Hot Spring

CLASSIC HIKE ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL - NORTH CAROLINA, USA

Hiking

What you'll do

Join us for a 7-day guided backpacking trip along a stunning section of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. Whether you're new to overnight hiking or already a seasoned trekker, this adventure offers a balance of challenge, learning, and backcountry bliss. All meals, gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, and trekking poles), and trailhead transfers are included—so you can focus on enjoying the trail.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Hot Springs, NC

Arrive in the trail town of Hot Springs in the afternoon or evening. Settle in at the bunkhouse, meet your group, and relax before hitting the trail the next morning.

Day 2 - Groundhog Creek via Snowbird Mountain

Meet your guide at 8:00 AM for a gear check and backpacking prep session. After a short shuttle to the trailhead, begin your hike with a climb up Snowbird Mountain and a descent into camp near Groundhog Creek. Time: 5–6 hrs | Length: 11 km / 7 mi | Elevation gain: 853m up / 2,800 ft, 427m down / 1,400 ft

Day 3 - Groundhog Creek to Roaring Fork via Max Patch

Hike across Max Patch, one of the most scenic balds on the Appalachian Trail, then continue to a quiet forested campsite near Roaring Fork. Time: 6–7 hrs | Length: 14.5 km / 9 mi | Elevation gain: 671m up / 2,200 ft, 305m down / 1,000 ft

Day 4 - Roaring Fork to Old Road via Walnut & Bluff Mountains

Climb two major summits—Walnut and Bluff Mountains—before descending to camp near an old forest road. This is one of the trip’s most physically demanding days. Time: 7–8 hrs | Length: 16 km / 10 mi | Elevation gain: 518m up / 1,700 ft, 945m down / 3,100 ft

Day 5 - Old Road to Hot Springs via Deer Park Mountain

Ease your way into Hot Springs with a shorter hike over Deer Park Mountain. Return to town for a hot shower, a soft bed, and a celebratory dinner (included). Time: ~5 hrs | Length: 11 km / 7 mi | Elevation gain: 213m up / 700 ft, 610m down / 2,000 ft

Day 6 - Hot Springs to Rich Mountain Fire Tower

After breakfast, begin the second leg of your adventure with a climb over Lovers Leap and a push to Rich Mountain Fire Tower—your camp for the night with beautiful sunset views. Time: 5–6 hrs | Length: 13 km / 8 mi | Elevation gain: 823m up / 2,700 ft, 152m down / 500 ft

Day 7 - Rich Mountain to Allen Gap & Departure

Hike out to Allen Gap, where a shuttle will bring you back to Hot Springs. Plan to arrive by mid-afternoon. Let us know in advance if you have specific travel needs for this day. Time: ~5 hrs | Length: 11 km / 7 mi | Elevation gain: 305m up / 1,000 ft, 701m down / 2,300 ft

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

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What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

Hiking Guide

Backpacking gear

Backpacks (lightweight 60L packs)

Tents (either a one-person tent or a two-person tent if you’re sharing with a partner or a friend)

Sleeping bag (20-degree synthetic sleeping bag with sleeping bag liners)

Sleeping pad (closed-cell foam pad—excellent combination of weight and durability)

Bunkhouse lodging the night before the hike (Day 0) and on Day 4

Trekking poles

Community gear (water filters, camping stoves and fuel, bowls, utensils and cups; trowels, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer; first aid kit; navigational aids)

Food while you’re on trail, from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6 (including dinner in town on Day 4)

Transportation between the meetup location and the trailhead

All necessary backcountry permits

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Tips for leaders and drivers

Expenditure of personal nature

Accomodations

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Appalachian Trail Bunkhouse

Your adventure begins with a night at a cozy bunkhouse right on the Appalachian Trail, included in the trip price. This rustic lodge is run by a live-in caretaker and can host up to 10 hikers across two bunkrooms (one for 4 people, one for 6). It features two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a welcoming living room, and a large front porch—ideal for relaxing before you hit the trail. Linens, Wi-Fi, and morning coffee or tea are also provided.

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Wild camping

The following six days and five nights will be spent immersed in the wilderness, sleeping in one- or two-person tents at backcountry campsites. Your guides will supply the tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad—so all you need to bring is a small inflatable pillow and your sense of adventure. It’s the perfect mix of town comfort and true backcountry experience.

Meeting point

Frequently asked questions

Departures

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