LGBTQ+ Backpacking Trip

May 21-24, 2021

Join us for this 4 day, 31 mile backpacking trip on the rugged and scenic Art Loeb Trail.  The Art Loeb Trail is listed as one of the 30 Best North American Hikes by National Geographic.  It travels over grassy balds, up 6000ft peaks, along bubbling creeks, and through lush forests.  We'll hike the trail southbound from Daniel Boone Scout Camp to Davidson River Campground, tackling over 6,400ft of total elevation gain.  In May, hiking southbound will allow us to effectively hike into spring, with cool weather along the Balsams and beautiful wildflower displays at lower elevations.  Because this trail is rugged and challenging at times, it is ideal for folks who have some previous backpacking experience.  Hikers who are already comfortable on trail or have a high level of physical fitness will find this to be an incredibly rewarding first backpacking trip! 

This trip is designed to create an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

"They cared about us as individuals and wanted us to feel welcome on the trail and in the outdoors.  The trail
loves everyone and Blue Ridge Hiking Company welcomes ALL!" - J.J., Private Backpacking Trip, October 2019

Cost:

$705 per person
Scholarships and Sliding Scale Fees are available for this trip.  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.  The maximum group size is 6 participants.  If the trip minimum has not yet been met, we'll reach out to participants two weeks before the trip start date (May 7) to discuss options.  If you are traveling in a party of 4 or more hikers, we encourage you to consider a private backpacking trip.  You can find more information about our private trip offerings by sending us an email.

In addition to your guide, this price includes backpacking gear for the trip, all on-trail food (Friday lunch through Monday lunch), transportation between the meet-up location and the trailhead, and any necessary backcountry permits and fees.  Price also includes a nalgene bottle and a neck gaiter (can be used as a face covering when within 6ft of your guide or other hikers).  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 (May 21st).  You will find the trip listed there. 

Before the start of the trip, we will be in contact via email with an information packet and a form for you to fill out.  This form includes a waiver, health form, and information about gear needs and dietary restrictions.  Please complete and return this form at your earliest convenience.  The information packet also includes an itinerary of your trip and a packing list.

Itinerary:

Trip meets at 9am on Friday, May 21 in Pisgah Forest, NC.

You will begin your day with a pack shakedown.  Your guide will hand out your gear, go over necessary packing items, and discuss safety, weather, and logistics for the trip. He will walk you through how to properly pack your pack, and may look in detail at the items you've packed to make sure you're not carrying too many extra items.  Around 11am, you will head to Daniel Boone Scout Camp, where you will begin your trip.

You'll hike approximately 32 miles over 4 days, ranging from 6 to 11 miles per day.  The first half of your trip will be along the Balsam range, featuring 3 6,000ft peaks and some of the most iconic views in Western NC (including Cold Mountain and Black Balsam Knob).  After you cross the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll descend into rolling forested terrain for the second half of the trip.  You'll finish you hike at Davidson River Campground.  Hike generally finished around mid-afternoon on the last day.  

Meetup location and additional itinerary details (including daily mileage and planned campsite locations) will be sent to all participants in their trip confirmation email.  Itinerary is subject to change based on a variety of factors, including weather, trail conditions, and participants needs and abilities.  Please inform the 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 Eli Mills.  Eli (he/him) grew up in rural Iowa where his love of outdoors grew from exploring the fields and rivers outside his back door.  As a member of the LGBTQ community, he has experienced firsthand the transformational power of the wilderness and spaces that foster authenticity.  Between his many personal and professional outdoor endeavours, Eli has spent about as many nights sleeping under the stars as in a bed over the past 14 years.  Eli is an avid rock climber and runner, and when he is not pursuing life in the outdoors, you'll find him in the kitchen - usually with a cup of coffee in hand.

What we Provide:

Food: BRHC provides all on-trail food. Your guides will pass out the food for your trip on the first morning. You will be expected to carry your own individually packaged food (such as oatmeal packets) and some shared community items (such as a jar of peanut butter or a block of cheese). We try to cater to dietary requests, but options are limited because it is important to keep food lightweight. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, please notify us ahead of time. 

Individual Use Gear: BRHC provides high quality, ultralight, cottage industry backpacking gear to make your exerience as comfortable as possible.  We offer the following five pieces of gear at no additional cost:

1. Backpacks - We use a lightweight 60L pack. We will ask for your height and weight in order to fit the pack appropriately to you.
2. Tents - We have one-person tents and two-person tents available. Please let us know if you would like to share with a friend or if you are willing to share with another hiker, and we will do our best to accommodate these requests.
3. Sleeping Bags - We use a 20 degree synthetic sleeping bag. We also have liners available.
4. Sleeping Pads - These will insulate you from the ground and provide some cushion and comfort.
5. Trekking Poles - These will provide you with some added stability while hiking, and may be used to set up your tent.

Community Gear: BRHC provides all community gear for the trip, including water filters and back-up chemical treatment; camping stoves and fuel; bowls, spoons, and cups; trowels, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer; first aid kit; and map and compass.

What to Bring:

We will send all participants a detailed packing list before the trip. You are expected to bring your own clothing, personal gear (such as headlamps and water bottles), medications, and approved optional items. We will send a detailed packing list with your trip information packet after you book. Generally, comfortable walking shoes are better than heavy hiking boots. Please do not pack any cotton - if it gets wet, it does not dry quickly and will not keep you warm. Athletic clothes are a good option. You will need only one outfit to hike in and one outfit to sleep in, plus a raincoat, and a warm layer. You will not need a new set of clean clothes each day. You will not need any make-up, hair products, scented products or deodorant. Just bring a toothbrush and toothpaste and enjoy going all natural for the trip!

COVID Safety Information:

Due to NC's mask mandate, all participants over the age of 11 are required to wear face coverings during pack shakedown and in our shuttle vehicle.  We also ask that you wear a mask any time you are within 6ft of your guide or another participant.  We provide each hiker with a neck gaiters that can be used as a face covering.  We have added extra gear cleaning steps between trips.  Additionally, we will be providing individually packaged food when possible and have single person tents available for all participants (although you still can request two person tents).  If you have additional questions about the safety precautions for your trip, please contact us via phone or email.

Cancellation Policy:

Payment in full is required to register. 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.

We hike rain or shine!  While it is incredibly rewarding, backpacking is an endurance sport, and it can be challenging and/or uncomfortable at times.  Maintaining a positive mindset, even when it is uncomfortable, is key to enjoying your time in the wilderness.  With our focus on lightweight gear, our goal is for your pack to weigh around 25lbs (or no more than 25% of your body weight).

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 guided backpacking trip is 15-20% of trip price.

If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach us by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.