Women in Wilderness Backpacking: A Guided Smoky Mountain Adventure for Women
Build confidence, learn backcountry skills, and experience the quieter side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this women-only guided backpacking trip in the Smokies.
Discover the Confidence That Comes From Carrying Everything You Need
There is something uniquely empowering about traveling through the wilderness under your own power.
Our Women’s Wilderness Backpacking trip is designed for women who want to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains while building backpacking skills, confidence, and lasting connections with other adventurous women.
Over three days and two nights, we’ll journey through the backcountry of the Smokies, hiking from campsite to campsite as we explore remote trails, mountain streams, old-growth forests, and scenic overlooks. Unlike a basecamp trip, each day brings a new destination and a deeper immersion into life on the trail.
Whether you’re preparing for bigger adventures or simply looking to challenge yourself in a supportive environment, this trip offers the perfect introduction to wilderness backpacking.
Why Backpack with Other Women?
Many participants tell us that the group dynamic is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Traveling with other women often creates an environment that encourages:
- Shared learning
- Collaboration and support
- Confidence building
- New friendships
- Personal growth
- Outdoor skill development
Whether you’re arriving solo or with a friend, you’ll quickly become part of a community connected by a love of adventure and the outdoors.
The Backpacking Experience
This expedition follows a classic backpacking format.
Each day we shoulder our packs and travel to a new backcountry campsite, carrying everything needed for life on the trail.
Along the way, we may encounter:
- Cascading mountain streams
- Quiet forest trails
- Historic features of the Smokies
- Old-growth forest
- Scenic mountain vistas
- Remote backcountry campsites
Each route is carefully selected based on season, conditions, and group experience level.
The result is an authentic backpacking experience that balances challenge, exploration, and enjoyment.
Designed for Beginner & Intermediate Backpackers
This trip is ideal for women who:
- Are new to backpacking
- Have completed a few overnight trips
- Want to improve their backpacking skills
- Are preparing for future multi-day adventures
- Enjoy hiking and want to take the next step
No prior backpacking experience is required, although participants should be comfortable hiking several miles while carrying a backpack.
What You'll Build During This Adventure
This expedition is structured to develop:
- Backpacking confidence
- Efficient pack management
- Campcraft and organization
- Trail endurance
- Wilderness travel skills
- Self-reliance in the backcountry
By the end of the trip, you’ll have hands-on experience navigating the daily rhythm of backpacking—from breaking camp in the morning to settling into a new campsite at day’s end.
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 participants use this trip as a stepping stone toward longer backpacking journeys and expedition-style travel.
When you’re ready to explore farther afield, Adventures Southeast offers multi-day expeditions throughout the Southeast, including Appalachian Trail adventures, wilderness traverses, and destination backpacking experiences.