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!
February 8-9, 2020: Thru-Hiker Cram Session
A comprehensive instructional weekend workshop for the aspiring thru-hiker!
February 22-23, 2020: Women's Backpacking 101 Workshop
A women-focused backpacking instructional weekend that will empower you to hit the trail!
March 14, 2020: Connect and Create - Half Day Hike & Jewelry Making Workshop
A true Asheville experience celebrating our beautiful natural resources and vibrant arts community!
March 27-29, 2020: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
A ladies only weekend that helps test our your trail legs and make new friends!
April 3-5, 2020: Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
A weekend trip showcasing some of our favorite sections of the Appalachian Trail!
April 9-10, 2020: Smoky Mountains Wildflowers and History Backpacking Trip
A beginner-friendly overnight that features wildflowers, waterfalls, and history in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
April 17-19, 2020: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip - FULL
A ladies only weekend that helps test our your trail legs and make new friends!
April 18, 2020: Connect and Create - Half Day Hike & Jewelry Making Workshop
A true Asheville experience celebrating our beautiful natural resources and vibrant arts community!
This hike is lower intensity, designed for you to share the experience with the young adventurer in your life.
April 25-26, 2020: Women's Introduction to Backpacking Trip
A ladies only weekend that helps test our your trail legs and make new friends!
April 28-29, 2020: Great Smoky Mountains Waterfalls and Wildflowers Backpacking Trip
See wildflowers and waterfalls on this 2 day moderately difficult backpacking trip!
May 1-3, 2020: Great Smoky Mountains Intermediate Backpacking Trip
An intermediate backpacking trip along the Mountains to Sea Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
May 8-10, 2020: Hike with Mom! Day Hike and Bunkhouse Trip
Celebrate Mothers Day outside with a guided hike and lodging package!
May 15-17, 2020: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
A ladies only weekend that helps test our your trail legs and make new friends!
May 18, 2020: Connect and Create - Half Day Hike & Jewelry Making Workshop
A true Asheville experience celebrating our beautiful natural resources and vibrant arts community!
May 22-25, 2020: Appalachian Trail Endurange Challenge
Test your trail legs on this 4 day, 50 mile backpacking trip featuring ultralight gear!
May 29-31, 2020: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
A ladies only weekend that helps test our your trail legs and make new friends!
May 30, 2020: Endurance Training Hike
Test your trail legs or train for Ultra on the Art Loeb on a guided 11-mile day hike!
June 2-3, 2020: Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Backpacking Trip
A family-friendly backpacking trip where we hope to see the park's famous synchronous fireflies!
June 7-12, 2020: Women's Appalachian Trail Extended Backpacking Trip
Grow your backpacking skillset and hike an entire section of the Appalachian Trail!
June 15-17, 2020: Great Smoky Mountains Mt Sterling Backpacking Trip
A challenging backpacking trip featuring Mt Sterling, Big Creek, and several beautiful waterfalls!
June 19-21, 2020: Hike with Dad! Day Hike & Bunkhouse Trip
Spend Fathers Day weekend outside with a guided hike and lodging package!
June 21, 2020: Ultra on the Art Loeb Trail
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a 30-mile trail run or endurance hike!
July 19-25, 2020: Young Women's Appalachian Trail Intro to Backpacking
The perfect trip for teen girls to experience backpacking and become more confident outdoorswomen!
July 31 - August 2, 2020: Teens Tech-Free Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
Unplug and re-connect with nature on this 3-day backpacking trip just for teens!
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 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
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, 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