Overnight Trips

Upcoming Trips and Events

Click on the listings below for pricing and booking information!

NEW: Workshops and Private Coaching Now Available!
Currently offering Workshops and Coaching January - March 2021

Private Weekend Hiking Getaways
Lodging + Guided Day Hikes, Available January - March 2021

February 26-28, 2021: Thru-Hike Shakedown Trip
"The entire trip was a learning experience and I became a confident backpacker" - JO

March 19-21, 2021: Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip - FULL
"It was my first backpacking trip, and it was fantastic" - RR

March 26-28, 2021: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
"After this experience, I truly have a different appreciation for hiking and the beauty of the trails" - TM

April 9-11, 2021: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
"The trip made my soul and heart happy again" - TB

April 10, 2021: Art Loeb in a Day
"One tough and beautiful trail that should be on every adventurers bucket list." - SS

April 16-18, 2021: Introduction to Backpacking Course
"The experience and information shared was worth its 'weight' in gold" - RL

April 20-22, 2021: Smokies Wildflowers and Waterfalls Backpacking Trip
"Made us feel incredibly prepared and capable of several nights in the woods." - HH

April 23-25, 2021: Women's 50+ Backpacking Trip
"I am grateful for the opportunity to be among a wonderful group of women with the same adventurous curiosity" - MT

April 24-25, 2021: Smokies Family 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" - JJ

May 2-7, 2021: Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip - Extended Edition
"I learned so much, and I feel confident enough now to go backpacking with my family" - TT

May 7-10, 2021: Women's Intermediate AT Backpacking Trip
"Tested my endurance, provided me new-found freedom & trail skills & filled my soul" - JB

May 15-16, 2021: Women's Introduction to Backpacking Trip
"The weekend filled my heart and soul and I made new friendships" - DS 

May 21-24, 2021: LGBTQ+ Backpacking Trip
"They cared about us as individuals and wanted us to feel welcome on the trail and in the outdoors" - JJ

June 4-6, 2021: Women's Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
"Great company, great hiking companions, and a knowledgeable and entertaining guide" - DK

June 14-16, 2021: High School Graduation Hike
"Our guide was the best and made us feel well prepared to spend a night in the woods" - ARB

...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?
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.

download general info 

Want to talk about it? 

Click here to send us an email about your specifics!