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Appalachian Trail Backpacking Adventure: Camp, Hike, Paddle, Explore!

Itinerary
Appalachian Trail Backpacking Adventure: Camp, Hike, Paddle, Explore!
Date and group size

Add-ons

Most meals are included in the price of this trip. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated, please let us know down below if you have any.

Select a cancellation policy

Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our flexible cancellation options.
57hours flexibility options
Deposits

When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

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.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.
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.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
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.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Appalachian Trail Backpacking Adventure: Camp, Hike, Paddle, Explore!
Itinerary
Appalachian Trail Backpacking Adventure: Camp, Hike, Paddle, Explore!
People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
4 day
Guide(s)
Raechelle Landers, Jack Lloyd, A Walk in the Woods
Reserve deposit (30%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0

  • Why settle for just a hike when we can level up with a lake? We’re tackling the Appalachian Trail, camping under the Smoky Mountain stars, and then trading boots for kayaks to paddle our way out. Three nights in the wild, ridge walks with next-level views, and a final morning kayaking across Fontana Lake—it’s everything you love about backpacking, with a splash of something extra. If you’re craving a trip that keeps you on your toes (and in a kayak), this is your next move.

    • Our adventure begins at 9am at the Fontana Dam Visitors Center, where we’ll meet, go over gear, and discuss the route ahead. After a shuttle ride over the mountains, we’ll start our trek into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ascending to the Appalachian Trail. The day’s hike takes us through lush forests and up to stunning ridgelines, offering a taste of the legendary Thru Hiker experience. Tonight, we’ll set up camp in the backcountry, surrounded by the wild beauty of the Smokies.

      Meals: Dinner
      Accommodation: Camping

      Fontana Dam aerial view

    • We’ll wake up to crisp mountain air and a hot breakfast before setting out along the Appalachian Trail. Today’s hike follows scenic ridgelines with breathtaking views and takes us to the historic Shuckstack Fire Tower. Those who climb to the top are rewarded with sweeping panoramas of the Smoky Mountains and Fontana Lake far below. We’ll continue along the trail, trekking through some of the most remote and untouched terrain in the eastern US before making camp for another peaceful night in the wilderness.

      Meals: Breakfast, dinner
      Accommodation: Camping

      Trail in the woods

    • After breakfast, we’ll begin our descent from the heights of the Smokies, making our way down toward the shimmering waters of Fontana Lake. By afternoon, we’ll arrive at our lakeside campsite, where we can relax, set up camp, and take a refreshing swim in the clear, cool water. As we unwind, a boat will deliver our kayaks, giving us the chance to paddle out and explore the serene lake before enjoying our last night under the stars.

      Meals: Breakfast, dinner
      Accommodation: Camping

      Water at Fontana Lake

    • We’ll trade hiking boots for paddles this morning, setting out on a leisurely 4.8-8 km (3-5 mi) kayak journey across Fontana Lake. Gliding over the tranquil waters, we’ll soak in the final views of the Smokies before arriving at Fontana Marina. From there, a shuttle will take us back to the Visitors Center, where we can freshen up with a shower and explore the fascinating history of the tallest dam in the East before bidding farewell to an unforgettable adventure.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Girl paddling

    • Included:

        • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
        • 4-day Appalachian trail backpacking kayak tour
        • All necessary gear (backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent)
        • Meals: All dinners and breakfasts
        • Some snacks (it’s recommended to bring your own to supplement)
        • Accommodation: 3 nights in tents and sleeping bags/pads
        • Gear: Backpack, tent, sleeping bad, sleeping pad (if needed, you’re welcome to bring your own)
        • Shuttle from the meeting location to starting trailhead
        • Permits and parking tags
        • Hiking poles
        • Water filter, first aid kit, stove and fuel

      Not included:

        • Flights
        • Transportation before and after the trip
        • Meals not indicated in the itinerary (lunches)
        • Personal items
        • Guide gratuities — optional
        • Travel and medical insurance — optional

    • This trip is rated challenging, which means that a great level of fitness is required to participate. Plan to hike for 6-10 hours per day, most days on steep, rocky, rooty, wet, uneven and sometimes exposed terrain. Depending on permitted routing, one or more days of this itinerary may include backpacking up to 21 km (13 mi), with up to 914 m (3,000 ft) of elevation gain/loss.

      Participants will be carrying their own packs weighing 13.6-15.9 kg (30-35 pounds) throughout the trip. To maximize the enjoyment of the trip, it’s recommended that participants engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least 3 months prior to the departure.

      For more Appalachian trail tours, click here!

    • Your guides provide freeze-dried or dehydrated meals and some snacks. Freeze-dried or dehydrated meals are perfect for Smokies backpacking because the Leave No Trace principle will be maintained effortlessly.

      The meals are lightweight and can accommodate a wide variety of dietary desires or needs. Snacks come in the form of bars, such as Clif, Lara, Fig, Nature Valley, etc.

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

        • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
        • Backpack, tent, sleeping bad and pad — provided by the guides, but you can bring your own if desired
        • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
        • Comfortable hiking clothes
        • Waterproof rain jacket
        • Waterproof rain pants
        • Fleece or puffy jacket
        • Spare clothes for layering (shorts, t-shirts, pants, socks)
        • Underwear
        • Camp shoes
        • Sunhat
        • Swimsuit
        • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, medications, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
        • Headlamp or flashlight
        • Sunglasses
        • Utensils (a single spoon, fork, or spork)
        • Mug, bowl — optional
        • Camera — optional (but recommended)

      Optional and recommended additional items:

        • Bandana
        • Knife
        • Small plastic bags (for dirty clothing)
        • Lip Balm
        • Ziplock bags (for food trash)
        • Map of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
        • Backpacking pillow
        • Large trash bag
        • Camp towel
        • Book
        • Whistle
        • Compass

      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.

    • Group sizes and pricing

        • For this Appalachian trail backpacking kayak tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 3:1. Should the group be fully booked, it will be accompanied by 2 guides.
        • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 6 participants.

      An Appalachian trail backpacking kayak 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 older than 16 may be permitted to join the Appalachian trail backpacking kayak 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.

    • The starting point of your Appalachian trail backpacking kayak tour is Fontana Dam. To get there, most people fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). From there, you can use public transport or rent a car to reach Fontana Dam.

      Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at 9am in the Fontana Dam Visitors Center.

    • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

      Redpoint tailors their 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.

      Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

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