Join us on a 60+ women's only backpacking trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
Adventure doesn’t have an age limit—and this trip is proof. Designed specifically for women 60+, this Great Smoky Mountains backpacking experience offers a gentle introduction to the backcountry with short hiking days, waterfall-lined trails, and a supportive, welcoming group.
With all gear provided and expert guides leading the way, you can focus on what matters most: connecting with nature, building confidence, and enjoying the journey at your own pace.
Your Trip at a Glance
- Sweeping Mountain views
- Womens Only Group
- 60+ years of age
- Beginner Level
- Cost: $375
- Duration: 2 days
- Group Size: Up to 7 Guests
- Distance: Up to 3 miles per day
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, hiking poles, and sleeping pads will all be provided by your guide the morning of your hike.
All shared gear is included as well. This includes camping stoves, water filters, first aid kits, backcountry bathroom kits (trowels and TP), bear protection, etc. Your guide will distribute these the morning of your hike amongst the group.
This trip is designed for women ages 60+ who are curious about backpacking—whether it’s your first time or you’re getting back into it after years away. You enjoy being active, love the idea of spending time in nature, and are excited to share the experience with a supportive group of like-minded women. You don’t need prior backpacking experience, just a willingness to try something new and take things at a comfortable pace.
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.
You’ll meet your guide at the trailhead within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The exact location and route for your hike will be provided closer to the start of your trip. Our hikes always start within a 2 hour drive from Asheville, NC or Gatlinburg, TN.
A parking pass will be provided for all cars planning to park at the trailhead prior to your trip – your guide will coordinate this further after your booking is confirmed.
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
- 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 below.
To book a trip with Happy Hiking Co., a 20% non-refundable deposit is required. Trips are required to be paid in full within 2 weeks of your scheduled trip date. If needed, you can cancel for a full refund (minus the 20% deposit) within 2 weeks of your trip date.
Within 2 weeks of your trip date, a 50% refund will be issued. WIthin 48 hours of your trip date, no refund will be offered barring extreme weather conditions.
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.