Join us on a backpacking trip to Grayson Highlands!
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Grayson Highlands on this one-night watercolor backpacking trip, where wild ponies and sweeping mountain views become your creative inspiration.
After a hiking to camp, we’ll spend the afternoon painting in nature with light guidance and plenty of time to experiment with different painting styles. A travel watercolor kit is provided for each guest, but you’re also welcome to bring your own supplies. With all food and backpacking gear included, this 2-day adventure blends creativity, calm, and the magic of the Highlands into a peaceful escape on the trail.
Your Trip At a Glance
- Wild Pony Encounters
- Guided watercolor painting
- Sunset and Sunrise camp views
- Beginner to Intermediate level
- Cost: $400
- Duration: 2 days, 1 night
- Group size: up to 8 guests
- Distance: up to 9 miles round trip
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 $400, 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 3 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 In + Watercolor Session + Sunset at Camp
We’ll meet at the trailhead at 10am and begin our adventure with a hike into Grayson Highlands—wild ponies and sweeping views included. Along the way, we’ll stop at a scenic overlook for lunch and take in the mountains around us.
Once we reach camp, we’ll drop our packs, pitch tents, and settle in before beginning our watercolor session. Using the natural beauty around us as our inspiration, we’ll spend the afternoon painting in nature with travel watercolor kits provided for each guest.
As the light softens, we’ll wrap up our creative time and enjoy dinner with stunning sunset views before drifting off under the stars.
Day 2: Sunrise, Coffee, and the Hike Out
We’ll wake to a quiet sunrise over the Appalachian Mountains while your guide prepares hot coffee and warm breakfast. After soaking in the morning views, we’ll pack up our gear and begin the 3-mile hike back—saying farewell to the ponies as we make our way to the trailhead. The hike out always flies by faster than expected, and we’ll return with full hearts, tired legs, and maybe a new painting or two.
Where to Stay
Our meeting point will be the overnight backpackers lot within Grayson Highlands State park in Virginia. This location is approximately a 3 hour drive from Asheville, NC.
Damascus, VA is a nearby town approximately 45 minutes away. If needed pre-trip and post-trip lodging can be found there (not included in price of trip).
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 trip is tailor-made for backpackers of all levels. Whether you’re just starting your backpacking journey or you’re a seasoned explorer, Grayson Highlands has something to offer everyone. If this is your first time backpacking, this is a great trip to start with. The miles are not as long or as difficult as some other trips offered by Happy Hiking Co., making this a beginner friendly option for backpacking newbies.
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.