About us
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 \
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. 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. \
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. - No drugs permitted on group trips. If anyone is found using these, they will be removed from the group. \
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- Act responsibly/Safety first. Do not put yourself, or others in danger while on group outings. \
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- 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. \
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- 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
Women Only Beginner Friendly - South Mountains State Park
South Mountain State Park, 3001 S Mountain Park Ave, Connelly Springs, NC, USComplete beginner? Long time backpacker and just haven’t gotten out there in a while? Recovering from an injury? Seasoned backpacker and just want a more leisurely outing? This trip is designed for beginner’s however all are welcome. If you are experienced, however, be prepared to share tips 😊.
The trails we will be using are shared with eqestrians, so wide and not terribly steep. The campsite for night one has clear view of sky for stargazing!Note regarding RSVPs: I have two sites reserved at each of the backcountry camping locations that will accomodate up to 12 people. To secure a spot and get moved to "going" venmo $6 to help cover the cost of the campsites will be required. When you RSVP I will provide you with details for Venmo and move you to going once completed.
- Total Mileage: ~ 15 (~4 miles day one, 6 day two and 5 day 3)
- Total Ascent: 3,387
- Where are we going?: Route map on GAIA GPS
- Campsites: Sawtooth Backcountry Campsites night one and Fox Trail night two
- Cell Service: Seemed pretty reliable when I was there before
- Bear Safety: Food Lockers at campsites
- Water Availabilty: Water source at campsites
- Privy?: Yes at each campsite
- Please no dogs. Not everyone loves our fur babies as much as we do and I want to keep these outings welcoming and comfortable for all.
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 you 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.3 attendees
2 Nights - Great Smokies - 26 miles - Memorial Day Weekend
deep creek campground, deep creek rd, Bryson City, NC, USJoin us for a 2 night backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We'll start and end in Deep Creek campground/picnic area (see Google Map link below). We'll pass through wonderful forests and hike along majestic creeks.
If you want to join this trip please join the Waitlist. I’ll message the first 6 vetted people with how to pay the $16. Once I receive your camping reservation payment I’ll move you to the Going list.
Parking pass required to park in GSMNP. See Logistics notes below.
Campsites require paid reservations in GSMNP. The campsite reservation fee is $16 per person.Total Ascent: 6,627 ft
Total Descent: 6,603 ftDay 1: ~11.4 miles
10AM - start hiking from the Noland Divide Trailhead. We'll hike for ~11.4 miles to Campsite #57 Bryson Place. We'll be hiking on the Noland Divide trailhead to Pole Road Creek Trail to Deep Creek Trail. Campsite #57 is near the intersection of Deep Creek Trail and Martins Gap Trail.Day 2: ~10 miles
We'll hike for ~10 miles to Camp # 46 Estes Branch. Continue on Deep Creek Trail down to Loop Trail, then up Sunkota Ridge Trail. We'll take Martin's Gap Trail down to campsite #46.Day 3: ~5 miles
We'll hike for ~5 miles back to our cars. We'll continue down Martin's Gap Trail to Indian Creek Trail. We'll follow that down to Deep Gap Trail until we intersect back with the Noland Divide Trail, which will take us back to our cars. We'll have an opportunity to see Tom Branch Falls (event photo) the 3rd day on our way back.Logistics
Parking:
You can park wherever in the Deep Creek Campground area but plan to meet at the Parking Area #1, this Google Maps location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/R16qUko62t5XoZBF9Parking pass required to park in GSMNP.
- You will need to purchase your own parking pass at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm#basics and PRINT it out ahead of time so you can display it in your dash. There are also probably kiosks you can purchase directly from at the Deep Creek Campground where we'll start and end.
- You will need a pass for THREE days so we recommend getting the weekly pass as it's the same price as three daily passes.
Campsites
- Campsites in the Smokies must be reserved ahead of time and are $8 per person per night, $16 total for this trip. ORGANIZERS will pre-pay for the campsite reservations when they become available to reserve (30 days ahead).
- Payments are refundable until May 8, 2025. That would allow enough time for another person to join and pay should you decide to cancel so we don't lose any of the reservation fees.
- Each campsite has bear cables for hanging food and easy access to water.
Gaia Maps Route:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=12.3/-83.4327/35.5002&pubLink=bn6ahkNMIZAgLXxbT1c9EiwL&routeId=3009b836-7578-4600-bd4b-3a12be535e3eDisclaimers:
- 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.
- Know your abilities. This is a difficult hike, with some strenuous sections.
- Plan for poison ivy and insects. Poison ivy is notorious in the smokies this time of year. Be sure to also bring insect/tick repellent.
- We do not wait at trail intersections. Be prepared by having a map (or map app) and studying the route. There are many turns on this trip, know the route! We have provided the route map via Gaia above.
- Be prepared for water crossings and unknown trail conditions. Almost every trail we've done in the Smokies has some level of water crossing, which could be passable by rock hopping or may require wading.
6 attendees
AT - The Shenandoahs. 106 mi, 9 days. Advanced.
Northern Virginia 4-H Educational & Conference Center, 600 4h Center Dr, Front Royal, VA, USWeather pending, please come along for a 9 day, 105 mile backpack along the Appalachian Trail. This hike involves a shuttle, which I will hire. Shuttle costs will be split between the amount of people that confirm they are going.
SHUTTLE: We will meet at the north end of Shenandoah National Park and shuttle to the south end. I will hire a shuttle from Virginia 4-H center parking lot, AT Mile Marker 970.1 to Rockfish Gap, AT Mile Marker 864.4. The cost will be dependent on how many people confirm attendance.
PERMIT: You will need to obtain a permit from SNP at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675336/registration/detailed-availability?date=2026-10-24. We can book 3 months in advance.
WHERE: Meet at GPS 38.860700, -78.168500. Virginia 4-H center parking lot. Its a 6 hour drive from Asheville. AT Mile Marker 970.1.
DIFFICULTY: For people that don't backpack a lot, this is a strenuous hike. You should be at least an intermediate level backpacker that is comfortable hiking 10-15 miles a day and over 2-3k ft of elevation. Unless there are severe storms, we will hike rain or shine, cold or hot weather so be prepared for all weather types.
ITINERARY:
We will be staying at the Skyland Resort on the 29th of October. If you are serious about coming, you should book your room now. Rooms are about 172 a night right now. After
6 days on the trail, it will be nice to grab a hot shower, a nice meal, enjoy the panoramic views of the resort, and relax a little.
Please check back closer to the date of our backpack for the full itinerary. I'll be planning this over the next few months. We can have a zoom meeting to discuss the trip as well.PACE: This backpack is at a 1.5 to 2.5 pace, but mostly toward 2.0 mph. Please be aware of your abilities and level of physical fitness. We will stop in certain spots and wait for everyone to catch up; however, we cannot wait forever. It is important that you are familiar with navigation apps, can handle yourself if you get separated from the group, and are able to make it to camp each night on your own.
WAITLISTERS: Please keep an eye on your RSVP status even on the day of. It may change to "going" within an hour of the hike with the way people drop in and out. If you show up to my backpacks and you are on the wait list, you will not be allowed back.
NO-SHOWS: A no-show with no notice prior to the hike or without changing your RSVP will make sure you end up on a wait list for future hikes.
5 attendees
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