Women’s Intro to Backpacking on the Appalachian Trail

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local hiking/backpacking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 3 days of hiking and backpacking on a section of the Appalachian Trail near Max Patch or in the Roan Highlands
    • Backpacking gear (backpack, trekking poles, backpacking tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag, water filtration system, cooking kit)
    • All meals during the hike (special dietary requirements can be accommodated free of charge, let us know upon booking)
    • Transportation from Hot Springs, NC or from Roan Mountain, TN to the trailhead
    • Pre-hike virtual orientation to discuss planning and preparation

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to Hot Springs, North Carolina or to Roan Mountain, Tennessee (you can rent a car or ask your guide to help you arrange airport transfers with some shuttle service)
    • Parking fees at the hostel (around $5 a day, but you’ll also be able to park at the trailhead to avoid this fee)
    • Accommodation before and after the adventure — if applicable
    • Guide gratuities — the industry standard is 15-20%
• How fit do I need to be?

  In order to participate in this guided all-women backpacking trip along a section of the Appalachian Trail around Max Patch or in the Roan Highlands, you need to be in good physical condition. You should be someone who hikes occasionally. You will hike between 3 and 9 miles (5-14 km) a day for 3 consecutive days, with elevation gains of up to 2,500 feet (762 m), and while carrying a loaded backpack. No backpacking experience is necessary for this tour.

  To prepare for this tour, we recommend engaging in cardiovascular activities (especially hiking) and strength training. Keep in mind that you will always have a guide by your side to encourage you and teach you all the necessary skills. She will also assess your fitness and adjust the hiking accordingly.

• What do I need to bring?

  Backpacking gear is included in the price of the tour. If you want to bring your own, you’ll need:

  • • Comfortable, lightweight backpack (30-50L capacity)
    • Trekking poles
    • Backpacking tent
    • Sleeping pad and sleeping bag — can be rented
    • Water filtration system — can be rented
    • Cooking kit

  For personal items, you need to bring:

  • • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support
    • Moisture-wicking hiking shirts and pants
    • Lightweight windproof rain jacket
    • Sunhat
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Headlamp or flashlight
    • Bear canister (preferred) or bear hanging bags
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  You will receive a more comprehensive equipment list by your guide upon booking. We suggest bringing comfortable clothes you can move in. Mind the season and check the weather forecast before the start day of the tour.

• What about backpacking gear?

  Backpacking gear is included in the price of this tour. You’ll get a comprehensive backpacking gear package at the beginning of the tour. The package includes a comfortable, lightweight backpack, trekking poles, backpacking tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag, water filtration system, and a cook kit.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For these group adventures, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 5:1 and the maximum number of participants is 5.
    • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate.

  Backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina or Tennessee can be arranged for a private group with 4 or more participants. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Hot Springs, North Carolina or to Roan Mountain, Tennessee, most people fly into Asheville Regional Airport, which is a 45-minute/1.5-hour drive away. Alternatively, you can fly to Johnson City, TN, which is closer to Roan Mountain than Asheville (1-hour drive away). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.

  You will meet your Appalachian Trail guide and fellow backpackers in Hot Springs, North Carolina or in Roan Mountain, Tennessee at 9am on Day 1, followed by a shuttle to the trailhead.

  Shuttles are included from the meeting location to the trailheads. Your group will park at the ending point of the hike, and then shuttle to the starting point. Shuttles to/from airports or hotels are not included, but your guide can connect you with shuttle options.

  At meeting locations, clients can park for free at the trailhead or pay a small fee to park at the hiker hostel where you’ll be meeting (depends on the hostel, but the fee is around $5 per day).

• Safety measures on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina or Tennessee

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the trail, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

  Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

  We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

  If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

  Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!

  • • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
    • Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
    • The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

  Basic

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Super Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.