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Women’s-Only Intro to Backpacking Trip
Pricing
Description
Learn how to backpack in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Itinerary
Meet at the Smoky Mountains trailhead at 10:00 am (exact details provided after booking). Over two days, you'll hike up to 6 miles (9.6 km) per day through waterfall-lined trails and old-growth forest — with your guide building in teaching moments throughout rather than just moving you from point A to point B. Most groups finish on the final day by 2:00 pm.
Duration of Adventure
- 2 Days & 1 Night
Location / Where to Meet
- Check in/ Departure Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- You’ll meet your guide at the trailhead within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The exact location will be provided closer to your date of the trip, but it is always within approximately a 2 hour drive from Asheville, NC or Gatlinburg, TN.
- You will meet at 10:00 am on the first day at the trailhead.
Ages & Requirements
- The minimum age to participate is 18+ years old. This tour is for adults only!
- This is a woman-only backpacking trip.
- The outfitter rates this trip as light to moderate!
- Guests must be able to hike approximately 6 miles (9.6 km) per day.
- There is a maximum of 7 hikers allowed on the tour and a minimum of 3. If the minimum number of hikers is not met, your guide will reach out to you within 2 weeks of your trip.
What’s Included
- Wilderness First Responder Certified Expert Guide
- High-Quality Backpacking Gear (Backpacks, Tents, Sleeping Pads)
- Shared Gear (Stoves, Water Filters, First Aid Kit, Bathroom Trowels)
- All Meals (Dehydrated Meals, Snacks, and Beverages)
- Two-Person Tent (Single Occupancy Available at No Extra Cost)
- We are able to accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions, however please keep in mind we are somewhat limited due to the nature of the activity. Dehydrated food is often used for the majority of meals, as it is lightweight and easy to carry (versus fresh food that is both heavy and perishable). When booking your trip, please note any allergies or dietary restrictions so we are aware and can adjust our food selection accordingly.
Not Included
- Gratuity - Never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides!
- Transportation to the meeting point / trailhead.
- You will be provided a full detailed packing list after booking, some gear you will have to provide for yourself!
What to Bring / Wear
- Sleeping Bag – 20 degree bags are recommended in April, May, Sept, Oct, and Nov time frames – the mountains are chillier than you think!
- Clothing – One outfit to hike in, one to sleep in (you do not need extra changes of clothes), along with adequate layers for the weather. Avoid cotton if possible – if cotton gets wet it will stay damp and cold.
- Sun / Rain Protection - Rimmed hat, sunglasses, neck covering (may attach to hat), and UV deflecting long sleeve shirts can all help to combat the harmful and strong sun rays. A poncho / rain jacket / rain pants is important to consider as weather can change quickly in the mountains!
- Sturdy Hiking Shoes - Broken in/Used before with closed toes and grippy tread!
- Hiking Socks & Gaiters - Comfortable socks to prevent blisters and small shoe gaiters are helpful to keep rocks and sand from getting into the shoe and causing blisters or cuts!
- Head Lamp
- Mess Kit
- Water Bottles/Water Bladder – 2 Liters recommended, one in a heat safe container (ex – Nalgene) to use as a hot water bottle on cold nights. Once your trip is booked your guide will reach out with route specific water guidelines.
- Personal Medications – If you need certain medications along the hike, please be sure to have them with you.
- Required Paperwork & ID Cards- Signed medical form if required, waivers, license, etc.
What Not to Bring
Don't bring many of the typical luxuries of everyday life that are not needed in the backcountry! Feel free to leave your makeup, deodorant, and other products at home. A toothbrush/toothpaste is the only recommended toiletry for your trip. Extra electronics and other forms of entertainment are not needed – take this time to disconnect and enjoy nature – screen free!
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Happy Hiking Company
FAQs
What will I learn on this trip?
This trip is structured around backpacking skill-building. Your guide will walk you through setting up and breaking down camp, pitching your tent, using a backpacking stove to prepare meals, filtering water in the backcountry, packing and fitting a backpack, Leave No Trace ethics, and basic trail navigation and safety. You'll leave with the knowledge and confidence to begin planning your own backcountry adventures.
What is special about hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most biodiverse national park in the United States and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park contains over 800 miles (1,287 km) of trails, hundreds of cascading waterfalls, and some of the most lush and diverse temperate deciduous forest in the world. Wildlife is abundant — black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and an astonishing variety of salamanders and wildflowers all call this park home.
When is the best time for this trip?
The Smokies are beautiful year-round. Spring (April–May) brings extraordinary wildflower blooms and waterfalls at their peak flow. Summer is green and warm, with long days. Fall (October–November) delivers stunning foliage. Check the booking calendar for available dates across all seasons.
Is this trip open to all women, regardless of age?
Yes! Our women-only trips welcome women of all ages!
Are there any insects or wildlife to be concerned about while hiking in the Smokies?
Black bears are common in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your guide will cover bear safety and food storage, and bear canisters are provided. Ticks and mosquitoes are present, particularly in warmer months. The park's wildlife is one of its greatest features — your guide will help you spot and identify animals and plants throughout the trip.
Who is this for?
This trip is perfect for those seeking a challenging, but very rewarding backpacking experience.
Don’t have a travel buddy? No problem! Many people choose to come on trips with Happy Hiking Company solo, or with a friend! If you’re travelling by yourself you’ll have a 2 person tent to yourself, or you can choose to bunk with another traveler to save some weight in your pack. If you’re travelling alone, a guide will reach out to coordinate this together. There is no additional fee for single occupancy if you would rather have the tent to yourself.
Can I join as a solo person?
Absolutely! Trips with We are very solo traveler friendly.
We often have people join on their own. These backpacking trips are a great way to meet people that have similar interests – often one of the biggest hurdles in backpacking is finding others to go with you on a trip.
If you are travelling solo, your guide will reach out to you about sleeping accommodations. You can choose to sleep in a 2 person tent by yourself, or partner up with other solo travelers in the group to save some weight in your pack. There’s no up charge for single occupancy on any trip. Your guide will reach out to you to coordinate sleeping arrangements prior to your trip.
How can I train for my upcoming trip?
Backpacking is an endurance activity that requires sufficient training for it to be safe and enjoyable.
There are all sorts of activities that can help better prepare you for your upcoming backpacking trip. Hiking with a pack on (with weight in it) will be the best preparation for a big backpacking trip. Running, HIIT, strength training, and yoga will also help prepare you for your trip as well.
A full training guide will be sent out to those that have booked a trip with us.
Do I need prior experience backpacking?
Nope! Absolutely no prior backpacking experience is necessary before booking a guided backpacking tour with us.
Often, people choose to book a guided hiking tour with us because they are beginners in the backpacking world. Using a guided tour is a great way to build your wilderness skills in a safe way, and meet other people with similar interests! We encourage both first time backpackers and seasoned pro’s to join us.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on our hiking trips.
We understand the desire to share the adventure with your furry friends, but to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, we have a no-dog policy. This allows us to minimize environmental impact, maintain group cohesion, and comply with park regulations.
Can I use my own gear on a backpacking trip?
Absolutely!
We provide high quality, lightweight gear for you to use. However, sometimes your personal preference could be to use what you’ve already tried and own. You’re more than welcome to use your own gear if you prefer.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We do our best to accommodate most dietary restrictions. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options are available for those coming on our trips. Please note any dietary restrictions upon booking and your guide will reach out to you to coordinate food for your trip.
Do you practice Leave No Trace?
Yes. Happy Hiking Co. is committed to Leave No Trace principles on all trips. Guides carry backcountry bathroom kits (trowels and toilet paper), pack out all waste, and teach guests proper backcountry ethics throughout the experience.
Cancellation Policy
To book a trip with Happy Hiking Co., a 20% non-refundable deposit is required. Trips are required to be paid in full within 3 weeks of your scheduled trip date. If needed, you can cancel for a full refund (minus the 20% deposit) prior to 3 weeks of your trip departure date.
More than 3 weeks prior to departure, if you need to transfer to another trip date there is a $30 transfer fee. Within 3 weeks of your departure date, transfers are not available.
Within 3 weeks of your trip date, a 50% refund will be issued. Within 1 week of your trip date, no refund will be offered barring cancellation of the trip by Happy Hiking Co.
Happy Hiking Co. runs tours rain or shine! Should extreme weather circumstances arise, your guide will reach out to coordinate the details and changes to your itinerary.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
1904 Lees Chapel Rd
Greensboro, NC, 27405
US
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