What we’re about
Meet others in Nashville, middle Tennessee, and beyond, interested in backpacking. At regular monthly meetings in the Brentwood REI Community Room, 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- Night Hike — Mossy Ridge Trail at Percy Warner ParkVaughn's Gap, 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 5.8 mile loop through Percy Warner Park!
We'll meet at the Vaughn's Gap parking lot at 6:00 pm 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.
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.
- Synchronous Fireflies- 2 Nights Smokies-camp 4.2 miles from ElkmontSmokies- Backcountry Site #24 and #21, gatlinburg, TN$100.00
*****PLEASE READ entire description and click on links below for more detailed information*******
Brief Description:
The official Synchronized Firefly event will be occurring at Elkmont from May 29-June 5. You either have to reserve a coveted spot at Elkmont or get lucky enough to be selected in the lottery system to ride in a shuttle bus to the viewing area. ****** We are not utilizing the two above methods of participation.****** We will be taking the long way around that is much less traveled!!Detailed Description:
I have a permit for 5 people and two spots are still available if anyone wants to join us. Please join the waiting list and I will contact you.
Backcountry Camping (not car camping or front country camping)
Friday noon EST- May 30th- Park at Huskey Gap Trailhead is first choice, but parking is limited. 2nd option would be to park at Carlos C. Campbell Overlook parking lot. 3rd option would be to park at Sugarland Valley Nature Trail Head. These 2nd and 3rd options would involve hiking along the road to Huskey Gap Trailhead.
From Huskey Gap Trailhead, hike 6 miles to Backcountry site 24. We will setup our tents. We can hang out at our campsite or take some additional shorter hikes in the area. I may bring my fishing pole.Saturday May 31st- hike 1.8 miles to Backcountry site #21 and setup camp. Later in the afternoon, we will hike 2.4 miles to Elkmont campground and the old Elkmont Ghost town. We can tour the old restored cabins, cemetery, eat dinner, etc. The typical viewing time starts around 9pm EST. After we view the fireflies for a while, we will hike the 2.4 miles along the trail back to our campsite. This trail is relatively flat and safe, even at night.
Sunday June 1st- We will hike back to our cars at the Huskey Gap Trailhead.
If interested in joining our group, please text me at 615-410-1304.
Things to keep in mind:
- You will need a parking permit for your vehicle to prevent getting fined.
- Unfortunately, we cannot park overnight at Jake's Creek or Little River trailheads near Elkmont. This is why we will be hiking from the Huskey Gap Trailhead.
- If you are looking for a 4th of July style event, this is not it. The fireflies will go completely dark and will not blink for like 3 to 5 seconds. Then they will all start blinking again for several seconds (not in synch), then they will go dark again where none blink for 3 to 5 seconds. Your flashlight needs to have a red film taped to it to prevent interference with this amazing natural phenomenon.
- If you are looking for an extremely vigorous hike with beautiful mountain views from high elevation, this is not the trip. We will spend most of our hiking time along the beautiful Little River. There will be some nice views as we go up Huskey Gap Trail but then we will descend into the Little River valley.
- If you prefer to simply hike in to the campsite on Saturday, that is another option.
Firefly Link:
Firefly LinkFeel free to go on a self-guided tour of the historic "Ghost Town" of Elkmont. Ghost Town Info
Link to trail description and trail reviews on AllTrails:
Huskey Gap Trail
Little River TrailTrail from Elkmont Campground to Backcountry Campsite #30 Three Forks
Video of stream crossings at 17:10 and 18:35- There can be a significant water crossing if we decide to kill some time and hike to campsite #30 for additional mileage.
- No Dogs are allowed on the trails in this area
- If you decide to bring your own car and park at the trailhead, it will be necessary to buy a parking permit.
- Cables are provided to hang your food at the backcountry site.
- As always, you hike and camp at your own risk when using this Meetup site.
- I prefer Venmo to cover the reservation fees.
- Refunds are not allowed unless you can find someone to fill your spot.
- I need to collect the campsite reservation money up front. My Venmo is brandon737
If you have any questions please let me know. I am looking forward to another trip to the Smoky Mountains!!!
- Beginner's Overnight: Virgin Falls Martha's Pretty Point May 31-June 1, 2025Virgin Falls Trailhead Parking, Sparta, TN$8.00
Please read the entire description before RSVP'ing.
NOTE: In order to allow as many beginners as possible to attend, I will keep RSVP's closed until May 11, the date of my next Intro to Backpacking Class. I will open RSVP's to everyone at 6:00 PM CDT on May 11.
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Saturday: We will meet at 11:00 AM central time at the Scotts Gulf Wilderness (also known as Virgin Falls State Natural Area). We will then hike down the Virgin Falls Trail, then turn right just past the Cable Crossing campsite and head up to Martha's Pretty Point. This hike is suitable for all skill levels. Please bring a map and familiarize yourself with the trail beforehand. From Martha's, those who want to can explore the area. It's about a 3 mile round trip hike to Big Laurel Falls, and about a 5 mile round trip to Virgin Falls. (NOTE: The hike down to the falls is quite strenuous, and optional).
Route Info (Gaia)Sunday: We will complete the loop, hiking the Upland trail approximately 2.5 miles back out to the trailhead.
Route Info (Gaia)I have reserved several sites at Martha's Pretty Point. I am holding some spots for beginners who have taken (or are enrolled in) one of my Intro to Backpacking Classes, but haven't had their free trip yet. If this applies to you, the trip is included in your class fee. It will be $8 per person for everyone else. I accept Venmo, Paypal, or CashApp. Please contact me as soon as you RSVP , or you will remain on the waitlist.
Super Important Info:- Whether you are a free or paid attendee, you will go to the waitlist when you RSVP.
- In order to move to the going list, send me a text message to 931-267-9378 to a) confirm your attendance and b) make payment (where applicable). If you do not contact me when you RSVP, you will remain on the waitlist.
- Just because the waitlist is full doesn't automatically mean the trip is full. Go ahead and contact me when you RSVP, even if you're on the waitlist. You might be pleasantly surprised.
- Payment info:
Venmo - @BackpackerWill
Paypal - @aretebackpacking
CashApp - $BackpackerWillRefunds - Up until 7 days before the trip, if you cancel AND someone takes your spot and pays, I will refund your fee. Within 7 days of the trip, there will be no refunds.
Weather - We will go rain or shine, unless there are dangerous storms in the forecast. It could be quite cold, so please let me know if you have any concerns or questions about your gear, or if you need anything.
Water - There is a stream near camp, but it's seasonal. The most reliable source is about 0.5 miles from camp, so you may have to carry water a short distance. Please have a filter, or some other way to purify your water.
Food Storage - There are no bears at Virgin Falls, so special food storage is not required. I do recommend some basic means to protect your food from rodents, etc.
This will be a pup- and kid-friendly trip. Feel free to bring your well-behaved doggos and kids. 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.
- Night Hike — Mossy Ridge Trail at Percy Warner ParkVaughn's Gap, 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 5.8 mile loop through Percy Warner Park!
We'll meet at the Vaughn's Gap parking lot at 6:00 pm 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.
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.
