Women's Smokies Classic Backpacking Expedition
Ancient forest, misty ridgelines, and remote backcountry camps — a women’s Smokies backpacking expedition.
Women’s Smokies Classic Backpacking Expedition
Experience the classic wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains on a backpacking expedition designed for women.
This expedition travels deep into one of the most iconic mountain landscapes in the eastern United States. The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their mist-shrouded ridgelines, ancient forests, and extraordinary biological diversity.
Over four days, participants hike through the heart of the Smokies backcountry, traveling along historic trails, high mountain ridges, and quiet forest valleys while camping in designated backcountry sites.
This women’s expedition creates a supportive and collaborative environment where participants can build skills, confidence, and connection while exploring one of the most celebrated wilderness areas in North America.
A Landscape of Ancient Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains protect more than 520,000 acres of rugged Appalachian terrain spanning Tennessee and North Carolina.
Here, ridge after ridge of forest rises into the clouds, forming one of the tallest mountain ranges in the eastern United States. Elevations in the park range from valley floors under 1,000 feet to peaks exceeding 6,000 feet along the Smokies crest.
The region is known for its:
- mist-covered mountain ridges
- old-growth Appalachian forest
- rushing streams and waterfalls
- high mountain passes and balds
These conditions create one of the most biologically diverse temperate forests in the world.
Quick Facts
Location: Great Smoky Mountains
Duration: 4 Days
Group Size: 2-7 Participants
Total Mileage: 25–35 Miles
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Terrain: Deep Forest, Forested Ridgeline, Creek Systems
Fitness Level: Active / Intermediate
Cost: From $1,099
What You Will Build During This Women's Smokies Classic Expedition
This expedition is structured to develop:
- Backcountry route awareness
- Efficient pack management
- Terrain-specific decision-making
- Physical resilience under load
- Confidence navigating variable mountain conditions
Women's Smokies Classic Expedition Overview
Day 1
Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
Our adventure begins this morning in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where we will meet our guides and fellow travelers. After a brief orientation, pack check, and distribution of group gear we transfer to the trailhead to begin our exploration of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. On the trail we’ll pass through stunning meadows and magical old growth forests on the way to our stop for the first night. This evening we’ll enjoy dinner, recount the days adventure, and turn in for the evening under a blanket of stars. Dinner Included.
Mileage: varies between 3 – 5.5 miles depending on specific route with +/- 1,500-3,000′ elevation change.
Day 2
Today we backpack the most remote and diverse sections of trail in the Smokies
Awaken to the symphony of the forest as we ease into our first day of life on the trail. Depending on our route we may find ourselves traversing the slopes of ancient Mount Guyot, the second highest peak in the Smokies, soaking in the spectacular views at Charlie’s Bunion or working on our naturalist skills along some of the most remote trails in the eastern United States. Breakfast and dinner included.
Mileage: varies between 6.5 – 13 miles depending on specific route with +/- 1,500-3,000′ elevation change.
Day 3
The Appalachian Trail awaits and provides us the opportunity to experience life as a thru-hiker
Rise and Shine! We’ll start this morning with a trail breakfast and coffee to fuel a beautiful day of human powered exploration. Get ready for another day spent in awe as we hike among old growth Boreal forests and continue our journey along sections of the iconic Appalachian Trail. We’ll get a feel for the thru-hiker experience and depending on our route may even have a chance to experience the most challenging sections of the AT in Great Smoky Mountains National Park today. Breakfast and dinner included.
Mileage: varies between 6 – 13 miles depending on specific route with +/- 1,500-3,000′ elevation change.
Day 4
Cherish the last few hours spent among new friends along secluded trails in America’s most visited national park
Today’s journey is bittersweet as we continue to soak in breathtaking views and panoramas along our last miles back to the trailhead. Regardless of our route, we’ll cherish these last few hours spent in the remote corners of the United States’ most visited national park with passionate guides and like-minded new friends. Breakfast Included.
Mileage: varies between 3-11 miles depending on specific route with +/- 1,500-3,000′ elevation change.
Note: Depending on the route you will be following, traffic in the area, trail conditions and other factors beyond our control, your group will likely arrive back in Gatlinburg in the early evening. We’d highly recommend delaying any travel plans until the morning after your trip concludes.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.
Why Professional Guidance Matters in the Smoky Mountains
Many aspiring thru-hikers begin the Appalachian Trail with gear systems they have never fully tested.
A winter shakedown trip allows hikers to identify problems before committing to a 2,000-mile journey.
The Great Smoky Mountains present:
- Rapid weather shifts
- Dense forest navigation
- Complex backcountry permitting
- Variable elevation changes
Professional structure allows:
- Terrain-informed pacing
- Risk mitigation
- Ecological literacy
- Efficient route strategy
Participant Experience
Your Expedition Leadership
Every expedition is led by professionals with decades of combined field experience across the Southern Appalachians and beyond. Our leaders know these landscapes intimately—from seasonal weather patterns and trail conditions to water sources and emergency exit routes—and plan each trip accordingly. All guides are trained in wilderness risk management, decision-making under changing conditions, and group safety protocols, ensuring trips that are thoughtful, well-paced, and grounded in professional judgment rather than improvisation.
Inclusions
- Professional Guide Leadership
- Permits & Logistics
- Pre-Trip Planning Support
- Expedition Briefing Materials
- Gear Rental (tent, pack, pad, sleeping bag)
- Guide Gear (water filter, stove, fuel, 1st aid)
- Breakfasts, Dinners, Some Snacks
- Shuttle Transport to/from Trailheads
- Small Group Format
Exclusions
- Personal Items (toiletries, clothing)
- Prefered Comfort Food / Snacks
- Gratuity for Your Guide
- Airport Transfer
- Lodging before/after Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness level is required?
This expedition is designed for participants who are comfortable with sustained physical activity in a backcountry environment. Guests should be able to hike for 8-10 miles per day over uneven terrain while carrying a pack weighing approximately 25 pounds. Prior hiking or backpacking experience is recommended, and a consistent fitness routine in the weeks leading up to the trip will significantly improve comfort and enjoyment.
What gear is mandatory?
Participants are required to carry essential personal gear to ensure safety and comfort in the backcountry. This includes appropriate footwear, weather layers, hydration capacity, and core safety items. A detailed packing list will be provided well in advance of departure. We can provide all necessary gear, including a backpack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and tent.
What if weather shifts?
Weather is an inherent part of wilderness travel, and itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind. Trip leaders monitor forecasts closely and make real-time adjustments to routes, pacing, or daily objectives as needed. In the event of severe conditions, alternative plans or modified activities may be implemented to maintain safety without compromising the overall experience.
What is the cancellation policy?
$100 per person of trip total amount is a non-refundable deposit. Due to the planning involved in backpacking trips, we require a 45 day cancellation. A refund will be provided for cancellations up to 45 days prior to arrival, less the $100 deposit. Cancellations between 44 and 30 days of your trip will be refunded half of the full trip charge. No refunds for cancellations with less than a 30 day notice, however, we will extend a 25% discount on a future trip to be taken within a one year period. If the guide cancels your trip due to hazardous weather conditions prior to starting the trip, you will be refunded the full trip price excluding the deposit. If the guide or a member of another group on the trip ends the trip early, you will be refunded a prorated portion of the cost. If we begin the trip and you or anyone in your group decides to end the trip early for any reason, there will be no refund. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to our cancellation policy. We are not responsible for medical or family emergencies. If you need to be evacuated for any reason, you will be responsible for the cost. Transportation costs can range from $75 to $300 depending on where you are at the time of the evacuation. If staff needs to hike in to hike you out or assist in an evacuation, you will be responsible for the cost.
We encourage you to research travel insurance services to best meet your needs if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Trip Assure offers insurance for our overnight trips. Trip Assure provides plans with benefits to protect the cost of your travel arrangements; your belongings; and most importantly, you, in case your trip gets disrupted. Please see the following link for more information: Trip Insurance with Trip Assure **Note: This cancellation policy excludes Cascades and Canopies | Smoky Mountain Experience, Peaks to Pools | Backpacking and Paddling Multisport and Smokies Lake Paddle and Basecamp
How strenuous is each day?
Daily exertion varies based on terrain, distance, elevation change, and conditions. Most days involve [6-9] hours of hiking with regular breaks, opportunities for recovery, and time to engage with the landscape. Leaders set a sustainable pace focused on endurance and group cohesion rather than speed, allowing guests to move confidently and steadily through each day.
Are bear precautions required in the Smokies?
Yes. The Great Smoky Mountains are active black bear habitat. The park requires proper food storage in the backcountry. Guides will review bear-safe practices with the group and ensure food is stored according to park regulations.
Will we stay in shelters or tents?
Most Smokies backpacking routes use designated backcountry campsites or shelters. Depending on the itinerary and group preferences, the trip may include either. Participants should be prepared to carry and use their own backpacking shelter.
How crowded are the Smokies backcountry trails?
Some front-country areas of the park are busy, but once in the backcountry the experience is often much quieter. Routes are selected to maximize time on less traveled trails and remote campsites whenever possible.
What makes the Smokies different from other backpacking areas in the Southeast?
The Smokies combine high mountain elevations, ancient forests, and exceptional biodiversity. Elevation changes can be significant, and the forest is often dense and mist-filled, creating a very different atmosphere than plateau landscapes like Big South Fork or the open ridgelines of Pisgah.
Will we see wildlife?
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the Smokies are home to black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, salamanders, and a wide range of bird species. Guides help participants understand the ecosystems and wildlife that make the park one of the most biologically diverse areas in North America.
Enrollment Is Limited
Each expedition is limited to 6 participants to preserve instructional quality and terrain integrity.