Join us on a Womens Only Intro to Backpacking trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
Join us on an extraordinary adventure tailored for women who seek the thrill of discovery amidst the rugged beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. A beginner friendly trip, this route will focus on keeping the miles easier to allow more time to learn the ins and outs of backpacking. This trip will focus on teaching participants the ropes on how to set up camp, how to use their gear, and more! Together, we’ll embrace the challenges of the trail with courage and determination, empowered by the camaraderie of our fellow adventurers.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands as a captivating destination, drawing visitors into its breathtaking landscapes and diverse biodiversity. So pack your gear, lace up your boots, and prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey through the untamed wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Your Trip at a Glance
- Intro to Backpacking Education
- Incredible Biodiversity
- Waterfalls and streams galore
- Beginner friendly
- Cost: $400
- Duration: 2 days
- Group Size: Up to 7 Guests
- Distance: Up to 6 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 (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.
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 – 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 $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 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:
Happy Hiking Co. is thrilled to offer you a 2 day, 1 night backpacking expedition through the Great Smoky Mountains, an experience that promises to immerse you in the park’s unrivaled beauty. Over the course of your trip, you’ll explore the park’s hidden gems, hike through lush forests, and pause to marvel at the cascading waterfalls that make this place so extraordinary.
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.
What Awaits You:
Creeks and Waterfalls Galore: As you venture deeper into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing showcase of creeks and waterfalls. These natural wonders are a hallmark of the park, and we’ve meticulously curated our route to ensure you witness their beauty at every turn.
Wildlife Encounters: The park’s remarkable biodiversity ensures that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to observe and identify the diverse range of species that call this wilderness home. From the smallest insects to the grandest elk, the Great Smoky Mountains are a sanctuary for all.
Why Choose Happy Hiking Co.:
Happy Hiking Co. is more than just a guide service – we’re your partners in making memories. Our experienced guides are not only passionate about the Great Smoky Mountains but also dedicated to ensuring your safety and ensuring you leave with a profound connection to this natural wonderland.
Get ready to embark on this journey into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Reserve your spot on Happy Hiking Co.’s backpacking trip today and get ready to be enchanted by the beauty of this iconic national park. The Great Smoky Mountains are waiting to share their secrets with you, one trail at a time.