Included:

• • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 2-day backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (2 days of hiking)
  • Accommodation for 1 night at a backcountry camp in two-person tents (you can have a tent to yourself or share with another participant to lighten your pack, at no extra cost)
  • All meals, distributed the morning of the trip: your pick of lightweight, backpacking-friendly dehydrated meals, snacks, and drinks, coffee included
  • 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 with your guide before you hit the trail
  • A detailed, route-specific packing list and water guidelines sent after booking

Not included:

• • Transportation to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Pre-trip lodging near the trailhead
  • Personal items listed in the “What do I need to bring?” section, including your sleeping bag, clothing, rain gear, footwear, headlamp, mess kit, water bottles, and personal medication
  • Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
  • Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
  • Guide gratuities — optional

In order to join this women’s backpacking trip in the Great Smoky Mountains, good fitness is required as well as no prior backpacking experience, since the trip is built for beginners. The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 9.7 km (6 mi), while carrying a backpack. It is recommended to have a regular fitness routine in place, and a training plan is provided once booked to help you prepare for the trip. Hiking with a backpack is a fun, but physically challenging experience.

The mileage is kept manageable on purpose, so the focus stays on learning the fundamentals rather than racing to camp. You’ll be carrying a pack with your share of the group gear, so being comfortable walking a few miles on uneven, forested trails will make the weekend a lot more fun. Your guides run trips rain or shine, so expect to hike in whatever the mountains hand you.

Looking for more inspo? Discover our collection of hiking adventures in US National Parks!

Backpacks, tents, trekking poles, sleeping pads, and all shared group equipment are provided, so your list is short. Once you book, your guide will send a full packing list specific to your trip and dates.

Gear:

• • Sleeping bag (a 20-degree bag is recommended in April, May, September, October, and November, as the mountains get chillier than most people expect)
  • Headlamp
  • Mess kit
  • Water bottles or a hydration bladder, 2 liters recommended

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 cotton stays damp and cold once wet
  • Rain jacket and rain pants

Other:

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

Most everyday luxuries can stay at home, so leave the makeup, deodorant, and other products behind. Extra electronics and entertainment aren’t needed either; this is a good chance to disconnect and enjoy two screen-free days.

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.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

Group sizes and pricing:

• • It takes a minimum of 3 people for this women’s backpacking trip in the Great Smoky Mountains 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 welcome, and many guests join on their own. You can have a two-person tent to yourself or share with another participant to lighten your pack, at no extra cost either way.
  • Women’s backpacking trips in the Great Smoky Mountains 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 are permitted to join the women’s backpacking trip in the Great Smoky Mountains, 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 women’s backpacking trip in the Great Smoky Mountains is a trailhead inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Bryson City, NC, with the exact location shared with you before your trip. To get there, most people fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) From there, you can take public transport or rent a car to reach the trailhead.

All meeting points are within about a 2-hour drive of Asheville, NC or Gatlinburg, TN. Note that pre-trip lodging is not included, so plan a night nearby if you’re traveling in the day before.

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.