Intro to Backpacking: Beginner-Friendly Smoky Mountain Backpacking Trip
Beginner-friendly, guided backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains designed to help you build confidence, learn essential backcountry skills, and experience the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park beyond the busy trailheads.
Your First Backpacking Adventure Starts Here
Curious about backpacking but not sure where to begin?
Our Intro to Backpacking: Smokies Basecamp is designed specifically for first-time backpackers and those looking to refine their gear, camp setup, and backcountry skills. Over three days and two nights, you’ll experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains while learning the fundamentals of safe and comfortable wilderness travel.
Unlike traditional backpacking trips that move camp every day, this adventure uses a backcountry basecamp. After hiking into camp on Day 1, you’ll spend two nights at the same campsite, allowing you to settle in, build confidence, and enjoy the backcountry without constantly packing up and moving.
It’s the perfect balance of adventure, learning, and fun.
Why This Trip Is Different
Many beginner backpackers worry about:
- Carrying too much gear
- Setting up camp correctly
- Choosing the right equipment
- Packing efficiently
- Navigating the backcountry
- Knowing what to expect overnight
Our experienced guides help you work through all of those questions in a supportive environment.
Throughout the trip you’ll learn:
- Backpack fitting and adjustment
- Efficient packing techniques
- Campsite organization
- Shelter setup
- Water treatment
- Camp cooking basics
- Leave No Trace principles
- Backcountry comfort and safety
Whether you’re preparing for future adventures or simply want to experience your first overnight backpacking trip, you’ll leave with practical skills and increased confidence.
The Smokies Basecamp Experience
After hiking into our backcountry campsite, we establish a comfortable basecamp that becomes our home for the next two nights.
With camp established, Day 2 becomes a true reward.
Leaving the large packs behind, we’ll set out with light daypacks to explore another corner of the Smokies. Depending on the route selected, we may visit:
- Cascading mountain waterfalls
- Old-growth forest
- Remote backcountry streams
- Scenic mountain vistas
- Historic features of the Smokies
The exact route changes throughout the season, ensuring each trip offers its own unique experience.
Quick Facts
Location: Great Smoky Mountains
Duration: 3 Days
Group Size: 2-7 Participants
Total Mileage: 15-20 Miles
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Terrain: Winter Forest, Creek Systems
Fitness Level: Active / Beginner
Cost: $749
Perfect For
This trip is ideal for:
- First-time backpackers
- Hikers considering longer backpacking trips
- Future Appalachian Trail hikers
- Outdoor enthusiasts looking to build skills
- Backpackers wanting to test new gear
- Anyone seeking a supportive introduction to backcountry travel
No prior backpacking experience is required.
What You'll Build During This Adventure
This trip is structured to develop:
- Backpacking fundamentals
- Campcraft and organization
- Efficient gear management
- Trail confidence
- Backcountry decision-making
- Comfort living outdoors
Many participants use this trip as a stepping stone toward more ambitious backpacking adventures in the future.
Your backpacking journey starts here.
Ready for Bigger Adventures?
Many guests begin with Intro to Backpacking and later move on to more advanced expeditions.
When you’re ready for longer routes, wilderness traverses, lodge-based adventures, or multi-day expeditions throughout the Southeast, visit Adventures Southeast to explore our growing collection of guided expeditions.