What better way is there to enjoy early fall than with a group of adventurous women on the trail and around the campfire? Climb mountains, ford streams, and recharge your batteries while marveling at the natural wonders around you.

Join two experienced naturalist guides and experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains firsthand on a three-day (two-night) beginner backpacking adventure. Our guides will provide the tools you need to succeed on this program including “how-to” information, permits, food, transportation to and from the trail, and group equipment (including tents, cooking equipment, backpacks, and sleeping pads), plus extensive knowledge of the Smokies ecosystem we will be traveling through. All you will need is personal clothing and gear (including a sleeping bag) and to be physically and mentally prepared for three days in the backcountry. No former backpacking experience is needed, but you should be prepared to carry a 40 lb. backpack for 5-8 miles a day over rugged, mountainous terrain.

The route is different every year and there is no easy terrain in the Smoky Mountains. You can expect a moderate difficulty and total mileage between 15-20 miles over the weekend. We hope that you will leave feeling accomplished and ready to continue exploring the mountains on your own. Tremont will give you the tools to pursue personal day hikes and backpacking trips in the future.

What can you expect? We will start our trip at Tremont Institute, where we will help you pack your gear, go over our route, and get to know the other women we will be traveling with. The next morning, we’ll enjoy breakfast and then we’re off! The first day is generally no more than 5 miles. This will hopefully allow us some relaxation time at our first campsite. The second day is designed to push you, and will probably be the most difficult of the trip; you will likely hike 6-8 miles along mountainous terrain, in higher elevations so that we can get some spectacular views out over the mountains and the beautiful fall colors. On our final day, we will hike 5-7 miles, generally on easier terrain so that we can return to Tremont with time for showers and good-byes before your departure.

Cost: $475