Overview
Reconnect with your creative practice on this slow-paced backpacking trip through the high-elevation ridges of Western North Carolina. Led by a naturalist and writer, the group will hike to open grassy balds that offer 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This trip prioritizes low mileage and long breaks, giving you the time and "breathing room" to write in your notebook while surrounded by the wild.
Highlights
High-Altitude Writing: Dedicated time for creative prompts and quiet reflection on the open peaks of the Shining Rock Wilderness.
Mountain Ridge Hiking: A journey along scenic trails known for their white quartz rock formations and expansive mountain vistas.
Intentional Pace: A low-mileage itinerary (3–5 miles per day) that values the quality of the stay over the distance covered.
Creative Supplies Included: You will receive a waterproof "Rite in the Rain" notebook and pencil to keep for your future adventures.
Meet your guide
Anna Conard
Hiking & Backpacking Guide for Blue Ridge Hiking Company in Asheville, NC
Anna grew up in Atlanta as a full-blown city slicker. While attending college in Arkansas, she found peace in the Ouachita Mountains and has been running for the hills ever since! After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2023, Anna has set her sights on learning every nook and cranny of the Southern Blue Ridge. An avid writer, she can be found at camp scribbling into a notebook by headlamp late into the night.
Total Mileage:
10-15 Miles
Transportation Included?
Yes: Round-trip transportation is provided from the meeting location in downtown Asheville (70 College St) to the trailhead.
Tendency for Break
Driven by group needs: We move at a collective pace and pause whenever someone needs a breather.
Duration:
3 Days / 2 Nights: We’ll spend three days on the trail and two nights at camp.
Strenuous Level:
This trip is for anyone who can comfortably finish an 8-mile day hike, as we will be carrying packs over rolling terrain with some changes in elevation.
Pace:
Reflective and Intentional: We keep the hiking distance low—between 3 and 5 miles a day—to make sure we have more time for writing, resting, and sitting on the mountain peaks.
Max Group Size:
8 Hikers
Minimum Age:
18+
Experienced Needed?
You don’t need to have backpacked before; if you can walk four miles on a dirt trail, you have the skills to do this trip.
This experience is perfect for:
This is for any woman with a notebook—whether you’re a lifelong writer or just starting a journal—who wants the quiet of the woods to help them find their words.
What's Included:
A naturalist and avid writer to lead the hike and help with your creative practice.
A lightweight 60L pack, tent, 20-degree sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.
All trail meals with dietary accommodations available.
A waterproof Rite in the Rain notebook and a pencil.
Transportation, permits, and a pre-trip Zoom call to answer your questions.
What's Not Included:
Personal clothing, including sturdy hiking shoes and a rain jacket.
Small personal items and toiletries.
Gratuities for your professional guide.
Cancellation Policy:
We commit our resources and guides to your experience well in advance, so we offer a full refund minus a 15% admin fee with at least 30 days' notice and a 50% refund between 7 and 30 days, but we cannot offer refunds within 7 days and strongly recommend travel insurance as we are unable to make exceptions to this policy.
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