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.
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September 7-8, 2024: Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course
"Ruby knows how to make WFA training comprehensive, practical, approachable, and FUN!" - MG
September 9-12, 2024: Art Loeb Trail Thru-Hike
"The level of professionalism and attention to every detail is wonderful." - NZ
September 13-20, 2024: Smokies AT Backpacking Trip - FULL
"...from the excellent equipment they provide, the amazing experience, to the highly knowledgeable and caring guides...." - TC
September 16-18, 2024: Appalachian Trail Backpacking at Roan Highlands - LOW TICKET ALERT!
"The guide knows her stuff, she's friendly, she's extremely knowledgeable and she's a lot of fun to be with." - HS
September 17-19, 2024: Women's Max Patch AT Backpacking Trip - FULL
"As a first time backpacker the company exceeded my expectation in every regard" - JW
September 19-26, 2024: Smokies AT Backpacking - FULL
"Our guide met us at the level of our skills and showed us some of the most beautiful sites that we may have never found on our own." - TC
October 4-6, 2024: Appalachian Trail Backpacking at Max Patch
"We came back tired but immensely happy with the memories we built on our trip." - MG
October 11-13, 2024: Fall Backpacking on the AT - LOW TICKET ALERT!
"Can't say enough wonderful things about our guide... [his] experience is second to none." - SJ
October 14-16, 2024: Women's AT Roan Highlands Backpacking - FULL!
"We had an experience of a lifetime" - KB
October 15-16, 2024: Women's 60+ Fall Foliage Backpacking
"Certainly a beautiful, challenging and memorable trip!" - PQ
October 17-19, 2024: Women's "Level Up" Roan Highlands Backpacking Trip - LOW TICKET ALERT!
featuring Guest Guide Arlette "Apple Pie" Laan!
October 18-20, 2024: Women's Max Patch AT Backpacking - FULL
"I wanted to gain more experience before backpacking on my own and I learned SO much" - BT
October 25-27, 2024: Women's Max Patch AT Backpacking - LOW TICKET ALERT!
"I wanted to gain more experience before backpacking on my own and I learned SO much" - BT
October 26-29, 2024: Gnome's Best of the Smokies Backpacking Trip - LOW TICKET ALERT!
"I highly recommend [BRHC] to beginners through advanced hikers/backpackers" - NZ
November 1-3, 2024: Linville Gorge Backpacking Trip
"Our guide made the trip fun, met us at the level of our skills, and showed us some of the most beautiful sites..." - TC
...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?
The trip costs includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hikes may be rescheduled once (at least 2 weeks before the trip) free of charge; a rescheduling fee will apply if hikes are rescheduled additional times. Hikes may be cancelled up to 1 month before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 1 month, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 1 week, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather. We are unable to offer exceptions to this policy due to extenuating circumstances; we strongly recommend all hikers purchase travel insurance to cover their trip.
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!
