What we’re about
This group is for anyone interested in backpacking. ALL skills levels are WELCOME. This group is primarily overnight/multi-day backpacking adventures... with possibly some social gathering for members throughout the year \
\
. . \
. We want everyone who attends our Meetup trips to have a great time! Of course, being sore will inevitably be part of it sometimes ;). So, to help ensure this, there are a couple “ground rules” to follow. \
. . \
. - No drugs permitted on group trips. If anyone is found using these, they will be removed from the group. \
. . \
- Act responsibly/Safety first. Do not put yourself, or others in danger while on group outings. \
. . \
- Be respectful/Courteous. Everyone has different skill levels and/or methods. We all have lots to learn from, and teach others. We can do this in a polite, respectful manner. Acting in a belligerent way towards others will not be tolerated. \
. . \
- Know your capability. Please do not sign up to attend trips that are outside your capability. While we only truly grow when we push ourselves past our “comfort zone”, you should understand which trips you can confidently push yourself to handle, and which ones you should pass on until another time...
- Use and keep your RSVP current. Some trips have a size limit. If you sign up for a trip and for whatever reason cannot make it, please update your RSVP so people on the waitlist can join/attend. No shows on trips may not affect you, but they affect the group, so please keep your RSVP’s current.
There will be trips through out the year of various intensities for different skill levels. The host will give a brief description of each trip and the level of intensity.
ADVANCED/STRENUOUS Trips: These more advanced trips will typically require the host speaking with each of you about the demands of the route.
Let's Have Fun ! So grab your gear, sign up, and let’s hit the trail !!
Upcoming events
4
AT Section Hike: Fontana Dam to Kuwohi (Clingman's Dome)
Kuwohi parking lot, End of Clingman’s dome road ,, Cherokee, NC, USAppalachian Trail Thru-Hike: Fontana Dam to Kuwohi (Clingman's Dome)
Event Dates: October 10-12, 2025
Group Limit: 6-8 people
Location: 35.55637723483931, -83.49520401775008 (end of Kuwohi/Clingman's Dome Road)This is a strenuous 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail (AT) through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The itinerary is designed for above-average backpackers, covering approximately 33 miles with significant and consistent elevation changes each day. A good level of fitness and backpacking experience is required.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Fontana Dam to Mollies Ridge Shelter- Distance: 10.8 miles / Elevation: 5,000' ascent, 2,055' descent / Estimate: 6.25 hours
- A solid first day with a substantial climb out of Fontana Dam, designed to get the group into a steady hiking rhythm.
Day 2: Mollies Ridge Shelter to Derrick Knob Shelter
- Distance: 11.9 miles / Elevation: 3,500' ascent, 3,200' descent / Estimate: 5.75 hours
- Another consistent day of hiking along the ridgeline, with a well-balanced mix of climbs and descents.
Day 3: Derrick Knob Shelter to Kuwohi (Clingman's Dome) Parking Lot
- Distance: 10.3 miles / Elevation: 3,371' ascent, 2,008' descent / Estimate: 5.25 hours
- The final day is a significant push to the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, followed by a short walk to the parking area.
Cost & Reservations:
- Campsite Fee: The cost for the two nights of shelter reservations will be $16 per person ($8/night). This fee is non-refundable.
- Shuttle Fee: The shuttle fee is estimated to be around $45 per person (based on one quote), it could be more or less.
Payment Process:
- Upon joining the event, you will be placed on a waiting list.
- Approximately one week (9/5) before the park reservations open, I will vet and contact those on the waiting list in the order they joined.
- To secure your spot, you must pay me the $16 campsite fee at that time or I will pass you up for the next in line. I will then make the official shelter reservations.
- Once the camping reservations are confirmed, I will finalize the shuttle. You will pay the shuttle fee in cash directly to the driver at the time of service.
Important Notes:
- Meet-up Time & Location: We will meet on October 10, 2025, at 6:45 AM sharp at the Kuwohi (Clingman's Dome) parking lot 35.55637723483931, -83.49520401775008
- Shuttle Information: The shuttle ride to the trailhead at Fontana Dam will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The plan is to leave at 7:00 AM.
- Shelter-Only Trip: We will be staying in the designated backcountry shelters. Tents and hammocks are not needed.
- Bear Safety: Bear cables are provided at each designated shelter for food storage.
- Dogs are not permitted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this trail.
- Parking Pass: A parking pass is required to park in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You will need to purchase a pass for three days or a weekly pass. You will need to purchase your own pass online at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm#basics and PRINT it out ahead of time to display it in your dash.
- Know Your Abilities: This is a difficult hike with some strenuous sections. Please be honest with yourself about your ability to handle the distance and elevation gain.
Disclaimers:
- Hike organizers are in no way responsible for you, your health, or safety. By attending this event, you acknowledge that the organizers assume no liability for you or your gear.
- Ensure you are prepared with the appropriate gear and skills for a challenging multi-day backpacking trip, as you will be responsible for your own needs on the trail.
- We will hike together as a group, but all participants must be capable of navigating independently and should be prepared to stay with the group.
5 attendees
Women's Backpacking - Hot Springs to Max Patch
Appalachian Trail Head: South Hot Springs, 204 Lance Ave, Hot Springs, NC, USPlease join me for a one night backpacking trip from Hot Springs, NC to the iconic Max Patch.
** In order to make this trip work logistically I need at least two people or one with a 3rd row seating capacity vehicle to agree to meet me at the termination point on Saturday at 8am to drop car(s) (Max Patch Parking). We will drop one or two cars at the end of our trail and then go to Hot Springs to to meet the other backpackers. **
We will meet at the Appalachian Trail South Trailhead Parking in Hot Springs Saturday morning, hike 13 miles and camp at the Walnut Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail (AT). Sundays hike will be around 7 miles. Expected elevation gain 6,161. Here is a link to the route on AllTrails.
- Regarding RSVPs - Everyone will be initially go to "waitlist". This trip is only open to those that have gone on a backpacking trip with me in the past. Maximum attendance is 13 (including myself)
- This is cross posted with another meetup. If you are on the waitlist and not getting moved although there appear to be spots left this may be why, but feel free to ask 😊
- Dogs are not expressly prohibited, however, I do ask that if you plan to bring your fur baby you post to the group for everyone's awareness.
- NO COTTON - Please do not wear any cotton or cotton blend clothing. Cotton does not dry. Damp or wet cotton clothing can accelerate the onset of hypothermia, even in Summer. Look for merino wool, wool blends, or synthetic materials.
I expect average pace for this hike to be around 2 mph. **If you know that you cannot currently hike with a full pack at this pace please reach out to me for ideas on how to condition yourself to prepare**.
Here is a link to my suggested packing checklist I hope it works but if not please let me know and I’ll see what I can do: Backpacking Checklist
Standard Notice, Disclaimer:
Meetup organizers/ leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for this and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possible death. The organizers of this group and current and former members can not be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant-including you- at ant event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of a claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.7 attendees
Big Bald Mountain - Appalachian Trail
Sam's Gap, 4460 Flag Pond Rd, Mars Hill, TN, USPlease join us for a pretty hike on the Appalachian Trail. We'll gradually ascend through (in the fall) a colorful maple and oak forest to reach the expansive summit of Big Bald. We’ll emerge from the forest on a lofty grassy bald at 5,516 feet, where we’ll have 360° views of the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. Although Big Bald is a tall peak itself, we’lll be dwarfed by the Black Mountains (southeast) and Great Smoky Mountains (southwest). We’ll also have clear views of the Roan Highlands, Great Craggy Mountains, Bald Mountains, and Newfound Mountains from the summit.
I’ll be hiking a moderate pace of around 35-min miles uphill and 25-min miles down hill. Want to hike faster? No problem. Just be prepared to navigate for yourself. Want to hike slower? I don’t mind waiting a few minutes each mile or two for us to re-group. Otherwise, you make sure you can navigate yourself to camp and come along with us!
Hike Level – Intermediate -- typically hiked at 30-35 minutes/mile uphill & 25 mins/mile downhill
Itinerary:
Saturday, November 15, 2025 9:30 am - meet at parking area at Sam's Gap just off of I-26 at the Tennessee border. We’ll depart at the AT Trailhead (mile marker 320.0 in Far Out) for camp at Bald Mountain Shelter (m.m. 327.7 ) 7.7 miles, 2,600’ AEGain & 700’ AELoss.Sunday, November 16 – break camp and return via the same trail 7.7 miles, 700’ AEGain and 2,600’ AELoss.
Water:
Plan to carry the water you need for the 7.7-mile hike. We will have water to filter close by once we arrive to camp.Disclaimers:
- Know your abilities. This is a moderate hike typically hiked at 30-35 minutes/mile uphill
- We do not wait at trail intersections. Be prepared by having a map (or map app) and studying the route. Each mile or two we tend to wait 3-5 minutes for folks to re-group, but we don't wait too much more than that. Be prepared to navigate yourself.
- Hike organizers are in no way responsible for you, your health, or safety. By attending this event you acknowledge that the organizers assume no liability for you or your gear.
Directions to parking:
In Google Maps type in “Appalachian Trail - Sams Gap.” The parking area is at 4460 Flag Pond Road, Mars Hill, NC 28754. The parking is at AT mile marker 320.You can find a nice description & download a .gpx track here - Big Bald hike .
You can find more hike details & a trail profile here Big Bald AT GuideWe hope you’ll join us!
10 attendees
Past events
240
Group links
Organizers
Members
152
