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
Private Backpacking Trips are available year round. Complete our Private Trip Interest Form, or contact our office.
Check our Workshops page for year round hiking workshop offerings.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 1-2, 2025: Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course
"Ruby knows how to make WFA training comprehensive, practical, approachable, and FUN!" - MG
March 21-23, 2025: Max Patch AT Backpacking Trip
"Our guide was fun, supportive, and as an accomplished thru-hiker, extremely knowledgeable about the trail." - JG
March 28-30, 2025: Women's Max Patch AT Backpacking
"I wanted to gain more experience before backpacking on my own and I learned SO much." - BT
April 11-13, 2025: Max Patch AT Backpacking Trip
"Our guide was fun, supportive, and as an accomplished thru-hiker, extremely knowledgeable about the trail." - JG
April 11-13, 2025: Trail Work Weekend with Carolina Mountain Club
April 22-26, 2025: Women's AT Extended Backpacking Trip
"I am now completely inspired and planning a 2025 thru-hike of the AT." - PW
April 25-27, 2025: Smokies Watercolor Backpacking Trip
"This experience taught me a lot about how to properly backpack" - RR
May 2-4, 2025: Smokies Wildflowers & Waterfalls Backpacking Trip
"Our guide's knowledge of the trail and hiking immediately made myself and our group know we were in great hands." - KR
May 13-15, 2025: Women's Roan Highlands AT Backpacking Trip
"While it was challenging, I felt supported every step of the way." - EP
May 16-18, 2025: Women's Max Patch AT Backpacking Trip
"I wanted to gain more experience before backpacking on my own and I learned SO much." - BT
May 19-24, 2025: AT Extended Backpacking Trip
"Our guide brought tons of experience and knowledge along with plenty of laughter to the trail." - TT
May 22-25, 2025: Art Loeb Trail Thru-Hike
"The level of professionalism and attention to every detail is wonderful." - NZ
May 28-29, 2025: Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Backpacking Trip
"Hands down one of the most magical experiences of my life!" - AW
June 2-3, 2025: Women's 60+ Wildflowers & Waterfalls Backpacking Trip
"She was a wonderful guide - very experienced hiker and had amazing knowledge of the GSMNP ecosystem." - VC
June 2-9, 2025: Smokies AT Backpacking Trip
"I can't say enough great things about this company. From the excellent equipment they provide, the amazing experience, to the highly knowledgeable and caring guides..." - TC
June 6-8, 2025: Max Patch AT Backpacking Trip
"Our guide was fun, supportive, and as an accomplished thru-hiker, extremely knowledgeable about the trail." - JG
June 8-9, 2025: Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Backpacking Trip
"Hands down one of the most magical experiences of my life!" - AW
June 13-15, 2025: Roan Highlands AT Backpacking Trip
"The scenery was so beautiful and a little fog in areas actually added to the beauty" - LS
June 20-22, 2025: LGBTQ+ Pride Backpacking on the AT
"After this trip, I feel more confident about trekking into the next adventure." - JM
July 18-20, 2025: Women's Max Patch AT Backpacking Trip
"I wanted to gain more experience before backpacking on my own and I learned SO much." - BT
July 22-24, 2025: Smokies Waterfalls & Mountain Views Backpacking
"Our guide's knowledge of the trail and hiking immediately made myself and our group know we were in great hands." - KR
July 25-27, 2025: Women's Roan Highlands AT Backpacking Trip
"While it was challenging, I felt supported every step of the way." - EP
July 28-31, 2025: Art Loeb Trail Thru-Hike
"The level of professionalism and attention to every detail is wonderful." - NZ
August 1-3, 2025: Extended Intro to Backpacking
"This was our first time on the trail and we definitely plan on coming back. The perfect balance between education, fitness and beauty." - LM
August 8-10, 2025: Max Patch AT Backpacking Trip
"Our guide was fun, supportive, and as an accomplished thru-hiker, extremely knowledgeable about the trail." - JG
August 12-14, 2025: Roan Highlands AT Backpacking Trip
"The scenery was so beautiful and a little fog in areas actually added to the beauty." - LS
August 27-31, 2025: Women's AT Extended Backpacking
"I am now completely inspired and planning a 2025 thru-hike of the AT." - PW
September 5-7, 2025: Roan Highlands AT Backpacking Trip
"The scenery was so beautiful and a little fog in areas actually added to the beauty." - LS
September 12-14, 2025: Women's Max Patch AT Backpacking Trip
"I wanted to gain more experience before backpacking on my own and I learned SO much." - BT
September 18-21, 2025: Art Loeb Trail Thru-Hike
"The level of professionalism and attention to every detail is wonderful." - NZ
October 8-10, 2025: Max Patch AT Backpacking Trip
"Our guide was fun, supportive, and as an accomplished thru-hiker, extremely knowledgeable about the trail." - JG
October 13-15, 2025: Women's Roan Highlands AT Backpacking Trip
"While it was challenging, I felt supported every step of the way." - EP
October 16-21, 2025: AT Extended Backpacking Trip
"Our guide brought tons of experience and knowledge along with plenty of laughter to the trail." - TT
November 1-3, 2025: Women's Max Patch AT Backpacking Trip
"I wanted to gain more experience before backpacking on my own and I learned SO much." - BT
...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 and discounts for Teachers, Nurses, First Responders, and Military/Veterans are available.
Backpacking - Private Trips
You provide the group; we provide the planning, gear, food, and experienced 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.
Our Private Backpacking Trips are custom planned to fit the needs and goals of your party! To book a custom Private Backpacking Trip, please complete our Private Trip Interest Form or call (828-713-5451) or email our office.
If you prefer to book online, our Featured Private Backpacking Trip itineraries are available to book on our Trip Calendar. Check out our featured itineraries, choose your desired start date, and book!
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.
Trip Planning Services
With our Trip Planning Services, a member of our Admin team will talk through your trip preferences, desired daily distance and difficulty, and anything you'd like to see or experience on your hike. Then, they'll plan an itinerary that suits your needs. You'll be provided with a trip plan detailing campsite locations, water sources, trail intersections... everything you need to successfully complete your hike! These plans are designed for you to be able to follow without a guide; rental gear and food packages are available if needed. We only offer trip planning services within Western NC.
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. 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. (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 20-25% of the trip cost.
What is your COVID policy?
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?
Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hikes may be cancelled up to 1 month before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% admin fee). Within 1 month, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 1 week, no refunds will be offered. If Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather, we'll offer a refund less the 15% admin fee. We are unable to offer exceptions to this policy; we strongly recommend all hikers purchase travel insurance to cover their trip.
Hikers may reschedule their trip once (at least 1 month before their trip) free of charge. Additional changes to their reservation date may result in a rescheduling fee.
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.
Pre-Trip Information
Please download this PDF to find out more information about our backpacking trips. This helpful brochure includes a packing list and answers to most commonly asked questions.
Want to talk about it?
Click here to send us an email about your specifics!
