group gear such as water filters, camp stoves, cookware, rope, maps and a compass. Hikers are responsible for bringing all personal items mentioned in the General Information PDF.
How many miles will we hike each day?
Private Groups can easily customize their mileage to fit their needs. We work with all body types and levels of experience. The group trips usually cover 6-12 miles per day over moderate terrain. We offer beginner group trips with lower mileage and intermediate to advanced group trips with higher daily mileage.
Do I have to have a certain level of fitness to participate?
In order to hike in the mountains and carry a backpack, you should be able to walk several miles through your neighborhood without taking a break. Our trips can cover rugged or hilly terrain that may be more difficult than a walk or hike that has minimal elevation change. The majority of our trips are suitable for beginner to intermediate hikers. Our private backpacking trips can be customized to any fitness level.
What can I do to get in shape?
Simply taking a walk wearing a backpack with some weight in it can help out quite a bit. Coming from a flat area and concerned about elevation gain and loss? Try climbing up and down stairs with a weighted backpack.
What about food?
Blue Ridge Hiking Company provides ample food on our overnight trips. We offer a wide array of standard backpacking food including dehydrated dinners, dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, and oatmeal. We like to throw some fresh fruits and veggies in the pack for snacks and there is always a treat for after dinner. And yes, we pack instant coffee for breakfast. Please let us know of dietary restrictions and preferences in advance. We are happy to accommodate when possible.
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 General Information PDF offers a comprehensive packing list.
Do I tip my guide?
If your guide does an outstanding job then you are encouraged to show your appreciation with a tip.
What is your cancellation policy for overnight trips?
The trip costs includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hikes may be cancelled up to 2 weeks before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 2 weeks, 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.
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.
General Information
Please download this PDF to find out more information on our standard backpacking list. This helpful brochure will list packing instructions and hike expectations.
Want to talk about it?
Click here to send us an email about your specifics!
trips@blueridgehikingco.com
(828) 713-5451