Culinary Backpacking Trip – Smoky Mountains, NC

DAY 1

Begin our adventure on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail

We meet your guides this morning in Asheville. After an orientation and gear check, we take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to

the trailhead to begin our adventure. Our backpacking trip begins on the famous Mountains-to-Sea Trail. After setting up camp, we grab our daypacks and hike to Second Falls and Graveyard Fields with a glimpse of Upper Yellowstone Falls. Our night will be spent camping on the rocky banks of the Yellowstone Prong along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Backpacking 1.8 miles; 660′ elevation gain, 230′ elevation loss; Hiking 1.5 – 3.5 miles; cumulative elevation gain/loss; 140′ – 360′

DAY 2

Hike up Black Balsam Knob for epic vista views

We wake to the sound of birds and smell of fresh coffee. After breakfast at camp, we load our packs and head out on the Graveyard Ridge Trail. Although the trail is rocky and rugged, views into the Shining Rock Wilderness and the river valley below make the effort worth it. We continue on our quest for spectacular views through the day, finally reaching the highest point at Black Balsam Knob. As we make our way to our home away from home, we hike along a former railroad bed on the Sam’s Knob Trail while passing picturesque meadows and meandering creeks.

Backpacking 7.6 miles; 1200′ elevation gain, 600′ loss

DAY 3

Backpack Pisgah Ledge and Art Loeb Trail

After breakfast at camp, we load our packs and continue along our route. Appalachian peaks appear as rolling waves while tendrils of wispy clouds float skyward, resembling the warm campfires of yesteryear. Diverse terrain and spectacular viewpoints are a source of inspiration for visitors. It’s not uncommon for visitors to start planning a through hike along the 1175-mile trail after visiting. Eventually we return to the Art Loeb Trail along Shuck Ridge where we navigate a rocky and steep descent before crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our camp this evening is Deep Gap Shelter where we spend our final night.

Backpacking 5.1 miles; 1725’ elevation loss, 977’ elevation gain

DAY 4

Summit Pilot Mountain and return to Asheville, North Carolina

Following breakfast we begin our climb up the narrow and beautiful summit of Pilot Mountain. If weather is on our side, we’re rewarded with panoramic views into Tennessee and South Carolina. Our day concludes with a trek down Gloucester Gap, where we’ll take our time navigating through the steep and rugged terrain. Back at the trailhead, our shuttle awaits and we make our way back to Asheville. We anticipate arriving back in Asheville late this afternoon. Please note that this time may vary depending on trail conditions; weather; group pace; traffic; and other factors beyond our control.

Backpacking 3 miles; 800’ elevation gain, 1200’ elevation loss

Email Chef Corso eatwell@outdooreats.com with any questions and to sign up.

Can’t wait to see you on the trail!

Inclusions & Details 

$1249 PER PERSON NET PRICING (US DOLLARS – TAX INCLUDED):

Maximum: 10 total participants

DATES: September 21-24, 2023

# DAYS / NIGHTS: 4 Days / 3 nights

INCLUDED IN COST:

• 2 Professional, knowledgeable, and safety certified trip leaders
• Vehicle support throughout the trip
• (3) nights of Backpacking tents
• All camping gear and supplies (tents, group cooking gear, bear canister, group first aid, stoves, fuel, water filter, trekking poles and sleeping pads)

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park permits and entry fees
• Meals as defined in the itinerary
• Bottled water, sports drinks & snacks during vehicle transfers
• Airport Transfers limited to (1) Arrival and (1) Departure

NOT INCLUDED IN COST:

• Airfare
• Airport Transfers outside of the quantity stated in the inclusions
• Personal Insurance and expenses
• Sleeping Bag *rental sleeping bags available on request*
• Alcohol
• REI Guide gratuities