Each itinerary was created to experience a different part of the AT or to traverse it in a different way. Due to that, some itineraries have different things included in the cost of the trip. Please make sure to check out each itinerary before picking the one most suitable to you. What you’ll generally get in most adventures is: A local Appalachian Trail hiking guide Campsites fees Hostel accommodation for one night Permits Transportation throughout the adventure Transfer back to your vehicle after the hike What’s not included: Meals Travel insurance Flights and flight taxes Sleeping bags, tents, and personal items Camping gear Hotel upgrades or extra days Shuttle back to the vehicle in the middle of a hike if the hiker is quitting

How fit do I need to be?

You need to be able to hike for full days, carrying a full daypack or backpacking pack. Each day you will hike up to 8 miles per day, taking you through accessible terrain and crossing around 50 miles total. There might be some scrambling and balancing along the way, but the hike is beginner-friendly. Take shorter hikes to prepare, and pay attention to what your body can handle. If you are looking for adventure and up to the task of multiple days or weeks of full-day trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 35-45L bag) Sleeping bag and sleeping pad Tent Camp food Hiking poles Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) First aid kit Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans. You can rent any hiking and camping gear from your guide for $200 per week.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this hiking trip, the usual client to guide ratio is 5:1. The maximum number of hikers on these tours is 5. All pricing is per person. A deposit of $200 per person is needed to secure your spot. Full amount should be paid one month prior to departure. Min. age requirements: Everybody over the age of 16 is welcome on this hiking adventure. The hiking community varies in age, occupation, experience and fitness levels. While there are hikers in their 20s and 30s, there are even more hikers in their 50s or even 60s. The only criteria you have to fit is to have a desire to be outdoors!

Deposits and cancellation policy

Secure your spot for next year with a $200 non-refundable 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 for 2024 are set, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount. The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies. In case you need to cancel the adventure, the following cancellation costs would be incurred: The deposit is non-refundable once the trip has been confirmed 70% of the adventure price is refundable if canceled 59 days or more before departure, once the trip has been confirmed 50% of the adventure price is refundable if canceled 31-58 days or more before departure, once the trip has been confirmed Full price of the adventure is transferable to another Appalachian trail hike if canceled less than 30 days before departure All policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Amicalola Falls State Park, most people fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 1.5 hours from Atlanta. After booking, your guide will give you all the info on transportation from the airport to Amicalola. To get to Deep Gap, NC, most people fly into Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, NC or Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, NC, both less than an hour away. You’ll typically meet your guide on Sunday for a day of preparation ahead of the hike. On Monday morning, the guide will bring you to The A.T. trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

Leave No Trace policy on the trail

While you’re on the trail, follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT). In the last few years there has been a rise in usage of the trail with several negative corresponding results: more trash which leads to bears becoming used to food lying around, shelters getting closed because they’re overwhelmed with rodents and garbage, and overall degradation. Do your part to leave the trail as you found it.

Safety measures on the Appalachian Trail

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 mountain, 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 clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Atlanta, Georgia, please refer to the Georgia Department of Public Health website. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

From beginning to end you’re going to make countless friends. The camaraderie is one of the best parts about thru-hiking, and also one of the hardest things to leave behind.

Whether you choose a traditional ground tent or a hammock set up, sleeping outside for months on end is an amazing experience.

With views like this you may never want to come down, or back to normal life.

I encourage everyone to pack in a minimalist style. In particular, you want to make sure your backpack is fitted and comfortable.

Amicalola Falls SP

Appalachian Trail Hiking Tour for Women

5.00 ()

Season

May through October

Nearest city

Each tour covers a different section of the A.T.

Accommodation

Tents and hostels

Duration

6-7 days

Difficulty

Guides

Michelle Michaud, Wandering Boots Adventure Tours

From $1,200 () / 6-7 days

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Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

The Appalachian Trail is the original long-distance challenge for American wanderlust—over 5,000 hikers attempt to cross it each year! This 6-day hike dedicated to all female hiking aficionados lets you unwrap the wonders of the Appalachia and get the feel for long-distance hiking. Starting from Amicalola Falls State Park, this all-female tour lets you explore the remnants of Appalachian mountain culture, shows you the beauty of the backcountry, and provides both a challenge and sense of freedom. With an experienced naturalist guide and a motivating group of women by your side, you will gain more confidence, feel empowered, and feel the thrill of hiking through one of the most famous trails in the US.

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Vibrant landscapes

Sweeping views from iconic balds and historical stops along the way
Get a taste of the A.T.

Reconnect with nature and yourself as you cross around 50 miles of the iconic trail
Relax and re-energize

Traverse tunnels of trees, rocky ridgelines, open summits, and rolling balds

Available itineraries

Women’s Week-Long Hike from Amicalola Falls, GA to Franklin, NC

Hike from Amicalola Falls and Springer Mt to Franklin, NC and enjoy the fall foliage along the A.T. Join a group of like minded ladies and embark on a 6-day hike along the famous A.T. It might not be an Eat, Pray, Love experience in terms of luxury, but it is a truly empowering adventure that will reconnect you with nature, as well as yourself. Your days will be filled with exploring interesting sites on the trail, and nights will be spent around the campfire and under the starry skies. With each crossed mile, you’ll feel more confident and get a more refined sense of self than you had before.

Here’s what’s included:
- A local Appalachian Trail hiking guide
- Campsites fees
- Hostel accommodation for one night
- Permits
- Transportation throughout the adventure
- Transfer back to your vehicle after the hike
What’s not included:
- Meals
- Travel insurance
- Flights and flight taxes
- Sleeping bags, tents, and personal items
- Camping gear
- Hotel upgrades or extra days
- Shuttle back to the vehicle in the middle of a hike if the hiker is quitting
The first day of your week-long women’s hiking trip is dedicated to arrival and orientation. Once you meet your guide at the agreed meeting point around 1:00PM, you’ll register for the hike and go over the itinerary and what to expect, including discussing gear and food. After a short hike to stretch the legs, you’ll head to town for pizza and beer. The evening will be spent sleeping in tents. If you drive to the meeting point, your car can remain parked there for the entire duration of your hike.
In the morning, you will start hiking up the Springer Mt. It’s a six-mile uphill hike under the forest canopy. Filtering water along the way, you’ll camp and cook food. If the shelter (a basic, three-sided building) is open, you can opt to sleep there rather than in your tent. Tomorrow you will be transported to Deep Gap, NC and backpack for 4 days to Franklin, NC.
Once you reach Deep Gap, NC by van, you will officially be on the Appalachian Trail. An easier day of hiking, it’s eight to ten miles depending on the skill level of the hikers in the group. Another night spent in tents.
Hiking between six to eight miles, this is one of the challenging hiking days, with several steep uphill climbs and descents. Enjoy nature and wildlife along the way and spend the night under the stars.
Depending on the mileage of the previous day, this day is an easier hike in terms of terrain. You’ll get your first real view of the mountains. After hiking out of the woods you’ll shuttle back to the park to have a meal and then make your way back up to the trailhead to camp.
To maximize the fun on your final day on the trail, you will be slackpacking today. This means that you’ll only carry a daypack with just water, snacks and daily provisions. There are two options for hiking. The first option is to hike the 11 miles up and over Blood Mountain, a trip highlight with amazing views. This is a full day of hiking from 9am to 5pm. The other option is a shorter six-mile loop up and over Blood Mountain. It’s a later start with more time spent on top of the mountain enjoying the views! Once you return to the hostel, pack up and head back home.

Please note: Typical the itinerary includes hiking between 6 to 10 miles per day over the course of a week. Your exact itinerary will be discussed with the guide after booking.

Women’s Week-Long Hiking Trip from Deep Gap to Franklin, NC

Here’s what’s included:
- A local Appalachian Trail hiking guide
- Campsites fees
- Hostel accommodation for one night
- Permits
- Transportation throughout the adventure
- Transfer back to your vehicle after the hike
What’s not included:
- Meals
- Travel insurance
- Flights and flight taxes
- Sleeping bags, tents, and personal items
- Camping gear
- Hotel upgrades or extra days
- Shuttle back to the vehicle in the middle of a hike if the hiker is quitting
The first day of your week-long women’s hiking trip is dedicated to arrival and orientation. Once you meet your guide at the agreed meeting point around 1:00PM, you’ll register for the hike and go over the itinerary and what to expect, including discussing gear and food. After a short hike to stretch the legs, you’ll head to town for pizza and beer. The evening will be spent sleeping in tents. If you drive to the meeting point, your car can remain parked there for the entire duration of your hike.
In the morning, you will start hiking under the forest canopy of North Carolina. Filtering water along the way, you’ll camp and cook food. If the shelter (a basic, three-sided building) is open, you can opt to sleep there rather than in your tent.
By now, you’ll probably already make friends with your group and master some camping skills. This should be an easier day of hiking, crossing around 10 miles depending on the skill level of the hikers in the group. Another night spent in tents.
Although you’ll be hiking between 6 to 7 miles, this will be one of the more challenging hiking days, with several steep uphill climbs and descents. Enjoy nature and wildlife along the way and spend the night under the stars.
Depending on the mileage of the previous day, this day is an easier hike in terms of terrain. You’ll get your first real view of the mountains. After hiking out of the woods you’ll shuttle back to the park to have a meal and then make your way back up to the trailhead to camp.
To maximize the fun on your final day on the trail, you will be slackpacking today. This means that you’ll only carry a daypack with just water, snacks and daily provisions. Franklin, NC is surrounded by beautiful streams and waterfalls which provide relaxation, fantastic scenery and numerous photo-ops. This will be a full day of hiking from 9am to 5pm.Once you return to the hostel, pack up and head back home.

Please note: Typical the itinerary includes hiking 5-6 miles per day, totaling to 30-35 miles over 6 days. Your exact itinerary will be discussed with the guide after booking.

Women-Only Slackpacking Michelle's Southern Favorites

Leave your equipment at your accommodation and bring with you only a daypack with enough food and water for the day. Explore the A.T. with a guide and discover some of the amazing sights along the way. You will spend the day hiking to amazing views and waterfalls along the Appalachian Trail in Georgia and North Carolina. You'll stay in a cabin each night and spend the day hiking 1-5 miles to various sites. Lodging and most food are included except for the times when the group decides to eat at a restaurant. Take a short hike in the morning, make a break for lunch, and take another hike in the afternoon.

Here’s what’s included in the cost of the trip:
- Shared lodging (location depends on the amount of hikers signed up)
- Most prepared food (B/L/D)
- Day pack rentals
- Hiking poles
- Daily shuttles to trailheads and back
Not included:
- Any restaurant or outside food
- Personal snacks and food
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lodging on the last day
During this week, you will spend each day at a different location along the Appalachian Trail hiking to various views, waterfalls, and fire towers. You will be based at Kennedy Creek Resort for the week. You will hike to Amicalola Falls SP, Springer Mt, Long Creek Falls, Ramrock Mt, Preachers Rock, Blood Mt, Mt Albert firetower, Standing Indian Mt, Wayah Bald, Wesser Bald fire tower, the NOC area and more if time allows! Daily schedule is flexible according to the weather and the group’s abilities. Shuttle, lodging, and meals on trail will be provided each day.

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Download Appalachian Trail Hiking Tour for Women 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

Michelle Michaud

Michelle Michaud is the founder and primary guide at Wandering Boots who has been hiking the Appalachian Trail since 1998. She has completed the trail in sections from '98 to '08 and then did 2 thru-hikes with one in 2014 and again in 2017. She has hiked various parts several times, and has traveled across the country hiking and backpacking in many of the country's state and national parks. Hikers are in very good hands.

5.00

Hiking Guides

Wandering Boots wants to take away all the stress and worries of planning a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Their local, knowledgeable and experienced hiking guides are committed to helping you reach your goals.

Read our trip report

Lesson Review by Michelle Michaud

How to Prepare for Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

5.00 (7 reviews)

Amy Jo Rasch

Michelle is very knowledgeable and made me feel confident that I can go out on my own and successfully hike the AT. She is passionate about her job and is a genuine pleasure to be around. I highly recommend her.

Lisa Kennedy

Michelle was an amazing guide. Patient every step of the way. She was knowledgeable as well as personable and we a really enjoyed her stories! This adventure was challenging to say the least n that was what I was after. I found that with the teachings from Michelle I could feel comfortable in the wilds and most likely survive!

Fabulously executed

Rebecca Weisenthal

The best guide imaginable. Could not have done it without her expert guidance, encouragement, passion, and tough love—true grit and exemplary characteristics. A teacher and steward of Nature—no shortcuts! 5 stars!!!

Lori Schmit

Michelle was a great guide, very knowledgeable and patient.

Tracy Brown

Michelle was an amazing guide. Full of important, helpful and interesting information which she gladly shared, her love of the AT was evident every day and she taught us well! It was incredibly challenging and Michelle was so supportive and lovely and thoughtful! Highly recommend Michelle!! Better make sure to include a suggestion of being highly fit because this trail ain\’t no joke!! Incredibly hard with a heavy pack!

Debra Gregg

Michelle was such an awesome guide. I can not say enough about her. She definitely has a deep passion for what she does. She taught us a lot between hiking the trail and learning what works and doesn’t work for backpacking and camping. She is fun to talk to and has a great sense of humor. She definitely knows a lot of history of the trail as well. Looking forward to hiking again with her! This was an incredible adventure. I hadn\’t hiked or camped out in years and this experience was so much fun. We had some inclement weather but it didn\’t dampen our spirits. We were able to do Spring Mountain but then traveled to North Carolina to do the majority of our hike due to hot temperatures in Georgia. It was a trip I will never forget I went not knowing anyone and came back with a trail family. Just go with an open mind and the beauty of the AT trail awaits

Carol Gateley

Michelle Michaud was a wonderful guide and was very knowledgeable. I learned a lot from her! I had so much fun hiking the A T with Michelle.

Things to know

Each itinerary was created to experience a different part of the AT or to traverse it in a different way. Due to that, some itineraries have different things included in the cost of the trip. Please make sure to check out each itinerary before picking the one most suitable to you.

What you’ll generally get in most adventures is:
- A local Appalachian Trail hiking guide
- Campsites fees
- Hostel accommodation for one night
- Permits
- Transportation throughout the adventure
- Transfer back to your vehicle after the hike
What’s not included:
- Meals
- Travel insurance
- Flights and flight taxes
- Sleeping bags, tents, and personal items
- Camping gear
- Hotel upgrades or extra days
- Shuttle back to the vehicle in the middle of a hike if the hiker is quitting
You need to be able to hike for full days, carrying a full daypack or backpacking pack. Each day you will hike up to 8 miles per day, taking you through accessible terrain and crossing around 50 miles total. There might be some scrambling and balancing along the way, but the hike is beginner-friendly. Take shorter hikes to prepare, and pay attention to what your body can handle. If you are looking for adventure and up to the task of multiple days or weeks of full-day trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 35-45L bag)
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Tent
- Camp food
- Hiking poles
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
- Spare clothes for layering
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Sunhat
- Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- First aid kit
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

You can rent any hiking and camping gear from your guide for $200 per week.
Group sizes and prices:
- For this hiking trip, the usual client to guide ratio is 5:1.
- The maximum number of hikers on these tours is 5.
- All pricing is per person.
- A deposit of $200 per person is needed to secure your spot. Full amount should be paid one month prior to departure.
Min. age requirements:
- Everybody over the age of 16 is welcome on this hiking adventure.
- The hiking community varies in age, occupation, experience and fitness levels. While there are hikers in their 20s and 30s, there are even more hikers in their 50s or even 60s. The only criteria you have to fit is to have a desire to be outdoors!
Secure your spot for next year with a $200 non-refundable 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 for 2024 are set, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
- The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
- Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.
In case you need to cancel the adventure, the following cancellation costs would be incurred:
- The deposit is non-refundable once the trip has been confirmed
- 70% of the adventure price is refundable if canceled 59 days or more before departure, once the trip has been confirmed
- 50% of the adventure price is refundable if canceled 31-58 days or more before departure, once the trip has been confirmed
- Full price of the adventure is transferable to another Appalachian trail hike if canceled less than 30 days before departure
All policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure.
To get to Amicalola Falls State Park, most people fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 1.5 hours from Atlanta. After booking, your guide will give you all the info on transportation from the airport to Amicalola.

To get to Deep Gap, NC, most people fly into Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, NC or Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, NC, both less than an hour away.

You’ll typically meet your guide on Sunday for a day of preparation ahead of the hike. On Monday morning, the guide will bring you to The A.T. trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
While you’re on the trail, follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT). In the last few years there has been a rise in usage of the trail with several negative corresponding results: more trash which leads to bears becoming used to food lying around, shelters getting closed because they’re overwhelmed with rodents and garbage, and overall degradation. Do your part to leave the trail as you found it.
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 mountain, 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 clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Atlanta, Georgia, please refer to the Georgia Department of Public Health website.

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