Blue Ridge Mountains Backpacking

Welcome to North Carolina! Your adventure begins in Asheville with a meeting at 4 pm to meet your trip leader and fellow hikers. If you arrive early, maybe start diving into Asheville's quirky culture – explore local walking trails, wander the River Arts District galleries or sample craft beers at one of the many brewpubs. For a touch of local history, you could visit the Biltmore Estate, famous for being America’s largest home. After your meeting, join your group for dinner at a local restaurant, swapping stories and getting to know each other as anticipation builds for the backpacking trip ahead.

It’s time to do what you came here to do – hike! Your multi-day Appalachian hiking trip to the Shining Rock Wilderness starts with a drive through Brevard and a stop at Looking Glass Falls, before reaching the trailhead along the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway. From there, tackle the Art Loeb Trail, a rugged route crossing multiple 6000-ft peaks. Summit Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain, scramble over rocky ridgelines and navigate alpine balds with panoramic views stretching across the Appalachian Mountains. Along the way, cross streams, traverse meadows and pause for lunch atop a peak or in the grassy meadows of Ivestor Gap. You’ll then hike to your two-night basecamp near Shining Rock Gap, where a sunset dinner awaits atop the white quartzite outcroppings of Shining Rock. After a full day hiking, unwind under the stars and let the wilderness recharge you.

Ascend into the high country today as you hike to the summit of Cold Mountain, rising 6030 ft and famously immortalized in Charles’ Frazier’s novel ‘Cold Mountain’. This challenging, trek takes you through rugged Appalachian terrain, across rocky ridges and thick forests. Pause at the summit for a picnic packed by your trip leader while letting the expansive mountain views sink in with your adventure crew. After taking in the high-country vistas, descend back toward Shining Rock Gap, navigating the same wild trails that make this area legendary. Return to your scenic basecamp for dinner with the group and time to relax after a day of hiking, exploring and immersing yourself fully in the wilderness.

Break down camp this morning then follow the trail back to where your trek began, taking in the views of craggy ridge lines, forested valleys and untamed wilderness along the way. Pause at multiple lookout points that sweep across Pisgah National Forest, giving you a last chance to take in the region’s rugged scenery. Lunch is served at a scenic viewpoint along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, where you can refuel, reflect and share stories about the highlights of your Appalachian adventure. After lunch, continue your journey back to Asheville, arriving around 5 pm and carrying memories of challenging hikes, alpine peaks and nights under the stars. If you’d like to extend your stay in this area, chat with your booking agent beforehand.