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Learn to Backpack in the Great Smoky Mountains
Your First Backpacking Trip Starts Here
Curious about backpacking but unsure where to begin?
At A Walk in the Woods, we specialize in helping first-time backpackers build confidence, learn essential skills, and experience the joy of spending a night in the backcountry. Our beginner-friendly guided backpacking trips are designed to remove the guesswork and provide a supportive environment where you can focus on learning and having fun.
Whether you’re preparing for future adventures or simply want to try something new, our experienced guides will help you develop the skills needed to travel comfortably and safely in the wilderness.
No prior backpacking experience required.
3 Days | 3-8 mile days
From $749
Limited to 7 Participants
3 Days | 3-8 mile days
From $749
Limited to 7 Participants
3 Days | 5-10 mile days
From $749
Limited to 7 Participants
3 Days | 3-8 mile days
From $749
Limited to 7 Participants
Why Start with a Guided Beginner Backpacking Trip?
Backpacking is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the outdoors, but it can also feel intimidating when you’re just getting started.
Our guides help you learn:
- How to pack a backpack properly
- What gear you really need (and don’t need)
- Camp setup and organization
- Water filtration and food preparation
- Leave No Trace principles
- Trail safety and navigation basics
- Backpacking techniques for comfort and efficiency
Instead of worrying about logistics, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
Designed for First-Time Backpackers
Unlike many backpacking trips that focus on covering long distances, our beginner programs emphasize learning and enjoyment.
Expect:
- Moderate daily mileage
- Comfortable pacing
- Small groups
- Patient instruction
- Scenic campsites
- Plenty of opportunities for questions
Our goal isn’t simply to get you from Point A to Point B.
Our goal is to help you become a confident backpacker.
Why the Smokies Are the Perfect Place to Learn
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an ideal classroom for beginning backpackers.
The park provides:
- Well-maintained trail systems
- Beautiful backcountry campsites
- Diverse ecosystems
- Reliable water sources
- A variety of terrain options
From quiet forest trails to mountain streams and scenic overlooks, the Smokies provide the perfect setting for learning outdoor skills while experiencing one of America’s most beloved national parks.
Fast Facts:
- All guided backpacking trips include a professional naturalist guide and all necessary gear. We can provide you with a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and backpack. Your guide will carry a water filter, stove, fuel and first aid kit for the group.
- Breakfasts and dinners are provided in the form of dehydrated and freeze-dried options. We can accommodate a wide variety of dietary needs. Lunches are snacks on trail. We will have some bars to choose from, but suggest bringing your own comfort foods.
- Route are determined 25 days in advance of the trip. For a 2 night trip, you can expect 5-8 miles each day. For a 3 night trip, you can expect 5-12 miles with the shorter days typically flanking each end of the trip.
- Elevation change varies from route to route.
- Routes can change last minute due to shelter and campsite closures or road closures.
Ready for Bigger Adventures?
Many of our guests start with A Walk in the Woods and later move on to longer and more challenging expeditions.
When you’re ready to expand your horizons, visit Adventures Southeast for:
- Multi-day backpacking expeditions
- Appalachian Trail adventures
- Wilderness basecamp experiences
- Lodge-based hiking journeys
- Everglades expeditions
- Custom group adventures throughout the Southeast
Think of A Walk in the Woods as your training ground and Adventures Southeast as your next chapter.
Contact Us
For additional questions, please check out our FAQ page.
