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!

Secure your 2026 adventure with just a 10% deposit.

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 ()

Duration

5 days

Season

April through October

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
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!

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

Itinerary

Download 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 10am 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 noon, 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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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

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

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

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

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!

Show all reviews

Lori Swartz

presley whitten

Christine Swint

Veronica Morgan

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
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
Early Bird booking

Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.

As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.

More about how Early Bird bookings work below:
- - Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you.
  - Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates.
  - When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit).
  - Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies.
  - The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.