Included:

• • An experienced, local backpacking guide with extensive knowledge of the area (Wilderness First Responder certified)
  • 2-day backpacking trip in Grayson Highlands, Virginia (2 days of hiking, 9 mi / 14.5 km round trip)
  • Accommodation for 1 night at a backcountry camp (two-person backpacking tents)
  • All meals on trail, with a selection of lightweight backpacking-friendly options including dehydrated meals, snacks, and drinks (coffee included), distributed the morning of your trip
  • Personal backpacking gear: backpack, tent, trekking poles, and sleeping pad
  • Shared group equipment divided among the group: stoves, water filters, first aid supplies, and bathroom kits
  • Gear fitting and distribution at the trailhead before you hit the trail
  • Intro to backpacking instruction, covering packing your bag, setting up camp, and using your gear
  • A detailed, trip-specific packing list and route-specific water guidelines sent after booking

Not included:

• • Transportation to Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia
  • Pre-trip lodging (Damascus, VA is a nearby option)
  • Sleeping bag and the other personal items listed under “What do I need to bring?”
  • Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
  • Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
  • Guide gratuities — optional

In order to join this Grayson Highlands backpacking tour, good fitness is required as well as no prior backpacking experience. The trip covers 9 mi (14.5 km) round trip split across the two days, so the mileage stays approachable while you carry a pack.

While this trip is beginner-friendly, we do recommend having a regular fitness routine in place. Hiking with a pack is a rewarding but physically challenging experience! To help ensure you’re prepared, a training plan is provided after booking.

Your guide fits and distributes gear before you set off, and shared items like stoves, water filters, and first aid supplies are divided among the group so no one carries too much. Terrain is rolling highland balds and rocky outcrops, and the pace is relaxed with plenty of stops for photos and pony spotting.

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Your guides provide the bigger items, so your backpack, tent, trekking poles, and sleeping pad are all taken care of. Here’s what to pack yourself. After booking, your guide will send a full packing list specific to your trip, including water guidelines for the route.

Gear:

• • Sleeping bag (a 20-degree bag is recommended in April, May, September, October, and November; the mountains get chillier than you’d think)
  • Headlamp
  • Mess kit
  • Water bottles or bladder, 3 liters recommended, with one in a heat-safe container such as a Nalgene so you can use it as a hot water bottle on cold nights

Clothing & footwear:

• • Hiking boots or shoes
  • One outfit to hike in and one to sleep in (no need for extra changes of clothes)
  • Adequate layers for the weather, avoiding cotton where possible since it stays damp and cold once wet
  • Rain gear: rain jacket and rain pants

Other:

• • Any personal medication
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste, the only toiletry really needed out there

Most everyday luxuries aren’t needed in the backcountry, so feel free to leave makeup, deodorant, and similar products at home. Extra electronics and entertainment can stay behind too; this is a good chance to go screen free and enjoy nature.

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 pricing:

• • It takes a minimum of 3 people for this Grayson Highlands backpacking tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 7 participants.
  • If the minimum number of hikers isn’t met, your guide will reach out within 2 weeks of your trip date.
  • Solo travelers are very welcome on this trip. You can have a two-person tent to yourself or share with another participant to lighten your pack, at no extra cost either way.
  • Grayson Highlands backpacking tours 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 Grayson Highlands 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.

Yes! Solo travelers can have a two-person tent to themselves at no extra cost, or share one with another solo traveler to lighten their packs. You can note down your preference at checkout.

The starting point of your Grayson Highlands backpacking tour is the overnight backpackers lot in Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia. Most people drive or rent a car to get there, and the exact address and directions will be sent to you after booking.

Looking for somewhere to stay the night before? Damascus, VA is nearby and a popular option, though pre-trip lodging is not included in this trip.

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.