Start Your Journey at the Gateway to the Appalachian Trail
Follow the first steps of the Appalachian Trail on a one-of-a-kind, 3-day hiking experience through Amicalola Falls State Park.
This trip blends backcountry adventure with a touch of comfort—spend your first night under the stars near an AT shelter, then enjoy a cozy bed and a hot meal at the legendary Hike Inn before hiking back out. Stunning views, iconic landmarks, quiet forests, and mountain views make this the perfect mix of wild and welcoming.
Your Trip At a Glance
- Iconic landmarks
- Sweeping Mountain Landscapes
- AT Hiking Experiences
- Intermediate level
- Cost: $800
- Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
- Group size: up to 6 guests
- Distance: round trip up to 15 miles
Food
All meals will be provided by Happy Hiking Co. and will be distributed the morning of your departure. A variety of dehydrated meals, snacks, and beverages will be available for you to select for your trip.
Happy Hiking Co. is 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.
Gear
Happy Hiking Co. provides high quality backpacking gear to all trekkers at no extra cost. Backpacks, tents, and sleeping pads will all be provided by your guide the morning of your hike.
All shared gear (stoves, water filters, first aid kit, bathroom trowels, etc.) is included as well. Your guide will distribute these the morning of your hike amongst the group.
This trip is perfect for those seeking a challenging, but very rewarding backpacking experience. With only one night in the backcountry, this trip is perfect for those new to backpacking and seasoned pro’s alike.
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.
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 – 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.
- 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 $800, 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.
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 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.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Hike into the Backcountry
Your adventure begins at Amicalola Falls State Park. You’ll meet your guide mid-morning, where you’ll start with gear overviews and brief intros before we hit the trail and begin the most challenging hiking day of the trip. We’ll make our way toward an AT shelter area, where we’ll camp for the night. Once we arrive, your guide will walk you through setting up camp, using your gear, filtering water, and preparing your backcountry dinner. As the sun sets, settle in under the stars and enjoy a quiet evening in the forest.
Day 2: Springer Mountain Summit
Wake up surrounded by morning light and enjoy a warm, trail-style breakfast before breaking down camp. From there, we’ll hike up to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. After taking in the view (and snapping the classic first white blaze photo), we’ll descend and continue on to The Hike Inn, a cozy, rustic lodge only accessible by foot.
Once we arrive, kick your boots off and enjoy the luxuries of trail life—hot showers, a family-style dinner, comfortable beds, and an evening conservation program hosted by the Hike Inn staff. Breakfast and a packed lunch are also included.
Day 3: Hike Out + Departure
After coffee and breakfast at the Hike Inn, we’ll pack up and make our way back down the trail toward Amicalola Falls to return to our cars. We’ll wrap up by late morning to early afternoon, leaving you with a full heart, tired legs, and a new appreciation for the first miles of the AT.
Where to Stay
Our meeting point will be within Amicalola State Park – the closest lodging is the Amicalola Falls Lodge. Please note pre/post trip loding is not included with the trip and must be arranged on your own.
What to Expect
Multiple Viewpoints: Your journey will be punctuated by multiple viewpoints, each more breathtaking than the last. These vantage points provide a mesmerizing backdrop to your adventure, giving you countless opportunities to capture the perfect photograph and create memories to last a lifetime.
Camp with a View: Imagine waking up to a spectacular view right from your campsite! Our carefully chosen campsite offers an unmatched vista that will leave you in awe every morning and evening.
Wild Pony Encounters: While we can’t guarantee pony sightings, we’ve yet to visit Grayson Highlands without running into these gentle, free-roaming creatures. Be prepared to be enchanted by their presence as they graze and wander through this magical landscape.
Who Is This Trip For?
This experience is designed for intermediate-level hikers who are ready for a challenge but don’t need prior backpacking experience. We’ll take on significant inclines and sustained elevation gain, especially on Day 1, so a regular hiking or fitness routine is strongly recommended. If you’re comfortable being on your feet for several hours and excited to learn backcountry skills along the way, this trip is a great fit.
Why Choose Happy Hiking Co.:
Happy Hiking Co. is your trusted companion on this journey. Our experienced guides are not only knowledgeable but are also passionate about sharing the beauty of Grayson Highlands with you. Safety, education, and creating unforgettable moments are our top priorities.
Ready to embark on an adventure that will leave you with memories of wild ponies and extraordinary landscapes? Secure your spot on Happy Hiking Co.’s Grayson Highlands 2-day backpacking trip today and let the magic unfold. Grayson Highlands is waiting to unveil its wonders to you, one step at a time.