Women's Only: Intro to Backpacking
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Through the Balds: Max Patch Overnight Backpacking
MAX PATCH, APPALACHIAN TRAIL
2 days
1 night
9 miles
ROUND TRIP
6 Guests
MAXIMUM
- Intro to Backpacking Education
- 360 DEGREE VIEWS
- near HAMPTON, TN
- beginner friendly
$375
Cross the Balds: A 2-Day Backpacking Journey Through Max Patch
Join us for a 2-day, 1-night backpacking trip through the scenic highlands surrounding Max Patch—one of the most iconic viewpoints along the Appalachian Trail. This route is designed to be beginner-friendly, with manageable mileage that allows you to focus on the experience while taking in sweeping ridgelines, open balds, and long-range mountain views.
Along the way, you’ll hike through a mix of forested trail and exposed high-elevation terrain, with unforgettable moments as the landscape opens up around you. In a small, supportive group, you’ll gain confidence using your gear, learn practical backpacking skills, and settle into the rhythm of life on the trail. Whether you’re joining solo or with a friend, this trip is all about slowing down, building confidence outdoors, and soaking in a full night in the mountains.
Food
All meals are provided by Happy Hiking Company and will be distributed the morning of your trip. You’ll choose from a selection of lightweight, backpacking-friendly options including dehydrated meals, snacks, and drinks (coffee included!).
We can accommodate many dietary needs, but options may be somewhat limited due to the nature of backpacking food. Please note any allergies or restrictions when booking so we can plan accordingly.
Gear
We provide high-quality backpacking gear at no additional cost, including backpacks, tents, trekking poles, and sleeping pads. Your guide will fit and distribute gear before you hit the trail.
All shared equipment—such as stoves, water filters, first aid supplies, and bathroom kits—is also included and will be divided among the group.
This hike starts at the overnight backpackers lot in Grayson Highlands State Park. Exact address and directions will be provided after booking.
For pre-trip lodging, Damascus, VA is nearby as an option. Please note pre-trip lodging is not included in the cost of this trip.
This trip is a great fit if you’re looking for a moderate challenge with a big payoff—think a few miles of hiking, carrying a pack, and settling into camp in the backcountry.
Coming solo? You’ll be in good company—many guests join on their own, while others come with a friend. You’ll have the option of a two-person tent to yourself or sharing with another participant to lighten your pack. There’s no extra cost if you prefer your own tent.
After booking we will provide a full detailed packing list specific to your trip. Gear that you should plan on bringing yourself includes:
- 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
- Rain gear – jacket/rain pants
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Head lamp
- Mess Kit
- Water bottles/water bladder – 3 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.
- Any personal medication
Many of the typical luxuries of everyday life 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!
The cost for this trip is $375, and will run if there are 3 or more hikers in the group. If the minimum number of hikers is not met, your guide will reach out to you within 2 weeks of your trip.
This cost includes all food, as well as most of the gear needed for the trip. The details on what is included and what is your responsibility to bring is outlined above. Once booked your guide will send you a detailed packing list as well.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.
If your guide does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip.
Our team of highly trained professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip. Industry standard gratuity for a guided backpacking trip is 15-20% of trip price.
What to look forward to
This trip is all about enjoying the experience without feeling rushed. With approachable mileage and a relaxed pace, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the views, get comfortable with your gear, and actually enjoy being out there. Expect wide-open mountain scenery, peaceful stretches of trail, and the kind of quiet you only find when you spend a night outside.
You’ll also get hands-on experience with the fundamentals of backpacking—from packing your bag to setting up camp and navigating the trail. Evenings are spent unwinding at camp, sharing a meal, and watching the sun dip below the mountains, while mornings start slow with coffee and fresh air before heading back out. It’s a simple, rewarding way to experience the backcountry.
What awaits you...
This stretch of trail offers a true taste of the Appalachian Trail—one of the most iconic long-distance routes in the country. You’ll hike along a classic section known for its rolling terrain, well-worn paths, and rewarding views that open up as you move through the landscape. It’s the kind of trail that feels both approachable and meaningful, whether it’s your first overnight or your tenth.
As the route winds through forest and out onto open balds, you’ll experience the variety that makes this part of the Blue Ridge so special. Expect stretches of quiet, shaded hiking mixed with expansive viewpoints where you can see for miles. It’s a simple, honest backpacking experience—just you, the trail, and a full night immersed in the rhythm of the mountains.
why choose happy hiking Co.?
Happy Hiking Co. is a locally owned, boutique guide company—every trip is planned and led by our team, not outsourced. Our guides are highly experienced, Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified, and deeply familiar with the areas we explore. We keep our groups small and our approach hands-on, so you get real guidance, not just someone pointing the way.
From trip planning to your final mile on trail, everything is designed to feel smooth, safe, and well thought out. Our goal is simple: help you feel confident, supported, and fully present out there—whether it’s your first trip or your fifth.