Overview: an 8-mile beginner backpacking adventure through the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina
A supportive introduction to wilderness skills in a forested mountain setting.
Perfect for first-time backpackers seeking a gentle introduction to overnight backpacking, this 2-day journey combines essential skills training and confidence-building. The experience strikes an ideal balance between learning and enjoyment. Daily hiking covers approximately 4 miles on non-technical, beginner-friendly terrain. Our intimate group size ensures personalized instruction. With a focus on lightweight techniques and comprehensive skills development, you'll leave empowered to plan your own backpacking adventures.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Overnight Backpacking Adventure in Pisgah Forest, NC:
- Trip meets at 9 am at Sycamore Flats Picnic Area
- Guide provides gear, food, and packing walkthrough
- 8 miles with 1,300ft elevation gain over 2 days
Itinerary subject to change based on weather, trail conditions, and group needs. Please inform us of any time constraints for the final day.
Lead Guide/Instructor:
Brooks Coker
Brooks grew up exploring the Ozarks of northwest Arkansas, where his love for wild places first took root. With years of experience in outdoor education, guiding, and time as an 8th-grade associate teacher, he brings patience, clear communication, and a natural teaching style to every trip. He’s passionate about making the outdoors accessible for everyone and works hard to create a welcoming, supportive environment on trail. When he’s not guiding, Brooks is often playing music with friends — and that same enthusiasm shows up in the way he leads, blending skill, encouragement, and genuine excitement for every adventure.
DAY 1
9:00 AM: Meet at Sycamore Flats Picnic Area
- Introductions and trip overview
- Equipment check and distribution of group gear
9:30 AM: Pack Shakedown
- Guide assists with proper packing techniques
- Food distribution and meal planning discussion
- Fit packs on each hiker properly
10:00 AM: Drive to Trailhead and Brief Trail Orientation and Safety Guidelines
- 20-minute drive from the meeting point
-Final preparations before hitting the trail
10:30 AM: Begin Hiking
- First creek crossing
Noon: Lunch Break
- Discussion about Leave No Trace principles
1:30 PM: Continue to Campsite
- Approximately 1 mile to secluded campsite
3:00 PM: Arrive at Campsite & Setup
- Tent setup demonstration and practice
- Camp organization techniques
- Bear hang demonstration and practice
5:00 PM: Free Time/Optional Short Hike
- Explore the surrounding area
6:30 PM: Fireside Dinner Preparation
- Demonstration of backcountry cooking techniques
- Water filtration demonstration
7:30 PM: Fireside Dinner & Evening Activities
- Enjoy Good-To-Go meals around the campfire
- Preparation for overnight and securing food in bear hangs
DAY 2
7:30 AM: Breakfast & Camp Breakdown
- Preparation of morning meal
- Demonstration of proper campsite cleanup
- Leave No Trace review
9:00 AM: Begin Day 2 Hiking
- Continue on the trail to complete the remaining portion of the 8-mile journey
12:30 PM: Return to Meeting Point
-
Trip debrief and feedback session
-
Equipment return and farewell
This itinerary is subject to adjustment based on weather conditions, trail status, and group needs.
What’s Not Included
We will send all participants a detailed packing list a few weeks before the trip. You are expected to bring your own clothing/footwear, a headlamp, two 1L water bottles (Nalgene or disposable Smart Water bottles are good options), personal medications/toiletries, and approved optional items. Generally, comfortable trail shoes are better than heavy hiking boots. Please pack synthetic or wool athletic clothing rather than cotton. Cotton does not dry quickly and will not keep you warm when wet. For most trips, you will need only one outfit to hike in, one outfit to sleep in, a raincoat, and a warm layer. A beanie and lightweight gloves are appropriate in most seasons as temperatures cool down in the mountains at night. You will not need a new set of clean clothes for each day, make-up, hair products, scented products, or deodorant. Just bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, and enjoy going all natural for the trip!
Cancellation Policy
Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hikes may be cancelled up to 1 month before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% admin fee). Within 1 month, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 1 week, no refunds will be offered. If Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather, we'll offer a refund minus a 15% administrative fee. We are unable to offer exceptions to this policy; we strongly recommend all hikers purchase travel insurance to cover their trip.
Hikers may reschedule their trip once (at least 1 month before their trip) free of charge. Additional changes to their reservation date may result in a rescheduling fee.
We hike rain or shine! While it is incredibly rewarding, backpacking is an endurance sport, and it can be challenging and/or uncomfortable at times. Maintaining a positive mindset, even when it is uncomfortable, is key to enjoying your time in the outdoors. With our focus on lightweight gear, our goal is for your pack to weigh around 25 lbs (or no more than 25% of your body weight).
We proudly partner with Blue Ridge Hiking Company and operate under their special use permits for designated trails in Pisgah National Forest, Blue Ridge Parkway, and other protected areas. These partnerships give us access to some of the region's most breathtaking and lesser-known trails while reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and community collaboration.
When you hike with us, you support a network of guides, small businesses, and conservation efforts that help preserve these wild spaces.