57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Asheville, NC, please refer to the North Carolina official website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • A half or full day of hiking depending on your chosen itinerary
  • Snacks for the half-day tours, lunch for the full-day tour
  • Transportation to the trailhead for group tours
  • Headlamps for the sunset hike

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to Asheville
  • Transportation to the trailhead for private tours — can be provided for an additional fee
  • Accommodations
  • Guide gratuities

The best thing about hiking in Asheville is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. For beginner hikes, if you can walk for four to six hours with little elevation gain, you are good to go! Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

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

• • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Personal medication
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

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 prices:

• • For the private adventures, the usual group size is 3 to 6 participants and 1 guide. The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!
  • For the group adventures, the usual client to guide ratio is 6:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for a tour to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
  • Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join on private adventures!  Dogs must be kept on a 6′ leash at all times during the hike, and owners are expected to pack out any pet waste. Please contact us ahead of time if you have a pet that will be joining the hike.

Hiking in Asheville 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 hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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

To get to Asheville, NC, most people fly to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, NC, just over 2 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Asheville.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. You will typically meet your guide at their downtown location in Asheville or at the trailhead. Getting to the trailhead usually requires a drive of 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the itinerary.