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- Intro to Backpacking Class - Sunday, May 11, 2025Long Hunter State Park, Hermitage, TN$50.00
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, May 11, 2025. 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 to the Martha's Pretty Point campsite at Virgin Falls on May 31-June 1, 2025 (details below).
Some of the topics we will cover:
- Basic Gear Necessities
- Backcountry Safety
- Trip Planning
- 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. A beginner backpacking trip to Virgin Falls is included with your class registration. If you cannot attend the trip on the date I choose, I will make sure you get a spot on a future trip.Trip Details:
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 all four sites at Martha's Pretty Point campsite. If there is sufficient space after all beginners claim a spot, I may open it up to the rest of the Meetup group so you all can meet some of our more experienced members, and get to know and learn from them.
Gear:
Much of what you learn in the class will be related to the gear that you need for the trip. If you need gear for the trip (or any trip), I also rent a basic setup, which includes a comfortable backpack, shelter (tent, or hammock, if available), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and basic cook kit for an additoinal $20 for the whole setup. You can either pay this when you register for the class, or anytime before the trip, if you're not sure whether or not you will need anything. If you can't afford the gear rental, or just need a piece or two of gear, message me and I'll make sure you get what you need for the trip. Don't let a lack of gear keep you from joining us.Weather - We will go rain or shine, unless there are dangerous storms in the forecast. Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions about your gear.
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.
Details:
Cost: $50 ($70 if renting gear). Payment details at the end of the description.- When you RSVP, you will automatically be placed on the waitlist.
- When you pay, you will secure a spot on the Going list. I accept Venmo, Paypal, and CashApp (links below).
- 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.Payment Options (Venmo preferred)
Venmo - @BackpackerWill
Paypal - willirvin74@gmail.com
CashApp - $BackpackerWillI look forward to meeting you, and seeing you on the trail!!
- 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.
