Pisgah National Forest Backpacking: The Waterfall Route

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 3-day Pisgah National Forest backpacking trip
    • Accommodation for 2 nights in backcountry camps
    • All trail food
    • Backpacking gear (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles)
    • Transportation between Asheville and the trailhead
    • Backcountry permits and fees
    • A pre-trip video call

  Not included:

  • • Transportation to and from Asheville
    • Personal clothing, footwear, and toiletries
    • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
    • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  Basic fitness is required for this Pisgah National Forest backpacking trip, along with a willingness to carry your own gear and food across 3 days on trail. No prior backpacking experience is necessary, but a baseline of hiking fitness and comfort being active multiple days in a row makes for a better trip.

  Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more hiking vacations in the USA here!

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Trail-appropriate clothing and footwear (synthetic or wool, not cotton)
    • A raincoat and a warm layer
    • A beanie and lightweight gloves for cool mountain nights
    • Two 1L water bottles
    • A headlamp
    • Personal medications and toiletries

  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.

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• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • For this Pisgah National Forest backpacking tour, 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.

  A Pisgah National Forest backpacking tour 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 Pisgah National Forest backpacking tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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

• Is a single occupancy room available?

  A single occupancy room is not available on this Pisgah National Forest backpacking tour because we’ll be sleeping in tents.

• Getting there and meeting location

  The starting point of your Pisgah National Forest backpacking tour is Asheville, North Carolina. To get there, most people fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) or Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Asheville.

  You will meet your guide at 9 am at the shop in downtown Asheville on Day 1.

• Safety measures and insurance

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

  Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection 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.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  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 cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Super Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.