Roan Mountain: A 3-Day Women’s Backpacking Experience
ROAN MOUNTAIN, NC, APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Roan Mountain: A 3-Day Women’s Backpacking Experience
ROAN MOUNTAIN, NC, APPALACHIAN TRAIL
3 days
2 nightS
6 miles
PER DAY
6 Guests
MAXIMUM
- SWEEPING MOUNTAIN VIEWS
- Incredible Biodiversity
- INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
- NEAR HAMPTON, TN
$650
Above the Clouds: A Women’s Roan Mountain Backpacking Experience
Escape to one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Appalachian Highlands on this 3-day, 2-night women’s backpacking adventure in Roan Mountain. At an intermediate hiker level, this trip keeps the mileage approachable at approximately 6 miles per day. This allows you to focus on building confidence in the backcountry while soaking in the views. From rolling grassy balds to sweeping mountain panoramas, every step of the journey invites you to slow down, take it all in, and reconnect with nature in a meaningful way.
Along the way, you’ll learn the fundamentals of backpacking—from setting up camp to using your gear—with the support of an experienced guide and a small group of like-minded women. Whether you’re coming solo or with a friend, this experience is about more than just the hike—it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, forming new connections, and discovering just how capable you are in the outdoors.
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.
We start this hike at Black Bear Resort in Hampton, TN.
This is a very cool, locally owned hostel that hosts AT thru hikers frequently. Please note pre-trip lodging is not included in the cost of our trip but if you need a place to stay the night before, we highly recommend Black Bear Resort as the place to stay!
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
Wake up to sweeping sunrise views over the Appalachian Highlands, where layers of blue mountains stretch endlessly into the distance. You’ll hike along the iconic grassy balds of Roan Mountain, with wide-open ridgelines, wildflowers in bloom (seasonally), and some of the most photogenic scenery on the East Coast. Evenings are slow and intentional—think shared meals, golden hour light, and unwinding under a sky full of stars.
Beyond the scenery, you’ll gain hands-on experience with the skills that make backpacking feel approachable and empowering. From setting up camp to learning how to pack and use your gear, you’ll build confidence in a supportive, no-pressure environment. By the end of the trip, you won’t just have incredible memories—you’ll leave feeling capable, prepared, and excited for your next adventure.
What awaits you...
This trip is about getting into a simple, steady rhythm—hike, eat, set up camp, repeat. You’ll spend your days moving along the ridgelines of Roan Mountain, with plenty of time to stop for snacks, take photos, and actually enjoy where you are instead of rushing to the next point. Campsites are scenic, and the pace is designed to feel manageable, even if it’s your first overnight.
You’ll also get a realistic feel for what backpacking on the Appalachian trail is actually like. Packing your bag, filtering water, cooking simple meals, and figuring out your gear as you go. By the end, people feel a lot more comfortable with the basics and way more confident heading into their next trip.
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.