Overnight Trips

With over 100 miles of permitted trail - including 55 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.

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.

Backpacking - Group Trips

Blue Ridge Hiking Company offers numerous backpacking trips with open registration including Women's Backpacking Trips, Beginner Friendly overnights, and our new Ultralight Endurance Challenge. These outings are a great value and a wonderful way to make new friends.

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.

Don’t see a trip that fits your group needs? Contact us! In the past we have designed team-building trips, challenge hikes, and far more backcountry offerings than can fit on this website. 828-713-5451, trips@blueridgehikingco.com

Upcoming Group Trips

Click on the listings below for pricing and booking information!

August 8, 2019: Intro to Backpacking Clinic
​​Learn everything you need to know to plan your own backpacking trip!

September 13-15, 2019: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
​A ladies only weekend that helps test our your trail legs and make new friends!

September 26-28, 2019: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
​A ladies only weekend that helps test our your trail legs and make new friends!

October 4-6, 2019: Couples' Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
​Our version of a romantic getaway for you to gain confidence on the trail together!

October 20, 2019: Art Loeb in a Day
​Perfect for trail runners or distance hikers, this supported trip is 31 scenic miles in one day!

October 25-27, 2019: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
​A ladies only weekend that helps test our your trail legs and make new friends!

November 9-11, 2019: Lightweight Backpacking Concepts Trip
​A weekend trip that focuses on teaching the essentials of lightweight and ultralight backpacking!

...and more still to come! Check back for additional offerings! 

Guide Profiles:

	Lindsey Barr Lindsey grew up in central NC, where she developed a love for the outdoors.  In 2012, she left her career in engineering behind to follow her dream of helping introduce others to an active outdoor lifestyle.  When she isn't at work, she is exploring area trails and dreaming of her next adventure.  In addition to hiking and backpacking, she enjoys cycling, rock climbing, paddling, and knitting.
	Jenn Gift Jenn grew up in Central North Carolina, spending her summers enjoying the state's beaches. It wasn't until attending Brevard College for a BA in Graphic Design and Photography that she fell in love with the mountains. She has been a Wilderness Therapy Mentor since 2010 and has hiked over 5,500 miles on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Camino de Santiago in Spain! She approaches the wilderness with curiosity and creativity. You'll often find her cheesin', cause smiling's her favorite!
	John Haffner John is originally from New York. He loves to hike with people of all skill levels. He has a degree in Ecology and has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail as well as extensively in New Zealand. He loves to share his knowledge of local plants and animals with others. He has a unique ability to make an ordinary walk into a safari. Go on a hike with him and he will show you the mountains he calls home. He also is an avid juggler.
	Andrea Hasselbacher Andrea grew up in New England, but moved here in 2016 to be closer to the mountains she loves. She completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2014, and has hiked the Wonderland Trail, in New Zealand, Patagonia, and Europe.  She is a Pharmacist, an Herbalist, and an avid plant lover and forager, excited to teach others about the woods and trails she loves here in Asheville.
	Emma Houston Emma grew up in the mountains of Maine where she cultivated her passion for spreading love and appreciation for the outdoors with others. She has since backpacked throughout the American West, Austria, Patagonia, and Nepal, and has spent three summers guiding in Alaska. On her trips, Emma uses her Environmental Science background to highlight local ecology and create a memorable adventure for all involved.
	Christine Martens Christine grew up in Virginia and completed several years of schooling in France.  She thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2010, and the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014.  She has also hiked in Europe and New Zealand, and loves to share stories from her adventures and her knowledge of local plants and animals with others.
	Francisco Miller Francisco grew up in Ohio, where he developed a love for the outdoors. After graduating college with a Marketing degree, he went on to work in Chicago, France, and Spain before realizing the fast paced life of sales wasn't cutting it. He sold his belongings and thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2014, the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015, and the Continental Divide Trail in 2016. After moving to Asheville, he knew that sharing his passion for life and the outdoors as a guide was the way to go.
	David Schafer David was born and raised outside of Asheville, where the area's natural beauty helped his love for the outdoors blossom. He has hiked over 9,000 miles in North America, including thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail, as well as the Benton Mackaye Trail, Colorado Trail, and Long Trail. David is a graduate of the Creative Writing program and is glad to help people reflect on their environment through the written word.
	Lauren Smucker Lauren has spent her life exploring the Appalachian Mountains. The adventures started as a child in Pennsylvania, and continued during her four years studying fine art. Lauren moved to Vermont where she led conservation corps trail building crews, created an ice castle, and hiked the state’s Long Trail. She thru hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2018, and now enjoys creating sculptures and identifying flora and fauna in the Western North Carolina mountains she calls home.

FAQ - Overnights

I don't have any gear. Is that a problem?

Blue Ridge Hiking Company can provide tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and backpacks. 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, so if new to backpacking, you may want to consider this option! We work with all body types and levels of difficulty. 

The group outings usually cover 6-12 miles per day over moderate terrain. 
 

Do I have to be in good shape? 

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. The majority of our trips are suited for beginner to intermediate hikers but there is nothing easy about backpacking. If you are in good shape you will enjoy the hike more.

What can I do to get in shape? 

Simply taking the dog for a walk with a backpack with some weight on 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 weight. 

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 dinner pouches, dried fruits and nuts, granola bars and oatmeal. We like to throw some fresh fruits and veggies in the pack for snacks and there is always some chocolate or treats 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.  

But 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 necessary gear in your pack. They might also recommend that you leave any unnecessary personal items behind. Carrying too much weight in your backpack will reduce your hiking pace and increase your risk of injury. The General Information PDF offers a comprehensive packing list. 

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.

download general info 

Want to talk about it? 

Click here to send us an email about your specifics! 

articles & media

• Conde Nast Traveler
• Experience Life Magazine
• National Geographic
• Men's Journal
• the new york times
• Running Times
• Women's Adventure Magazine
• Blue Ridge Outdoors
• Roanoke News
• National Parks Traveler
• ESPN
• NPR
• Washington Post Express