Our 6 Favorite Backpacking Destinations (by mood)

By mood? We're always in a good mood when we backpack — how could we not be? Rather, by "mood" in this instant we're referring to the kind of backpack trip we'd like to take, or that we have time for. In short, the type of trip we're in the mood for. Thus, we break down our favorite trips by category. They are:

• Best Weekend Trip
• Best Winter Trip
• Best Basecamp Trip
• Best Wilderness Trip
• Best Avoid-the-Masses Trip
• Best Trip, Period

You can learn more about each trip and find a link with details on taking your own Best trip on our GetGoingNC.com blog, here.

Join us

Our GetBackpacking! program will lead four of this trips between now and summer. Click the link for more information and to sign up.

• Appalachian Trail: Max Patch to Hot Springs, February 25-27
• Shining Rock Wilderness via Big East Fork, April 22-24
• Virginia’s Triple Crown, May 19-22
• Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to US 19E, June 17-19

Not a backpacker, but want to be?

Our Spring GetBackpacking! Intro to Backpacking classes are starting soon Each includes, among other elements:

• 1-hour Zoom Intro to Gear Session
• 5-hour in-field training session, covering all aspects of backpacking
• Weekend graduation trip

Learn more by clicking on the appropriate session:

• North Carolina
• Virginia

In the news

Learn more about stories in our news segment.

Mount Mitchell Trail improvements

• For more information on the improvements themselves, go here.
• For details on the American Conservation Experience, go here.
• For info on the N.C. High Peaks Trail Association, go here.