What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 2-day Smoky Mountains 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 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 2 Transportation between the meetup location and the trailhead All necessary backcountry permits What’s not included: Transportation to/from Asheville, NC Personal items (clothing, shoes, headlamp, water bottles…) Inflatable sleeping pads — available for an additional fee Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

This Smoky Mountains backpacking trip is ideally suited for hikers who have good fitness . This means that you’re active 3-5 times a week (like walking for 30 minutes) or you’re someone who works an active job. This is a beginner-friendly trip, meaning that hikers don’t need any specific hiking or backpacking experience. Over 2 days, you will hike between 4 and 9 miles (6.5-14.5 km).

What do I need to bring?

You will receive a detailed packing list for this Smoky Mountains 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 — MUST have a red light function to use after dark so as not to disturb the fireflies Inflatable pillow — available to purchase at a discounted rate Stuff sacks — available to purchase at a discounted rate Backpacking chair or sit pad — optional, to use while watching the fireflies 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 Smoky Mountains backpacking trip, 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 5 participants for group tours. Private trips are offered year-round. The tour is confirmed at the latest 25 days prior to the departure date (this is when backcountry permits are sorted). The trip is bookable up to two weeks before the departure date. Smoky Mountains backpacking trips 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 older than 13 may be permitted to join the Smoky Mountains backpacking trip 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 Smoky Mountains backpacking trip, you first have to get to Asheville, NC. To get there, most people fly into Asheville Airport (AVL) . You’ll meet your guides at 9am at their shop (Blue Ridge Hiking Company (70 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801). If you’re flying in, make sure to do so at least a day earlier, since you’ll be starting your trip at 9am on Day 1.

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!

ASHEVILLE | NORTH CAROLINA

Smoky Mountains Fireflies Backpacking Adventure

5.00 ()

Hiker crossing stream in the Smoky Mountains

Hikers from the back in the Smoky Mountains

From $595 ()

Season: May through June

Duration: 2 days

Accommodation: Tents

Difficulty:

Guides: Adam Kampouris, Heidi Nisbett, Matt Dobson, Amy Hunsucker, Hannah Brock, Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Accommodation & food
Reviews
Things to know

The first time you camp out in the wilderness is something you never forget. Soothing sounds of nature, the crisp mountain air, unspoiled surroundings—it’s a dream come true for those wanting to disconnect from their daily routine, even if only for two days. Make your first backpacking experience even more unforgettable by joining us in the Smoky Mountains in May or June, which is when fireflies illuminate the mountains and give us a natural light show! It’s a spectacle not to be missed, and if you still need a bit more convincing to spend the night in the backcountry, you should know that we take care of everything—the permits, tents, sleeping bags, walking poles, transfers to the trailhead, meals. Just show up!

Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Adventure highlights

Twinkling fireflies illuminating forests

At least 19 species of fireflies synchronize in the Smokies in May and June, lighting up the dark mountains
Escape from your routine

Let an expert guide take you to the Smoky Mountains for a total reset and recharge of your batteries
Backpacking & camping basics

Get the best experience of spending the night in the wilderness by joining this all-inclusive guided trip

Download itinerary

Itinerary

The Great Smoky Mountains are renowned for its fauna and flora diversity, and it’s a terrific place to have your first overnight experience in the backcountry! Join us on this 2-day trip where we’ll take our time, enjoy the wilderness, and show you the ropes of life in the wild. We’ll go in May or June, when thousands of fireflies will lighten up the darkness of the forests, creating a true spectacle. We’ll secure the permits, organize trailhead transfers, all meals, and provide you with all the camping equipment you need.

We will meet at our shop in Asheville at 9am for a pack shakedown. The guide will pass out your gear and food, and teach you how to pack your backpack. Once all your gear is packed, you’ll move your vehicles to an overnight parking area, and then drive to the trailhead (1 to 2-hour drive) in our shuttle vehicle. From the trailhead, hike to the campsite along mostly wide and well-graded trails.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 2-4.5 miles / 3.2-7.2 km
Elevation gain: 350-700 ft / 105-215 m
Accommodation: One or two-person tents
Pack up camp and hike back to the trailhead. 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: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 2-4.5 miles / 3.2-7.2 km
Elevation gain: 350-700 ft / 105-215 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.

Smoky Mountains Fireflies Backpacking Adventure

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

Adam Kampouris

Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Born in the Catskills of NY and raised in the Blue Ridge of NC, Adam has always called the mountains of Appalachia home. Having survived a childhood of blissful, unsupervised galavanting through the local woods, he derives great joy in sharing his love of the natural world with others, and has yet to meet an outdoor activity he doesn’t like!

5.00

Heidi Nisbett

Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Heidi grew up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and after graduating from Winthrop University with a BFA in Painting and Printmaking, she found herself falling in love with hiking and the outdoors. She thru-hiked the A.T. in 2018 and kept a detailed sketchbook of watercolor paintings to document her travels. She has since hiked a number of shorter trails and enjoys finding new ways to incorporate her creative practice into hiking.

5.00

Matt Dobson

Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Having moved around the world pursuing other professional interests, Matt has decided Western North. He has over 12,000 trail miles on his legs, including thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, John Muir Trail, and Long Trail. He has a Plant Sciences degree from the University of Tennessee and has spent many of his hours in nature studying its science and history.

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

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

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

On this Smoky Mountains backpacking trip, you will spend one night in the backcountry, 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 2. 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 (3 reviews)

Darrell Smith (source: Google Reviews)

5 stars all the way. Registered for my first overnight. I was beyond excited to experience the feeling of carrying a packed backpack and spending the night in the forest! Bev was our guide. What a wonderful experience she made this. Kind, caring and friendly! Equipment was well kept and up to date. I highly recommend this company and Bev. One of the greatest experiences of my life! Thank you! My heart is full! Kim Smith

Rakshit Manga (source: Google Reviews)

It was magical 2 days of hiking. Being in the mountains is an absolute joy .. the magnificent sights and cool breeze is a cherry on top! loved the great smoky mountains and Pisgah national forests :)) We had Bev as our hiking guide and we couldn’t have asked for a better travel companion. She is a very experienced hiker, who knows the trails so well and points out great spots and ensure we always get breathtaking views. Her energy, knowledge and compassion are unparalleled. She comes “highly recommended!!” Me and my fiancé had the time of our lives. We take back amazing memories embedded in our heart and deep in our soul forever.

Linda Canepa (source: Google Reviews)

Mel set up a great hike for my husband and myself. We had never been to the area so great to have a local lead the way. Beside reaching out to us a couple days before she also gave us some great tips to the area. Would definitely use BRHC again and certainly reach out to Mel.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 2-day Smoky Mountains 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
  - 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 2
  - Transportation between the meetup location and the trailhead
  - All necessary backcountry permits
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to/from Asheville, NC
  - Personal items (clothing, shoes, headlamp, water bottles…)
  - Inflatable sleeping pads — available for an additional fee
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
This Smoky Mountains backpacking trip is ideally suited for hikers who have good fitness. This means that you’re active 3-5 times a week (like walking for 30 minutes) or you’re someone who works an active job.

This is a beginner-friendly trip, meaning that hikers don’t need any specific hiking or backpacking experience. Over 2 days, you will hike between 4 and 9 miles (6.5-14.5 km).
You will receive a detailed packing list for this Smoky Mountains 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 — MUST have a red light function to use after dark so as not to disturb the fireflies
  - Inflatable pillow — available to purchase at a discounted rate
  - Stuff sacks — available to purchase at a discounted rate
  - Backpacking chair or sit pad — optional, to use while watching the fireflies
  - 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 Smoky Mountains backpacking trip, 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 5 participants for group tours.
  - Private trips are offered year-round.
  - The tour is confirmed at the latest 25 days prior to the departure date (this is when backcountry permits are sorted). The trip is bookable up to two weeks before the departure date.
Smoky Mountains backpacking trips 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 older than 13 may be permitted to join the Smoky Mountains backpacking trip 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 Smoky Mountains backpacking trip, you first have to get to Asheville, NC. To get there, most people fly into Asheville Airport (AVL).

You’ll meet your guides at 9am at their shop (Blue Ridge Hiking Company (70 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801). If you’re flying in, make sure to do so at least a day earlier, since you’ll be starting your trip at 9am on Day 1.
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.