Fall Colors Seniors' Hiking Weekend
October 11-12, 2025
Fall colors in the blue ridge mountains are not to be missed! With over 120 species of native trees and a wide range of elevations, Western NC has a unique fall leaf season that features a wide range of yellows, reds, oranges, and golds. You'll spend one day in Pisgah National Forest and one day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park taking in the fall colors and natural beauty that makes Western NC so special.
The trip is designed for hikers over the age of 60.
"We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and feel competent and eager to backpack on our own now!" - Women's Backpacking Trip, June 2022
Cost:
$310 per person
Payment Plans are available for all Blue Ridge Hiking Company. Please reach out to us at trips@blueridgehikingco.com for more information.
This trip will run if there are a minimum of 2 participants signed up. If the minimum has not yet been met, we'll contact participants two weeks before the trip to discuss options. The maximum group size is 6 participants.
This price includes 2 full day hikes with round-trip transportation from downtown Asheville and a picnic lunch each day. It does not include gratuity for your guide.
Sign-Up Details:
In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our Trip Calendar and select the trip start date (October 11, 2025). You will find the trip listed there.
Itinerary:
This trip meets at 9am at Blue Ridge Hiking Company's location in downtown Asheville (70 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801).
Your guide will go over the planned hikes and discuss safety, weather, and logistics for the trip. You'll be given a waiver and health form to fill out, then you'll head out on your hike! Each day's hike is around 5-6 miles of easy-moderate terrain.
Hikes generally finish around late afternoon each day. Itinerary is subject to change based on a variety of factors, including weather, trail conditions, and participants needs and abilities. Please inform our admin team or your guide ahead of time if you have a time constraint the last day of your trip.
Guide:
Your guide for this trip will be Bev MacDowell. Backpack with a contemporary! Bev has been a hiking and backpacking leader for adults and youth for more than 10 years. She is an AT Trail Maintainer for the Max Patch section, she has completed Educator Outward Bound, and recently hiked 200 miles of the Spanish Camino del Santiago. She feels most alive when she is active in the forest; it is so empowering! It brings her great joy to introduce others to the wonder of outdoor life in Western NC.
What to Bring:
Hikers should wear comfortable hiking or athletic clothing (no cotton!) and supportive hiking shoes or boots. A rain jacket and an extra warm layer are a must! Pack at least 1 liter of water per person each day.
What we Provide:
This trip includes a picnic lunch each day and round-trip transportation between downtown Asheville and the trailhead each day.
Trekking poles and day packs can be provided upon request at no additional cost.
Cancellation Policy:
We hike rain or shine! Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hike 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.
If your guide does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip. Our team of highly trained professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip. Industry standard gratuity for a hiking trip is 15-25% of trip price.
If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach our office by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.
