Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking – Blue Ridge Parkway
Beauty Beyond the Park
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- Activity Level: 3
- Days: 4
- Group Size: 4-10
- Member price: from $799
- Non-member price: from $878
Overview
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.
Trip highlights
- Experience an epic adventure in beautiful North Carolina
- Hike among cascading waterfalls and camp at picturesque sites
- Take in 360-degree views from Appalachian Mountain summits
- Hone backpacking skills with professional local guides
Activities
- Backpacking
Accommodations
Backpacking tents: 3 nights.
Itinerary
We meet our guides and fellow travelers at our host hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Note on Itinerary
Our final route will be determined by the permit we receive shortly before your trip's departure. Guides will go over the route and trails for each departure at the trip orientation on Day 1. Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.
What's included
Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time
Price Includes
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.
Not Included
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; lunches and snack items; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; optional guide gratuities; items of a personal nature.
Consider as you sign up
Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please contact us or see details.
REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.
REI Co-op Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
Full payment is due at sign up, fully refundable up to 30 days prior to departure.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
30+ days prior to departure = $0
15 to 29 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 14 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:
15+ days prior to departure = $0
0 to 14 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Weather
Weather varies seasonally. April and May temperatures may range from 50°F-80°F during the day and may drop close to freezing at night. June through August may be in the 90s and September in the 70s-80s at lower elevations, but 10-15°F lower at the higher elevations where we will be travelling. For late September through November departures, plan on cool temperatures during the day and close to freezing in the evening.
Single Travelers
Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. If you request single accommodations, REI will provide you with your own tent at no additional charge if a single tent is available. Please be advised that there are a limited number of tents and single tents are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
General Information
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Meet your guides
Erik P.
An REI Top Guide recipient in 2012, Erik is an avid naturalist who's been leading trips in Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1999. He's also an accomplished storyteller, specializing in Cherokee legends and settler tall tales.
Meet your guides
Jen K.
Passionate about long-distance hiking, Jen enjoys leading others to find themselves out on the trail. Jen has thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and has hiked all 900 miles of the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Adventure Expert
Heather
There is so much more to the Smokies beyond the park’s borders. This trip does an incredible job showcasing the beauty beyond the park on an awesome backpacking adventure. From some of the area’s best waterfalls to bogs and more, this trip is rich in diverse beauty.
Departure dates
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Prices are per person, double occupancy.
2018
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Gear list
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Provided by REI
- All Group Cooking Gear
- Bear Canister
- Group First Aid Kit
- Shelter
- Stoves and Fuel
- Tent(s)
- Water Filter
Required
- Backpacking Boots
- Backpacking Pack (Extended, 70+L)
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Midweight, Synthetic)
- Fleece/Wool Gloves
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
- Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Lunch Food and Snacks for Each Day
- Pack Rain Cover
- Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
- Personal Mess Kit (Bowl/Plate, Cup, Utensils)
- Prescription Medications
- Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
- Sleeping Bag (15°-29°, Lightweight, Compressible)
- Sleeping Pad
- Sun Block and Lip Balm (Small)
- Sunglasses and Accessories
- Water Bottles (Three 1-Quart) or Hydration System
- Whistle
Recommended
- Bandana
- Camp Towel
- Ear Plugs
- Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
- Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Insect Repellant
- Large Plastic Garbage Bag
- Personal Wipes and Hand Sanitizer Gel
- Sun Hat
- Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
- Toiletries
- Trekking Poles
- Underwear
Optional
- Camera and Accessories
- Casual Shoes for Travel and Free Time
- Compass
- Eye Mask
- Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
- Liner Socks (Synthetic)
- Maps
- Reading and Writing Materials
- Sit Pad
- Small Multitool
- Swimwear
Travel Documents
- Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)
Contact Us
Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (1-800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
.Itinerary
Print Itinerary Expand all days
We meet our guides and fellow travelers at our host hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Note on Itinerary
Our final route will be determined by the permit we receive shortly before your trip's departure. Guides will go over the route and trails for each departure at the trip orientation on Day 1. Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.
What's included
Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone
Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time
Price Includes
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.
Not Included
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; lunches and snack items; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; optional guide gratuities; items of a personal nature.
Consider as you sign up
Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please contact us or see details.
REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.
REI Co-op Mastercard® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.
Additional Information
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
Full payment is due at sign up, fully refundable up to 30 days prior to departure.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
30+ days prior to departure = $0
15 to 29 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 14 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:
15+ days prior to departure = $0
0 to 14 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Weather
Weather varies seasonally. April and May temperatures may range from 50°F-80°F during the day and may drop close to freezing at night. June through August may be in the 90s and September in the 70s-80s at lower elevations, but 10-15°F lower at the higher elevations where we will be travelling. For late September through November departures, plan on cool temperatures during the day and close to freezing in the evening.
Single Travelers
Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. If you request single accommodations, REI will provide you with your own tent at no additional charge if a single tent is available. Please be advised that there are a limited number of tents and single tents are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
General Information
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Meet your guides
Erik P.
An REI Top Guide recipient in 2012, Erik is an avid naturalist who's been leading trips in Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1999. He's also an accomplished storyteller, specializing in Cherokee legends and settler tall tales.
Meet your guides
Jen K.
Passionate about long-distance hiking, Jen enjoys leading others to find themselves out on the trail. Jen has thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and has hiked all 900 miles of the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Adventure Expert
Heather
There is so much more to the Smokies beyond the park’s borders. This trip does an incredible job showcasing the beauty beyond the park on an awesome backpacking adventure. From some of the area’s best waterfalls to bogs and more, this trip is rich in diverse beauty.