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!
July 19-25, 2020: Young Women's Intro to Backpacking - FULL
The perfect trip for teen girls to experience backpacking and become more confident outdoorswomen!
July 24-26, 2020: Women's Smokies Backpacking Trip - FULL
A ladies only weekend that helps test our your trail legs and make new friends!
August 15-17, 2020: Great Smoky Mountains Intermediate Backpacking Trip
An intermediate backpacking trip along the Mountains to Sea Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
August 21-23, 2020: Women's Backpacking Trip - FULL
A ladies only weekend that helps test our your trail legs and make new friends!
August 22-23, 2020: Private Smoky Mountains Backpacking Trip
A private beginner-friendly weekend in the Elkmont area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
August 29-30, 2020: Women's Introduction to Backpacking Trip - FULL
A ladies only weekend designed to introduce you to backpacking and empower you to hit the trail again soon!
September 11-13, 2020: Women's Low Intensity Backpacking Trip
Slow down for the weekend on this 3-day, 16-mile backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
September 11-13, 2020: Family Day Hike and Bunkhouse Trip
Spend quality time outside with your family on this guided hike and lodging package!
September 25-27, 2020: Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip - FULL
A weekend trip showcasing some of our favorite sections of the Appalachian Trail!
September 26, 2020: Connect and Create - Half Day Hike & Jewelry Making Workshop
A true Asheville experience celebrating our beautiful natural resources and vibrant arts community!
September 30 - October 1, 2020: Mt LeConte Backpacking Trip
A fall backpacking trip featuring the 3rd highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
October 2-4, 2020: LGBTQ+ Backpacking Trip
This trip provides a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of the LGBTQ community!
October 4-9, 2020: Benton MacKaye Trail Backpacking Trip
A challenging 6-day 56-mile backpacking trip along the Benton MacKaye Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
October 9-11, 2020: Women's 50+ Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
A weekend trip on the AT for women age 50+ to test your trail legs and make new friends!
October 10-11, 2020: Introduction to Backpacking Trip
A weekend trip that'll leave you empowered to hit the trail again soon!
October 16-18, 2020: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
A ladies only weekend that helps test our your trail legs and make new friends!
October 17, 2020: Connect and Create - Half Day Hike & Jewelry Making Workshop
A true Asheville experience celebrating our beautiful natural resources and vibrant arts community!
October 23-25, 2020: Day Hike & Bunkhouse Trip
Enjoy three days of day hikes on the Appalachian Trail without camping!
...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.
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