Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking – Blue Ridge Parkway
4 days
From $ 849
Duration4 days

Journey beyond the national park and backpack the Appalachian Mountains in this unique, 4-day hike among diverse landscapes. Blue Ridge may be known as America’s favorite drive, but it’s a spectacularly scenic place for hiking, too. World-class trails await as we embark on a trip built for backpacking enthusiasts of all experience levels. This trip is a perfect escape to some of the south’s most beautiful landscapes—including cascading waterfalls and epic views. Backpack Graveyard Fields Trail, visiting waterfalls and a bog along the way. Hike up Black Balsam Knob to enjoy the sweeping, treeless mountaintop views. Greet each sunrise with a fresh cup of steaming coffee and the songs of the birds as a soundtrack. Along the way, local guides share insights about how human influence and natural forces combined to create this unique landscape. This adventure takes us beyond the borders of the park onto trails that truly showcase the stunning beauty of Blue Ridge. With plenty of opportunities to witness the grandeur of nature, hone backpacking skills and unplug from the trappings of everyday life, this trip won’t soon be forgotten.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 4 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Hampton Inn North Of The Falls
    Ages: 18+
Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking – Blue Ridge Parkway - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Backpack Graveyard Fields Trail and visit waterfalls and a bog.
We meet our guides and fellow travelers at the REI Asheville store at 10am. After an orientation and gear check, we take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the trailhead to begin our adventure. Our backpacking trip begins on the famous Mountains-to-Sea Trail. After setting up camp, we grab our daypacks and hike to Second Falls and views of the Graveyard Fields. Our night will be spent camping on the rocky banks of the Yellowstone Prong along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
Backpacking 2-4 miles; 800'-1000' elevation gain, 200-300' elevation loss.
Day 2: Hike up Black Balsam Knob for epic vista views.
We wake to the sound of birds and the smell of fresh coffee. After breakfast at camp, we load our packs and head out on the Graveyard Ridge Trail. Although the trail is rocky and rugged, views into the Shining Rock Wilderness and the river valley below make the effort worth it. We continue on our quest for spectacular views through the day, finally reaching the highest point at Black Balsam Knob. As we make our way to our home away from home, we hike along a former railroad bed on the Sam's Knob Trail while passing picturesque meadows and meandering creeks.
Backpacking 7.6 miles; 1200’ elevation gain, 600’ loss.
Day 3: Summit Sam’s Knob and hike along Pisgah Ledge.
Following breakfast at camp, we load our daypacks and prepare to summit Sam's Knob. Appalachian peaks appear as rolling waves while tendrils of wispy clouds float skyward, resembling the warm campfires of yesteryear. Back in camp we strap on our overnight packs and head out on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Diverse terrain and spectacular viewpoints are a source of inspiration for visitors. It's not uncommon for visitors to start planning a through hike along the 1175-mile trail after visiting. Eventually we return to the Art Loeb Trail along Shuck Ridge where we navigate a rocky and steep descent before crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our camp this evening is Deep Gap Shelter where we spend our final night.
Backpacking 7.6 miles; 1750’ elevation loss, 600’ elevation gain.
Day 4: Summit Pilot Mountain and return to Ashville, North Carolina.
Following breakfast we begin our climb up the narrow and beautiful summit of Pilot Mountain. If weather is on our side, we're rewarded with panoramic views into Tennessee and South Carolina. Our day concludes with a trek down Gloucester Gap, where we'll take our time navigating through the steep and rugged terrain. Back at the trailhead, our shuttle awaits and we make our way back to Asheville. We anticipate arriving back in Asheville around 5pm. Please note that this time may vary depending on trail conditions; weather; group pace; traffic; and other factors beyond our control.
Backpacking 3 miles; 800’ elevation gain, 1200’ elevation loss.

End place: Hampton Inn North Of The Falls

Inclusions

Included

  • Professional instruction and guiding
  • meals as noted on the daily itinerary
  • 3-person tents for 2 guests
  • group cooking gear
  • group first aid kit, water filter
  • campsite and permit fees
  • transportation as noted in the daily itinerary
  • Accommodation

    Backpacking tents: 3 nights

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