Explore the Wilds of North Carolina with a Guided Backpacking Adventure
Are you thinking about exploring North Carolina's wilderness, but unsure where to start? Whether you're new to backpacking or looking to enhance your outdoor skills, our expert guides at Adventure Grown Guides are here to help you make the most of your adventure.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
North Carolina is home to some of the most scenic and varied landscapes in the country—from the towering peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the lush forests of Pisgah National Forest. But we get it. The idea of embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? What’s the best trail? How do you prepare for everything you'll need to carry?
That’s where we come in. At Adventure Grown Guides, we simplify the process, taking care of the details so you can focus on the adventure ahead. Our experienced guides offer a safe, educational, and unforgettable backpacking experience tailored to your level of expertise.
The Adventure You’ve Been Waiting For
At Adventure Grown Guides, we believe that backpacking is more than just a physical challenge—it’s a way to connect with nature, grow your skills, and create lasting memories. Here's a glimpse at some of our most popular NC backpacking trips:
Introductory Beginner Backpacking Trips: Embrace the Wilderness with Confidence
Our Introductory Beginner Backpacking Trips are perfect for those new to the outdoors or with limited experience. These easy-to-moderate routes allow you to learn the basics of backpacking—how to pack, navigate the trails, and cook in the backcountry—while enjoying the beauty of North Carolina’s wild landscapes. With a supportive guide by your side, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to take on more challenging adventures in the future, all while having a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Custom Trip Plans: Tailored Adventures Just for You
If you're looking for a more personalized experience, our Custom Trip Plans offer the flexibility to craft your ideal backpacking adventure. Whether you're seeking a specific trail, route, or experience, we’ll work with you to design a trip that fits your exact preferences. From challenging summit hikes to leisurely multi-day treks, our guides will tailor every detail, including pace, terrain, and difficulty, to match your goals and skill level. Custom trips are ideal for solo travelers, small groups, or families looking for a more specialized experience in North Carolina’s wilderness, ensuring that your adventure is as unique as you are.
Experienced Mileage-Focused Trips: Push Your Limits and Go Further
For seasoned backpackers looking to test their endurance and push their limits, our Experienced Mileage-Focused Trips are the perfect challenge. These trips feature longer distances, more rugged terrain, and a focus on building stamina and endurance. hese trips are designed for hikers who want to go the extra mile—literally. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll navigate through remote areas of the backcountry, uncovering hidden gems while gaining backpacking confidence.
Backcountry Glamping: Adventure Meets Comfort
For those who want to experience the beauty of the backcountry without sacrificing comfort, our Backcountry Glamping trips offer a unique and luxurious twist on traditional camping. Imagine waking up in the heart of North Carolina’s wilderness, surrounded by nature’s beauty, without having to carry all the heavy gear. Our glamping trips provide comfortable, pre-set tents, gourmet backcountry meals, and all the essentials you need for a relaxing outdoor experience. Perfect for hikers who want to immerse themselves in the wilderness while still enjoying creature comforts, these trips let you focus on the adventure.
Ready for Your Next Adventure? — Book Now!
Whether you’re ready to explore the adventure on an Introductory Beginner Backpacking Trip, push your limits on an Experienced Mileage-Focused Trip, customize your own journey, or enjoy the luxury of Backcountry Glamping, our expert guides are here to make it happen. Let us help you plan the ultimate backpacking experience in North Carolina’s wilderness!
Why Choose Adventure Grown Guides for Your NC Backpacking Trip?
At Adventure Grown Guides, we understand that embarking on a backpacking trip can feel like a big step, especially for beginners or those looking to push their limits. That’s why we focus on making your experience as seamless, enjoyable, and educational as possible. Whether you're a first-time backpacker or an experienced hiker, we ensure that every aspect of your trip is tailored to fit your specific needs. Our expert guides create personalized itineraries based on your pace, experience level, and interests, so you get the most out of your time on the trail.
Expert Guides
Our guides bring years of knowledge and experience in North Carolina’s diverse landscapes. Whether you're hiking through the dense forests of Pisgah, navigating the high peaks of the Appalachian Trail, or exploring some of the region’s lesser-known gems, we’ve got you covered. We know how to read the land, adapt to ever-changing weather, and provide insightful commentary on the area's flora, fauna, and history. You’ll learn as you hike, gaining new outdoor skills while exploring the beauty of North Carolina’s wilderness.
Safety First
We make your safety our top priority. All of our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and survival techniques, so you can feel confident knowing you’re in expert hands. Our team is prepared for any situation, ensuring that your adventure is not only thrilling but also safe. We also provide guidance on gear, trail etiquette, and navigating potential risks, so you can enjoy your backpacking trip with peace of mind.
Family-Friendly
Whether you’re embarking on an adventure solo, with friends, or with family, we ensure that your experience is welcoming and stress-free. We specialize in creating an environment where everyone can feel comfortable, no matter their experience level. Families, in particular, will appreciate our family-friendly approach, where we provide a slower pace and more educational activities to keep kids engaged and inspired throughout the journey.
Scenic Trails
North Carolina is home to some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the country, and we know the best trails to match your interests. From the striking mountain vistas along the Appalachian Trail to the lush, hidden valleys in Pisgah Forest, there’s something for every hiker. Whether you're looking for a tranquil, easy-to-moderate trail or a more challenging adventure with breathtaking views, our guides will lead you to the ideal trail for your group. Every step of the way, you’ll be immersed in nature, discovering new wonders at every turn.
When you choose Adventure Grown Guides, you’re not just signing up for a hike—you’re partnering with local experts who are passionate about helping you explore North Carolina’s wilderness with confidence. Let us take care of the planning and details so you can focus on the adventure and the memories you’ll create along the way.
Ready to Book Your NC Backpacking Adventure?
Booking your guided backpacking trip is simple. Just click the button below, choose the trip that fits your experience and schedule, and we’ll take care of the rest. Our guides will handle the planning, logistics, and gear—ensuring you have an incredible outdoor adventure without the stress.
Don’t let uncertainty keep you from experiencing the best of North Carolina’s backcountry. With Adventure Grown Guides, you’ll embark on an adventure led by local experts, helping you explore the wild side of NC with confidence.
Pricing
All guided backpacking pricing is listed as per day per person rates.
Equipment and meal plans are included in the daily rate.
Provided Equipment includes: Sleeping bags, Sleeping Bag Liners, Sleeping Pads, Tents, Cookware, Water Filtration, Bear Canisters, Trekking Poles, Camp Tarps, and more.
Rock Climbing Experience can be included for an additional rate on certain trips.
Gratuities are appreciated but not required.
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Prices listed as per day per person:
2 people - $300/day per person
3-5 people - $250/day per person
6-8 people - $225/day per person
9-10 people - $200/day per person
Add Rock Climbing to your overnight or custom backpacking trip for $90 per person.
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Contact us for pricing.
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Custom coaching and overnight or multi-day trips available upon request. Drop box and food resupply planning, route finding, navigation, and more!
Adventure Grown Guides share 15,000+ miles of long distance hiking trails completed between its guides. Our thru hike resumes include trails such as: Applachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Mountains to Sea Trail, Benton Mackaye Trail, Wind River High Route, and more.
2025 Backpacking Trips and Course Schedule
2025 Backpacking Trips and Course Schedule
April 4-6, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Panthertown Valley Circuit
Location: Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 7 miles Elevation Gained: 1,300ft
April 11-13, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Cove Creek and Daniel Ridge Loop
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 9.5 miles Elevation Gained: 1,800ft
Location: Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.2 miles Elevation Gained: 2,000ft
April 18-20, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Panthertown Valley Circuit
April 25-27, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Art Loeb Trail Thru Hike
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 30.1 miles Elevation Gained: 10,000ft
April 5-6, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack: 101 Fundamentals of Backpacking
Location: Cat Gap Loop, Pisgah Ranger District Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 5.4 miles Elevation Gained: 1,350ft
April 12-13, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack 201: Navigation and Route Finding
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 4.7 miles Elevation Gained: 850ft
April 19-20, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack: 301 Wilderness Safety and Survival
April 26-27, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack 401: Advanced Backpacking Techniques
Location: Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.8 miles Elevation Gained: 750ft
Location: Turkey Pen Gap, Pisgah NF, Ranger District Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 7.7 miles Elevation Gained: 1,700ft
Location: Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 7 miles Elevation Gained: 1,300ft
May 2-4, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Panthertown Valley Circuit
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 9.5 miles Elevation Gained: 1,800ft
May 9-11, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Cove Creek and Daniel Ridge Loop
May 16-18, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Shining Rock Wilderness
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 13.4 miles Elevation Gained: 3,400ft
May 23-25, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Panthertown Valley Circuit
Location: Panthertown Valley, Nantahala, National Forest Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.2 miles Elevation Gained: 2,000ft
May 3-4, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack: 101 Fundamentals of Backpacking
Location: Sam Knob, Pisgah Ranger District Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 5.5 miles Elevation Gained: 1,380ft
May 10-11, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack 201: Navigation and Route Finding
Location: Cove Creek, Pisgah NF, Ranger District Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 4.7 miles Elevation Gained: 850ft
May 17-18, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack: 301 Wilderness Safety and Survival
Location: Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.8 miles Elevation Gained: 750ft
Location: Shining Rock Wilderness, Pisgah Ranger District Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 9.7 miles Elevation Gained: 1,950ft
May 24-25, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack 401: Advanced Backpacking Techniques
May 30-June 1, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Art Loeb Trail Thru Hike
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 30.1 miles Elevation Gained: 10,000ft
May 31-June 1, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack: 101 Fundamentals of Backpacking
Location: Sam Knob, Pisgah Ranger District Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 5.5 miles Elevation Gained: 1,380ft
June 6-8, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Panthertown Valley Circuit
Location: Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 7 miles Elevation Gained: 1,300ft
June 13-15, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Art Loeb Trail Thru Hike
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 30.1 miles Elevation Gained: 10,000ft
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 13.4 miles Elevation Gained: 3,400ft
June 20-22, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Shining Rock Wilderness
June 27-29, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Art Loeb Trail Thru Hike
June 7-8, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack: 101 Fundamentals of Backpacking
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 30.1 miles Elevation Gained: 10,000ft
Location: Sam Knob, Pisgah Ranger District Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 5.5 miles Elevation Gained: 1,380ft
June 14-15, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack 201: Navigation and Route Finding
Location: Cove Creek, Pisgah NF, Ranger District Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 4.7 miles Elevation Gained: 850ft
June 21-22, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack: 301 Wilderness Safety and Survival
June 28-29, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack 401: Advanced Backpacking Techniques
Location: Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.8 miles Elevation Gained: 750ft
Location: Shining Rock Wilderness, Pisgah Ranger District Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 9.7 miles Elevation Gained: 1,950ft
July 5-6, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack 101: Fundamentals of Backpacking
Location: Sam Knob, Pisgah Ranger District Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 5.5 miles Elevation Gained: 1,380ft
July 12-13, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack 201: Navigation and Route Finding
Location: Cove Creek, Pisgah NF, Ranger District Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 4.7 miles Elevation Gained: 850ft
July 19-20, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack: 301 Wilderness Safety and Survival
Location: Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.8 miles Elevation Gained: 750ft
July 26-27, 2025 - Overnight Course
Backpack 401: Advanced Backpacking Techniques
Location: Shining Rock Wilderness, Pisgah National Forest Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 9.7 miles Elevation Gained: 1,950ft
July 11-13, 2025 - Guided Backpacking
Art Loeb Trail Thru Hike
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 30.1 miles Elevation Gained: 10,000ft
July 18-20, 2025 - Guided Backpacking Trip
Shining Rock Wilderness
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 13.4 miles Elevation Gained: 3,400ft
July 25-27, 2025 - Guided Backpacking
Art Loeb Trail Thru Hike
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 30.1 miles Elevation Gained: 10,000ft
FAQs
How many miles will we hike each day?
Our hiking mileage is overall determined by the clients on the trip. Our introductory beginner trips may cover as little as 2-5 miles per day or as many as desired by the participants. Our guides are happy to plan trips with up to 15-20 miles per day for those looking for an experienced, mileage focused backpacking experience. Our expert guides will overall make decisions to prioritize the safety of those on the trip and may limit mileage upon an assessment of clients abilities.
Do I need to bring my own gear/equipment?
We are happy to provide all necessary equipment on all guided backpacking trips. Some clients choose to bring their own equipment and we support this as long as we can approve that your equipment is safe and functional for the trip planned. Our equipment includes: backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping bag liners, sleeping pads, tents, water filtration, cookware, bear canisters, trekking poles, backcountry-loo supplies and camp tarps. Our clients provide their own clothing and shoes, rain gear, personal hygiene products, headlamp, and two 1-liter water bottles.
Do I need to pack my own meals and snacks?
Our guided backpacking trip pricing includes all meals, snacks, and beverage options for for the duration of your trip. We are happy to support dietary preferences and allergies with keeping in mind that options may be limited due to the nature of the activity. If you choose to bring your own meals and snacks we are happy to provide a sample menu of options and guidance in appropriate backcountry meal options. You are always welcome to supplement our meal plan with your own meals or snacks.
What if it rains?
Rain is a common part of mountain life in western North Carolina. We plan our trips to be rain or shine as long as the forecasted weather does not pose a serious safety concern. Our experienced guides have many rainy miles recorded in their personal experiences and are happy to coach along the hike on ways to stay safe and as comfortable as possible during rainy conditions. We also provide large, group backpacking tarps to create protected spaces during rain. In the event that rain poses a safety risk, we may offer a refund or an opportunity to reschedule your trip. If the forecast predicts rain that does not pose a safety risk, we are still happy to reschedule when possible but cancelled bookings may be subject to our cancellation policy.