Nashville Backpacker Meetup

Please read the entire description before you RSVP

If this trip caught your attention do this:

1. RSVP.
2. Text me at 931-267-9378. Venmo me $10 to help cover the permit fees. (My Venmo is @BackpackerWill). Please do this within 24 hours of RSVP'ing.
3. Pack your stuff (very important step).
4. Show up.
5. Hike.

(NOTE: Capacity for this trip is 8 people, including the host, due to availability of permit)

Let's beat the heat with some elevation in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Twentymile Loop, culminating at Gregory Bald, is one of the most beautiful areas of the Smokies. The hike is full of rhododendra, azaleas, and a good bit of elevation.

Saturday, June 13: We will meet at Twentymile Trailhead at 11:00 AM Eastern Time (10:00 AM Central Time). It's an early-ish start. I recommend staying somewhere nearby the night before. More on that below. From there we will hike the Twentymile Trail counterclockwise up to Gregory Bald and camp at Sheep Pen Gap, approximately .25 miles past Gregory Bald. With any luck, we'll get up there in time for a gorgeous sunset.

Totals for the day:
Miles: 9
Approximate Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,750/400

Sunday, June 14: We will hike the remainder of the Twentymile Loop back to the trailhead.
Miles: 7
Elevation G/L: 400/3,750

Totals for the trip: Approx. 16 miles, 3,750 ft elevation gain/loss.

Difficulty: This is a strenuous hike, but suitable for any skill level. Please know your fitness level, have a map, and be able to navigate before signing up for this trip. A slow and steady hiker is fine, as long as you can find your way to camp. This is a go at your own pace hike.

Weather: We will go rain or shine, unless there are severe storms in the forecast. It will likely be quite chilly, so plan accordingly. I'll post weather updates closer to the trip.

Water: There is a water source about 0.2 miles past the campsite. There may be some water along the route, but fill up whenevver you can or plan to carry enough to get yourself to camp.

Food Storage: There are bears in the Smokies. However, there are cables to hang your packs from so there is no need for an Ursack or canister.

Cost: The cost is $10 to cover the cost of the permits. My Venmo is @BackpackerWill

Carpooling: If we can coordinate it, carpooling is highly recommended. Parking is limited at the trailhead. If you're carpooling, please be prepared to help the driver out with gas money.

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Friday Night, June 12 Lodging Options:

Fontana Dam Shelter:
There is a backpacker's shelter and campsite on the AT near Fontana Dam. Permits are not required. It is free to stay there. Its a really nice shelter, accordingly nicknamed the Fontana Hilton. I plan to drive down Friday afternoon and stay there.

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.