What we’re about
Meet others in Nashville, middle Tennessee, and beyond, interested in backpacking. At regular monthly Zoom meetings, we discuss trails, equipment, tents, hammocks, packs, stoves, cameras and photography, clothing, weather, wildlife, first aid, food, recipes, etc., and find fellow hikers to go backpacking with. Our backpacking trips are multi-day events that require a great deal of work by hike organizers. PLEASE RSVP WITH INTEGRITY; if you can't do that, this might not be the Meetup group for you.
Most of our trips are open to all members on a first-come basis. However, there will be events that are attendance-selective based on difficulty, experience required, past participation in related or similar events, etc. This will be at the discretion of the specific event organizer.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 3 Day/2-night Smoky Mountains Backpack - Icewater Springs and Mt. LeconteAlum Cave Trail, Gatlinburg, TN$20.00
Come get "high" with me on 4-20!! Mt. Leconte has some of the most breathtaking views in the Smokies. At 6,593 feet, it is the third highest peak in the Smokies.
Friday: We will meet at the Alum Cave parking area at 1:00 PM Eastern time (12:00 PM Central). We will leave most of our cars there and shuttle ourselves to the Newfound Gap trailhead. We will then take the Appalachian Trail to Icewater Springs Shelter, approximately 3 miles with 1200' elevation gain. Those that want to can slackpack to Charlies Bunion for even more stunning views (less than 3 miles round trip).
Saturday: We'll hike up the Boulevard Trail to Mt. Leconte, approximately 7 miles, mostly uphill, but overall lots of up and down. We should arrive in time to see a stunning sunset from Cliff Tops.
Sunday: If we get up early enough, we can go see the sunrise from Myrtle point, about 0.5 miles hike. Then we will hike approximately 5 miles down Alum Cave Trail back to our cars and shuttle those that need it back to their cars at Newfound Gap.
The total route (not including side hikes) will be about 13 miles with around 4000' of total elevation gain.
Weather: We will go regardless of the weather, unless there or dangerous storms or shelter closures. See the links below for weather and trail conditions. If there is ice on the trails, traction devices are recommended.
High on Leconte Blog (for up to date weather and trail conditions)
Mountain ForecastWater: There is a Spring near each shelter. Please have a filter or some other way to purify your water.
Food Storage: GSMNP recommends hanging at least your food bag (entire pack recommended) on the supplied cables. No canister, Ursack, or bear hang is required.
I will reserve 8 permits at each shelter. Permits for those dates will be available on March 20. I will obtain permits only for those who have paid before that date. Please note that you are ALLOWED, but not REQUIRED, to stay IN the shelter with a valid permit. Tenting or hammocking around the shelter is allowed. The total cost per person for the reservation fees will be $20.00. I accept Venmo, Paypal, or CashApp. Please note that GSMNP backcountry permits are not refundable. If you have to cancel for any reason, up to 7 days before the trip, you will only get a refund if someone else takes your spot and pays. Cancellations within 7 days of the trip will not receive a refund. If the trip has to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, shelter closure, or road closures, I will do my best to reschedule the trip and transfer the permits to the new date.
IMPORTANT!!! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!!
Please contact me within 24 hours of signing up and make payment arrangements in order to reserve your spot. Otherwise, I will have to move on to the next person on the waitlist.
IMPORTANT!!! PLEASE READ THE PREVIOUS PARAGRAPH AGAIN!!!
This trip is for experienced backpackers familiar with the distance and elevation gain involved. This will be a "go at your own pace" hike, so come prepared with a map and an understanding of the route.
If I haven't hiked with you previously, please send me a Meetup message with your phone number when you rsvp for this trip. If I don't receive your contact info within 24 hours of when you sign up, your spot will go to the next person on the waitlist.
If you have any questions about this hike, please let me know. My phone number is 931-267-9378. Please RSVP with integrity....canceling at the last minute keeps someone else from attending.
Note: Please contact me about options for staying somewhere in the park or nearby Thursday night if you are interested. Also, if you don't already have a parking pass, you will need one, unless you are carpooling with someone who has one. GSMNP Parking Pass info and ordering.
- Mossy Ridge Trail Evening Hike at Percy Warner ParkDeep Well Trailhead - Warner Park, Nashville, TN
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 5.0 mile loop through Percy Warner Park!
We'll meet at the Deep Well Trail Head at 6:00 pm and spend the next 2+ hours on this moderate trail with frequent elevation gain (it can be challenging, depending on your fitness level). 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.
Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/mossy-ridge-trail
Please give yourself enough time to find parking and get to the trailhead – we will start promptly to respect everyone's time. Message me if you're running late!
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.