Overnight Trips
With more than 1,000 miles of footpath to choose from - 120 of them on the famed Appalachian Trail - Blue Ridge Hiking Company offers an enormous variety of overnight options. Our staff is arguably the most experienced in North America, with more than 75,000 miles of collective experience (that's three times around the earth!). But just as important, we share a love for the outdoors and connecting people with it. And we use the highest quality lightweight gear to ensure maximum comfort and enjoyment. No sufferfest with a 60 lb. pack here!
Upcoming Trips and Events
Click on the listings below for pricing and booking information!
January 15, 2022: Winter Tree Identification Workshop
In-Person Workshop and Half Day Hike
January 16, 2022: Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Prep Workshop
In-Person Workshop
January 30, 2022: Dehydrating Your Own Backpacking Meals Workshop
In-Person Workshop
February 5, 2022: Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Prep Workshop
In-Person Workshop
February 12, 2022: Map and Compass Workshop
In-Person Workshop
February 25-27, 2022: Thru-Hike Shakedown Backpacking Trip
"Our guide was positive, encouraging, and patient as we practiced our new skills" - JO
February 27, 2022: Watercolor Landscapes Paint & Sip Workshop
In-Person Workshop
March 18-20, 2022: Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
"This was my first time backpacking and I couldn't be happier with my experience" - CG
March 19-20, 2022: Welcome Spring! Day Hike Weekend
"The guide made me feel completely safe and at ease on the trails" - CB
March 25-27, 2022: Women's AT Backpacking Trip
"Our guide was professional, courteous, and patient throughout" - MR
April 2-3, 2022: Introduction to Backpacking Trip
"It was a great way to build confidence and gauge my daughters and my own ability" - FJ
April 6, 2022: Backpacking 101 Course, Session 1 - Trip Planning, Gear and Clothing
Virtual Workshop
April 8-10, 2022: Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
"Our guide was professional, courteous, and patient throughout" - MR
April 20, 2022: Backpacking 101 Course, Session 2 - Food, Safety, Special Considerations for Female Hikers
Virtual Workshop
April 20-22, 2022: Smokies Wildflowers and Waterfalls Backpacking Trip
"BRHC helped us gain so much backpacking knowledge to be able to backpack on our own one day" - HH
April 22-24, 2022: Women's AT Backpacking Trip
"The guide's calming and supportive style set the perfect tone and we were a trail fam by the end" - NT
April 25-27, 2022: Spring Wildflowers 60+ Backpacking Trip
"I enjoyed my first adventure with Blue Ridge Hiking Company so much I decided to try my first overnight backpacking trip" - TB
May 4, 2022: Backpacking 101 Course, Session 3 - Hygiene, Last Minute Preparations at Home, What to Expect on Trail and in Camp
Virtual Workshop
May 6-8, 2022: Deep Creek Watercolor Backpacking Trip
"The gear they provided was great and lightweight. Our guide was fun, capable, and very experienced" - RR
May 13-16, 2022: Art Loeb Trail Backpacking Trip
"I learned so much more than I hoped I would, and the whole experience was so much more fulfilling than I imagined it would be" - AB
May 19-24, 2022: Women's AT Backpacking Trip - Extended Edition
"Our guide brought tons of experience and knowledge along with plenty of laughter to the trail" - TT
May 20-22, 2022: Backpacking 101 Trip
"I became a confident backpacker as our guide showed us all the ropes" - JO
May 24-26, 2022: Women's 60+ Backpacking Trip
"I enjoyed my first adventure with Blue Ridge Hiking Company so much I decided to try my first overnight backpacking trip" - TB
June 6-7, 2022: Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Backpacking Trip
"I knew I wanted to get myself and my two boys back out in the woods but also knew there was much I needed to learn for us to be safe." - JJ
June 10-12, 2022: Women's AT Backpacking
"The guide's calming and supportive style set the perfect tone" - NT
June 20-21, 2022: Smokies Family Backpacking Trip
"Our guides were quick thinkers and problem solvers" - GC
June 24-26, 2022: Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
"The guide did a great job of reviewing all of the equipment and what we should expect prior to the hike" - AR
July 9-10, 2022: Introduction to Backpacking Trip
"The beginner's overnight backpacking and camping trip was outstanding"- MR
July 15-17, 2022: Women's AT Backpacking Trip
"Top notch start to finish. The hike was just right and beautiful" - NT
July 22-24, 2022: Mt Mitchell and Black Mountain Crest Trail Backpacking Trip
"Great experience, very professional, very personable" -JC
August 9-11, 2022: Smokies Mt Sterling Backpacking Trip
"Our guide was knowledgeable, warm, friendly, humorous, and able to read and accommodate the needs of our group"- VF
August 19-21, 2022: Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
"Our guide did everything to make us enjoy the experience and tailor to our needs in general and in the moment" - SM
August 26-28, 2022: Women's AT Backpacking Trip
"For a pretty well-seasoned day hiker, the mileage and terrain were very manageable" - CG
September 15-18, 2022: High Peaks of Pisgah Backpacking Trip
"Communication was great, our guide was wonderful, everything ran so smoothly" - KM
October 2-7, 2022: Smokies Benton MacKaye Trail Backpacking Trip
"The Company expertly set up the the trip and coordinated all of the logistics. We are glad we chose BRHC" - SP
...and still more 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.
Smart Start Backpacking Trips
Start your trip out with a guide, then set out on your own to put your new backpacking skills to the test! The first part of your trip will be fully guided, with your guide ensuring that you learn the skills to backpack on your own. Then, split from your guide and continue hiking with our rental gear, food package, and shuttles.
Basecamp and Day Hike 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. Or, you can stay in a bunkhouse each night between your 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?
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.
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. (stopped here)
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?
Our team of well-trained professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip! Industry standard gratuity for a guided backpacking trip is 15-20% of the trip cost.
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!
