Nashville Backpacker Meetup

Looking to get in better shape for backpacking? Missing the Backpacker Meetup group but don't have time for a trip? Then join us for a 5.8 mile loop through Percy Warner Park!

We'll meet at the Vaughn's Gap parking lot and take the Candy Cane Connector to the main Mossy Ridge (red) trail. We'll spend the next 2+ hours on this moderate trail with frequent elevation gain. This hike can be challenging depending on your fitness level/if you haven't been hiking recently. The pace is set by the group and no one is left behind.

Headlamps/lights are required for this hike. Water, snacks, and appropriate layers for the weather are recommended. I will keep an eye on the weather and may cancel for rain, thunderstorms, or windy conditions.

This event will always show as full because everyone goes on the waitlist until they pay. If the event is still open to RSVP, it is not full. I will close down RSVP's when the class is full.

Have you been thinking about trying backpacking, but never had the courage to try?

Have you been backpacking but still feel like you're a beginner?

Do you love to hike and/or camp?

Have you ever said to yourself, "backpacking looks like so much fun, but I just don't know if I'm ready?"

Did you want to attend a previous class, but couldn’t?

Are you an experienced backpacker who just wants a refresher?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, keep reading...

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Nashville Backpacker Meetup is hosting an Intro to Backpacking class on Sunday, June 21, 2026. We will give you the information, tools, and confidence that you need to get out there and enjoy nature in what is, in my opinion, the best way to enjoy the outdoors...putting everything you need on your back and going for a walk in the woods, also known as backpacking. Then we will put that knowledge and those skills to use on an overnight backpack trip in the Fall (details TBD).

Some of the topics we will cover:

1. Basic Gear Necessities
2. Backcountry Safety
3. Trip Planning
4. Backcountry Cooking
   ...and more

What to wear:
There is a hands-on aspect to this class, so please wear comfortable clothing. You will learn how to pack your pack, how to set up camp, the most common way to cook in the backcountry, how to hang a food bag, and much more.

Lunch:
Pizza will be provided.

Can we get more info about this beginner trip?
Yes you can, as soon as I have those available. A beginner backpacking included with your class registration. Class attendees will get first shot at spots on the trip. If you cannot attend the trip on the date I choose, I will make sure you get a spot on a future trip.

Details:
Cost: $50. Payment details at the end of the description.

1. When you RSVP, you will automatically be placed on the waitlist.
2. When you pay, you will secure a spot on the Going list. I accept Venmo, Paypal, and CashApp (links below).
3. Contact me upon payment to confirm that you paid, and I will move you to the Going list.
   Location: Long Hunter State Park Visitor Center
   Capacity: 12 attendees

Refund policy: Up until the Sunday before the class, if you cancel AND someone else pays to take your spot, you will get a full refund. If you cancel after that Sunday before the class, you will not get a refund.

About your instructor:
My name is Will Irvin, and I have been camping, hiking, and backpacking since I was a kid. I have rediscovered my love for backpacking in the last couple of years, and I love to share that experience with other people. I also love helping people gain the knowledge and confidence they need to enjoy the outdoors the way that I do. If you have any questions, please reach out to me, either through Meetup, or directly on my cell at 931-267-9378.

But Will, what do I need to bring?
That's a great question. All you NEED to bring are your curiosity and your questions, and we'll get you ready for your first (or next) backpacking adventure! However, if you do have gear you WANT to bring to ask questions about, get help setting up, etc. (up to and including your entire pack for a full shakedown) please bring it with you. I will also have gear available to borrow or rent if you want to try some things before you buy a bunch of stuff.

Brief Trip Description ($429/person):
Tuesday and Wednesday nights in the LeConte Lodge. Breakfast is served at 8:00am ET and dinner is served at 6:00pm. Sack Lunches are available for $14, or bring your own food for lunch on Wednesday.

September 1st (Tuesday):
Meet at the Rainbow Falls trailhead at 11 am CST (12pm EST) and climb up to the lodge via the Rainbow Falls Trail. Dinner is at 6pm, and we can try to catch sunset from Clifftop afterward. Sunset should be at approximately 8pm this time of year.

September 2nd (Wednesday):
Weather permitting, we could try to see sunrise from Myrtle Point. Sunrise should be shortly after 7am. It will take about 20 minutes to walk over there.

After breakfast, we can go on a day hike. We can decide where to as a group, or we can split up. Charlies Bunion is about a 14 mile round trip. Or we could go north to Brushy Mountain along the Trillium Gap Trail.

The llamas will probably be climbing up the Trillium Gap trail on this day, so we might see them on the way there, or at the lodge.

We can catch sunset from Clifftop again today.

September 3rd (Thursday):
We'll have a second chance to catch the sunrise today. After breakfast we will pack our things and hike back down the mountain via the Bullhead Trail.