What you get on this adventure : An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 5-day women’s Appalachian Trail extended backpacking trip Backpacking gear Backpacks (lightweight 60L packs) Tents (either a one-person tent or a two-person tent if you’re sharing with a partner or a friend) Sleeping bag (20-degree synthetic sleeping bag with sleeping bag liners) Sleeping pad (closed-cell foam pad—excellent combination of weight and durability) Trekking poles Bunkhouse lodging the night before the hike (Day 0) Community gear (water filters, camping stoves and fuel, bowls, utensils and cups; trowels, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer; first aid kit; navigational aids) Food while you’re on trail, from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5 Transportation between the meetup location and the trailhead All necessary backcountry permits What’s not included : Transportation to/from Hot Springs, NC Personal items (clothing, shoes, headlamp, water bottles…) Dinner on Day 0 and breakfast on Day 1 Inflatable sleeping pads — available for an additional fee Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

If you’d like to join this Appalachian Trail backpacking trip for women, you should have previous backpacking experience as well as great fitness . This means that you work out 3-5 times a week and regularly participate in active forms of recreation, such as hiking on the weekends. You should be comfortable sleeping in a tent, familiar with camp chores, etc. Over 5 days, you’ll cover approximately 43 miles (70 km) , and you can find day-by-day distances in the itinerary. This trip has a higher daily mileage, requiring hikers to set up or pack up camp relatively quickly. Also keep in mind that you’ll be carrying a 25-30 lb backpack , including food and water. So, as long as you have good fitness and previous backpacking experience, this is a great trip to connect with other women who love the trail!

What do I need to bring?

You will receive a detailed packing list for this Appalachian Trail backpacking trip a few weeks before the trip, but here’s a good overview of what you need to bring: Comfortable hiking clothing (synthetic or wool rather than cotton) Comfortable trail shoes (better than heavy hiking boots) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Beanie and lightweight gloves Personal medication Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight — available to purchase at a discounted rate Inflatable pillow — available to purchase at a discounted rate Stuff sacks — available to purchase at a discounted rate Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) You will not need a new set of clean clothes for each day, make-up, hair products, scented products or deodorant. Just bring a toothbrush and toothpaste and enjoy going all natural for the trip!

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Appalachian Trail backpacking trip for women, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 6 participants for group tours. Private trips are offered year-round. The tour is confirmed at the latest 30 days prior to the departure date. The trip is bookable up to two weeks before the departure date. Appalachian Trail backpacking trips for women can be arranged for larger groups. 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 Appalachian Trail backpacking trip for women on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. Families with kids younger than mid-teens are encouraged to book a private trip. 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 your Appalachian Trail backpacking trip for women, you first have to get to Hot Springs, NC. To get there, most people fly into Asheville Airport (AVL) You’ll meet your guide a day prior to your hike (on Day 0), in the afternoon/evening. The exact point is Blue Ridge Hiking Company’s Appalachian Trail-er Bunkhouse (200 Lance Ave, Hot Springs, NC 28743), also your lodging for the night.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , we partnered up with Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their insurance packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s insurance. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

HOT SPRINGS | NORTH CAROLINA

Women’s Appalachian Trail Extended Backpacking Trip

5.00 ()

Appalachian Trail backpacking trip, women

Group of happy women along an Appalachian section

From $1,260 ()

Season: April through October

Duration: 5 days

Accommodation: Bunkhouse & tents

Difficulty:

Guides: Hannah Brock, Amy Hunsucker, Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Accommodation & food
Reviews
Things to know

Who’s up for a challenge on the Appalachian Trail? We always are! The AT is a gift that keeps on giving—trust us on this one, we’ve already done countless backpacking trips along sections of the trail, and no matter how many times we do it, it’s always a wonderful and humbling experience. If you’ve got some backpacking trips under your belt, ready to take on somewhat bigger elevation gains, and would appreciate the encouraging company of like-minded women, this 5-day trip along a section of the AT in North Carolina was practically made for you! Escape into the wilderness for a reset, gain confidence in the wild, and embrace the empowering feeling that life in the backcountry grants you!

Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Adventure highlights

Challenging 43 miles

Ideal for motivated women, this 5-day backpacking trip will cover 43 miles from Allen Gap to Spivey Gap
Sample a portion of the Appalachian Trail

Whether you’ve already thru-hiked the AT or not, this adventure will make you think about doing it, especially when you see gorgeous views of Big Bald and rocky ridgeline traverses
No backpacking equipment, no problem

Your guides make this trip as hassle free as possible—tent, sleeping bag, pad, backpack, and trekking poles are included, as well as all meals on trek

Download itinerary

Itinerary

This 5-day backpacking trip along North Carolina’s portion of the Appalachian Trail covers approximately 43 miles from Allen Gap to Spivey Gap. Join us for an all-women adventure, but make sure you already have some backpacking experience and that you’re ready to take on daily mileages and elevation gains while carrying a backpack! Your guides made this adventure as hassle-free as possible, so all meals, trailhead transfers, and backpacking equipment (including tent, sleeping bag, pad, backpack, and trekking poles) are included. This is a great trip to connect with other women who love the trail!

Make your way to Hot Springs, NC. Arrive somewhere in the afternoon/evening. Lodging for tonight is provided at our bunkhouse, so you have enough time to relax and rest from your trip, and be fresh for tomorrow.

Accommodation: Appalachian Trail Bunkhouse
Meet your guide and fellow hikers at 8am to start your trip! The adventure begins with a pack shakedown. Your guide will pass out your gear and food, and will teach you how to pack your backpack. They will go through what you’ve packed to make sure you don’t bring too many extra items. Around 10am, you’ll shuttle to the trailhead to start your hike (drive time is 30 minutes). You’ll hike from Allen Gap mostly uphill to your campsite at Little Laurel.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 5 miles / 8 km
Elevation gain: +1,600 ft / +490 m
Elevation loss: -200 ft / -60 m
Accommodation: One or two-person tents
Wake up and break down camp. Day 2 begins with a challenging climb to Jones Meadow and the rocky ridgeline of Big Firescald Knob. Camp at Flint Mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 13 miles / 20.1 km
Elevation gain: +2,000 ft / +610 m
Elevation loss: -2,100 ft / -640 m
Accommodation: One or two-person tents
Continue hiking over rolling terrain past Devil Fork Gap, then begin a steady climb to your campsite at Hogback Ridge.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 10 miles / 16 km
Elevation gain: +2,100 ft / +640 m
Elevation loss: -1,400 ft / -425 m
Accommodation: One or two-person tents
Cross Sam’s Gap and climb to the sweeping 360-degree views from Big Bald before camping at Bald Mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 10 miles / 16 km
Elevation gain: +2,200 ft / +670 m
Elevation loss: -1,400 ft / -425 m
Accommodation: One or two-person tents
Descend to Spivey Gap, where you’ll catch a shuttle back to our bunkhouse in Hot Springs (about a one-hour drive). Hike generally finishes mid-afternoon on the last 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 ahead of time if you have a time constraint on the last day of your trip.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 6 miles / 9.7 km
Elevation gain: +600 ft / +180 m
Elevation loss: -2,400 ft / -730 m
Accommodation: One or two-person tents
Itinerary is subject to change depending on campsite availability and the securing of permits. Itineraries will be finalized 25 days at the latest before the trip departure.

Women’s Appalachian Trail Extended Backpacking Trip

Adventure Brochure

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

5.00

Hannah Brock

Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Born and raised in Georgia, Hannah’s love of the outdoors began while digging for worms in the mud and playing in the red clay. Her passion for being in nature has grown since then and she has backpacked over 3,500 miles including a southbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2013, sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, and many smaller backcountry trails in between!

5.00

Amy Hunsucker

Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Born and raised in South Carolina, Amy grew up hiking in the Carolinas. Her love for backpacking started on the Appalachian Trail with her first overnight trip in 2012. Since then, she has thru hiked all of the triple crown trails - Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail - along with other trails throughout the US, totaling over 8,000 miles of backpacking.

5.00

Blue Ridge Hiking Company's mission is to make the wilderness accessible and enjoyable for everyone. They strive to provide a safe experience with knowledgeable, engaging, and trained guides. All of Blue Ridge Hiking Company guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR. They have permits to guide in Pisgah National Forest, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mount Mitchell State Park, Dupont State Forest, all along the Blue Ridge Parkway, 120 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail and more.

Accommodation & food

Accommodation

Lodging for one night before the hiking starts is included in the price. This will be a bunkhouse on the Appalachian Trail, with a live-in caretaker. It can accommodate up to 10 hikers in 2 bunkrooms (one sleeps 4, the other 6). There are 2 full bathrooms, and guests also have access to common areas—a living room, kitchen, dining room, and large front porch. Wi-Fi access, linens, and morning coffee/tea are provided.

The following five days and four nights of this Appalachian Trail backpacking trip for women will be spent in nature, in one-person or two-person tents! This is something your guides provide (along with a sleeping bag and pad), so all you need to bring for the overnights is an inflatable pillow.

Food

Your guides provide all on-trail food, from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5. You will have the ability to choose your own food from your guides’ wide selection, and you will carry your own food during the trip. Your guides do their best to cater to requests, though it is important to keep to lightweight foods appropriate for backpacking. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform us upon booking.

Exact menu varies throughout the season, but generally consists of the following:

- Breakfast — oats or grits, coffee or tea
- Lunch — chicken packets, tuna packets, meat sticks, hummus/guac, etc.
- Snacks — chips, trail mix, dried and fresh fruit, cheese, bars, etc.
- Dinner — dehydrated backpacking dinners (Good to Go brand) in a variety of flavors

5.00 (4 reviews)

Lori Swartz (source: Google Reviews)

I had a wonderful experience with Blue Ridge hiking the Roan Highlands. Hannah was a fantastic guide! She is experienced, knowledgeable and just a lot of fun. Every detail of the trip was carefully thought out. The scenery was so beautiful and a little fog in areas actually added to the beauty. I was traveling by myself and very fortunate to be with a great group of people for this trip. We had a lot of laughs together. This is my second trip with Blue Ridge Hiking Company and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone from the seasoned hiker to the first timer. They will take great care of you. Thank you Hannah! You are the best!!

presley whitten (source: Google Reviews)

I just finished up a 5 day 4 night 44 mile backpacking trip with blue ridge and it was one of the best experiences of my life! Our guide was Jenna and she was so inspirational and knowledgeable about the Appalachian trail. I am now completely inspired and planning a 2025 thru hike of the AT. Just book the trip you won’t regret it!

Christine Swint (source: Google Reviews)

My friends and I had an empowering experience with Blue Ridge Hiking company and Heidi Nisbett as our guide. She is extremely knowledgeable of all aspects of backpacking on the AT as well as the flora and fauna of the mountains. She explained how to set up and break down tents, use a sterno stove, collect and filter water, and even how to dig a cat hole ☺️ This all women trip is highly recommended for women who really want to learn backcountry camping in a safe, enjoyable manner. Early May was perfect for wild flower viewing in North Carolina, and Heidi knew the names of all of them!

Veronica Morgan (source: Google Reviews)

I did the Women’s AT Backpacking trip with Jenna Carrol and it was excellent. I’m an avid day hiker and have been on a few guided backing trips too, but I was looking to test my gear in a setting with expert advice before I strike out on my own. Not only was Jenna excellent in helping assess and double check with me on my own gear. She was equally mindful of first time backpackers and provided detailed instructions on skills and let us practice. While I knew how to do some, she was so adept in allowing space to learn more advanced information too. Just a great experience. I also really enjoyed the pre-stay at the Trail-er and getting some hiker hostel experience too. Lastly, loved that there was a mix of group hiking but also chances to stretch out and get some alone hiking time if desired because it’s something I love too.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 5-day women’s Appalachian Trail extended backpacking trip
  - Backpacking gear
    
    Backpacks (lightweight 60L packs)
    
    Tents (either a one-person tent or a two-person tent if you’re sharing with a partner or a friend)
    
    Sleeping bag (20-degree synthetic sleeping bag with sleeping bag liners)
    
    Sleeping pad (closed-cell foam pad—excellent combination of weight and durability)
    
    Trekking poles
  - Bunkhouse lodging the night before the hike (Day 0)
  - Community gear (water filters, camping stoves and fuel, bowls, utensils and cups; trowels, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer; first aid kit; navigational aids)
  - Food while you’re on trail, from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5
  - Transportation between the meetup location and the trailhead
  - All necessary backcountry permits
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to/from Hot Springs, NC
  - Personal items (clothing, shoes, headlamp, water bottles…)
  - Dinner on Day 0 and breakfast on Day 1
  - Inflatable sleeping pads — available for an additional fee
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
If you’d like to join this Appalachian Trail backpacking trip for women, you should have previous backpacking experience as well as great fitness. This means that you work out 3-5 times a week and regularly participate in active forms of recreation, such as hiking on the weekends. You should be comfortable sleeping in a tent, familiar with camp chores, etc.

Over 5 days, you’ll cover approximately 43 miles (70 km), and you can find day-by-day distances in the itinerary. This trip has a higher daily mileage, requiring hikers to set up or pack up camp relatively quickly. Also keep in mind that you’ll be carrying a 25-30 lb backpack, including food and water.

So, as long as you have good fitness and previous backpacking experience, this is a great trip to connect with other women who love the trail!
You will receive a detailed packing list for this Appalachian Trail backpacking trip a few weeks before the trip, but here’s a good overview of what you need to bring:
- - Comfortable hiking clothing (synthetic or wool rather than cotton)
  - Comfortable trail shoes (better than heavy hiking boots)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Beanie and lightweight gloves
  - Personal medication
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight — available to purchase at a discounted rate
  - Inflatable pillow — available to purchase at a discounted rate
  - Stuff sacks — available to purchase at a discounted rate
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
You will not need a new set of clean clothes for each day, make-up, hair products, scented products or deodorant. Just bring a toothbrush and toothpaste and enjoy going all natural for the trip!
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Appalachian Trail backpacking trip for women, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 6 participants for group tours.
  - Private trips are offered year-round.
  - The tour is confirmed at the latest 30 days prior to the departure date. The trip is bookable up to two weeks before the departure date.
Appalachian Trail backpacking trips for women can be arranged for larger groups. 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 Appalachian Trail backpacking trip for women on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  - Families with kids younger than mid-teens are encouraged to book a private trip.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to your Appalachian Trail backpacking trip for women, you first have to get to Hot Springs, NC. To get there, most people fly into Asheville Airport (AVL)

You’ll meet your guide a day prior to your hike (on Day 0), in the afternoon/evening. The exact point is Blue Ridge Hiking Company’s Appalachian Trail-er Bunkhouse (200 Lance Ave, Hot Springs, NC 28743), also your lodging for the night.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, we partnered up with Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their insurance packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s insurance. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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.

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.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.