Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 3 or 4 days of guided hiking, depending on the chosen itinerary Accommodation in cabins (4-Day Great Smoky Mountains Hiking itinerary) or bunkhouse/tents (3-Day Roan Highlands Backpacking & 3-Day Max Patch Backpacking itineraries) All meals while hiking, as listed in the itinerary All backpacking gear (backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads) with the 3-Day Roan Highlands/Max Patch Backpacking itineraries Trekking poles All necessary backcountry permits Trailhead transfers with the 4-Day Great Smoky Mountains Hiking itinerary Ziplining with the 4-Day Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Add-ons (available to add at checkout) Single occupancy cabin (for the 4-Day Great Smoky Mountains Hiking itinerary) Single tent — free of charge (for the 3-Day Roan Highlands/Max Patch Backpacking itineraries) Not included: Transportation to the starting point Meals not listed in the itinerary Personal hiking gear Guide gratuities — optional Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout

How fit do I need to be?

3-Day Roan Highlands Backpacking Although no backpacking experience is required, good fitness and some prior hiking experience are. Over 3 days, you’ll cover 16 miles (26 km), with daily elevation gain of up to 1,900 ft (580 m), but without the heavy packs (Day 2). You have to be comfortable enough on the trail to hike up to an hour on your own. You’ll be carrying a 25-30 lb (11.5-13.5 kg) backpack, apart from Day 2. 3-Day Max Patch Backpacking Although no backpacking experience is required, good fitness and some prior hiking experience are. Over 3 days, you’ll cover 20 miles (32 km), with daily elevation gain of up to 1,350 ft (415 m). You have to be comfortable enough on the trail to hike up to an hour on your own. 4-Day Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Good fitness and some hiking experience is required. Over 4 days, you’ll cover 24 mi (38 km) , with daily elevation gain of up to 2,200 ft (670 m). Check out the itineraries to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation changes.

What do I need to bring?

3-Day Roan Highlands and 3-Day Max Patch Backpacking itineraries: Backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, walking poles — possible to rent from your guides free of charge, or bring your own 2 1L water bottles Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Comfortable “camp” shoes Comfortable hiking clothes Warm spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Beanie Lightweight gloves Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Inflatable sleeping pads — available for an additional rental fee 4-Day Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Backpack Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase 2 1L water bottles Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Comfortable “camp” shoes Comfortable hiking clothes Warm spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Beanie Lightweight gloves Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended)

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For the 3-Day Roan Highlands or Max Patch Backpacking tours, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. It takes a minimum of 2 or 3 people for the tour to operate. For the 4-Day Great Smoky Mountains Hiking tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants. Private tours can be arranged —let us know if interested before booking! 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 participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single supplement available?

This depends on which tour you choose. If you’re joining the Roan Highlands or Max Patch Backpacking tour, you’ll spend the night prior to the tour at the guide’s bunkhouse. This is a shared bunkhouse and a single occupancy room isn’t available. However, you’ll spend 2 nights camping, and your guides are providing tents free of charge —you can either choose a single or a double tent ! If you’re joining the Great Smoky Mountains Hiking tour , the price is based on twin-share cabins. A single occupancy cabin is available to arrange , and you can add this to your booking at checkout.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point depends on the tour you choose. If you’re joining the 3-Day Roan Highlands Backpacking or the 3-Day Max Patch Backpacking tour, the starting point is Hot Springs, NC. To get there, most people fly into the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) , 1 hour away. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to get to your meeting point. You will meet your guide at their Appalachian Trail-er Bunkhouse (200 Lance Ave, Hot Springs, NC 28743). Make sure to arrive a day prior to the start of the adventure, and overnight at the bunkhouse. If you’re joining the 4-Day Great Smoky Mountains Hiking tour , the starting point is Roamstead Campground. To get there, most people fly into McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS) . From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach the Roamstead Campsite. You’ll meet your guide on Day 1 there.

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.

Deposit & 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.

Hiking Tours Along the Historical Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is one of the defining paths of American wanderlust. Part of the Triple Crown of Hiking, it’s the shortest, oldest, and most famous of the three, known for its sweeping views and a trail culture built on kindness, grit, and connection.

Over 5,000 backpackers attempt to thru-hike the A.T. each year, traversing the nearly 2,200 miles that link Georgia to Maine. Only about a quarter succeed, but no matter the distance traveled, it makes for one hell of an adventure!

You might not have six months to walk the whole Appalachian Trail, but these short trips give you a real taste of it—big views, trail camaraderie, and that feeling of freedom only found in the mountains. Come for the scenery, stay for the people, and see why this trail captures so many hearts.

A hundred years of history & adventure

The idea for the Appalachian Trail was conceived by forester and conservationist, Benton MacKaye, in 1921. By 1937, the original footpath was completed and hailed as “A Great Trail from Maine to Georgia!” In the 100 years since, the accolades and hikers have been streaming in.

This spectacular journey presents some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Appalachia, tours Civil War monuments, and explores remnants of Appalachian mountain culture, with much more enchantment to be found along the way. The trail magic is real on the A.T.—the camaraderie between hikers and local communities is one of a kind. Its iconic status has inspired the creation of long-distance trails around the world.

IMMERSIVE SCENERY
2,193 MILES LONG
CULTURAL IMPORTANCE
CROSSES 14 STATES
100 YEARS OF HISTORY

Sample the Appalachian Trail

THE PINNACLE OF AMERICAN HIKING

If you are still not sure why the trail gains so much attention, consider the numbers: the 2,193 miles long trail traverses an impressive 14 states, 8 national forests, 6 national parks, and takes an average of 6 months to hike.

Some hikers tackle the entire trail in one life-changing journey, while others return to complete it section by section. Many spend just a few weeks on their favorite stretch. Wherever you go, the scenery constantly transforms—from southern forests and misty Smoky Mountains to rocky alpine ridges in New England—all connected by one remarkable trail.

Mini adventures on iconic trails

You don’t need months off or mountain experience to feel the magic of the Appalachian Trail. These short backpacking trips in places like the Roan Highlands, the Smokies, and Max Patch let you step right into the heart of it—sunrise ridges, starry camps, and the joy of carrying everything you need on your back. Even total beginners find that a few days on trail can reset everything.

With expert guides, small groups, and all the gear and support you need, it’s backpacking made simple and unforgettable. You’ll learn the ropes, share stories around the fire, and walk away with new confidence—and maybe a spark for something bigger. A few days is all it takes to understand why hikers fall in love with this trail for life.

Backpacking 101

The adventures we offer capture the spirit of the Appalachian Trail in just a few unforgettable days. Designed for first-time backpackers and curious hikers, they let you experience the rhythm of trail life without committing to months on the move. Expert guides cover the essentials—gear, pacing, and navigation—so you can focus on soaking up the scenery and learning by doing.

What makes these trips special is the sense of community that forms on the trail and around the campfire. You’ll share stories, build confidence, and connect with people who are just as eager to explore as you are. Each journey blends adventure, learning, and camaraderie—an accessible, rewarding introduction to the Appalachian Trail.

A spectacular adventure awaits

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is an adventure of a lifetime!

Set your foot on the iconic Appalachian Trail

3-Day Roan Highlands Backpacking

Spend 3 days discovering the rolling green balds of the Roan Highlands, where North Carolina meets Tennessee. With wide-open views, alpine meadows, and a friendly group of fellow hikers, this intro-level trip is perfect for first-time backpackers. Learn trail skills, hike part of the A.T., and fall in love with the rhythm of campfires, laughter, and sunrise summits.

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3-Day Max Patch Backpacking

Join a three-day backpacking adventure on the iconic A.T. at Max Patch, famous for its sweeping 360-degree views. You’ll cover about 20 miles of rolling terrain, gain confidence in your backpacking skills, and camp beneath endless stars. Whether it’s your first overnight or your fiftieth, this classic Southern Appalachian section delivers the perfect balance of challenge and inspiration.

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4-Day Great Smoky Mountains Hiking

Over 4 days in the Great Smoky Mountains, hike beneath lush canopies, past roaring waterfalls, and along a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Stay in cozy cabins, refuel with southern BBQ, and finish with a thrilling zipline ride through the trees. This trip blends big adventure with plenty of comfort—Smoky Mountain scenery at its most spectacular.

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Become a part of the community

Even a few days on the Appalachian Trail are enough to feel its unique sense of belonging. As you hike, you might meet thru-hikers chasing their long-distance dreams, section-hikers ticking off favorite stretches, and fellow adventurers simply out to unplug for a weekend. Stories are swapped on summits and around the fire, and before long, you’ll feel part of that same wandering family that defines this legendary path.

And the best part? You don’t have to worry about a thing. These trips are fully organized and guided by seasoned outdoor professionals who know the trail inside out. They handle the logistics, routes, and meals—you just show up ready to hike, connect, and unwind. In the quiet moments, when the sun drops behind the ridges or laughter rises from camp, you’ll understand what hikers call “trail magic.” It’s community, simplicity, and the rare joy of being completely present in the wild.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
STRONG COMMUNITY
EPIC FOOTPATHS
UNIQUE GEOLOGY
SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
SOLO TRAVELERS

Meet your guides

Your guides are passionate about making the wilderness welcoming and accessible to everyone. They believe the trail belongs to all—no matter your background, experience, or stage of life—and their goal is to help every hiker feel confident and at home outdoors. With expert training, deep local knowledge, and a commitment to safety and inclusion, they create meaningful trail experiences rooted in respect for nature and guided by Leave No Trace principles.

No matter whether your guide is Matt, Amy, Hannah, Heidi, Adam, Ben, Ansley, or another member of the team, you’re in great hands. Each one brings their own personality and passion to the trail, ensuring every journey is safe, supportive, and full of fun.

Our guide, Tamera Trexler, was not only knowledgeable about plants and trails but also kind, patient, and awesome to be around. She made the entire trip amazing.

I would definitely recommend these guys they are well trained knowledgeable caring people who saved my friends life. We were not even in their group and they were able to get my friend stable until search and rescue arrived. Brian and Andy I want to thank you personally and I want everyone who is considering using this company to know that I would feel very safe in the wilderness with these guys.

Seriously awesome hike! Jeremy and Lucy were awesome hiking partners as we stomped around the Smoky Mountains. It was really fascinating learning about the ecosystem from the trees, to birds to flowers. You can tell Jeremy has a real passion for the outdoors and is really knowledgeable about the area. Highly recommend booking a tour with this company to learn while you hike!

Ken was a great guide. We learned so much about the trail and the Smoky Mountains. Will definitely do this again. We all walked at a very comfortable pace.

Wonderful guides who are knowledgeable on the intricate plants and animals and history. They make it personal and magical.

Our guide was an awesome leader! She was so kind and knowledgeable. She made each of us feel welcome.

Hiking Tours Along the Historical Appalachian Trail

A hundred years of history & adventure