North Carolina Slackpacking

$300.00

Experience a section of the Appalachian Trail like a thru-hiker would: while also enjoying the camaraderie of a true thru-hiker hostel experience.

On this self-guided trip, you'll hike between 8-15 miles along the AT, while only having to carry a daypack. Our shuttle service will pick you up at a road crossing at the end of each day, and bring you back to the hostel for a good night’s sleep in one of our private rooms or shared singles. The next day, we’ll return you to the trail right where you left off, so you can complete a continuous footpath of a North Carolina section hike.

Along the way, you’ll walk through stunning fall foliage, see three of North Carolina’s 28 fire towers, marvel at open balds with miles-long views, and climb Mt. Albert, a summit that marks a thru-hiker’s first, or last, 100 miles on the Appalachian Trail.

Lodging:
Dates:

Experience a section of the Appalachian Trail like a thru-hiker would: while also enjoying the camaraderie of a true thru-hiker hostel experience.

On this self-guided trip, you'll hike between 8-15 miles along the AT, while only having to carry a daypack. Our shuttle service will pick you up at a road crossing at the end of each day, and bring you back to the hostel for a good night’s sleep in one of our private rooms or shared singles. The next day, we’ll return you to the trail right where you left off, so you can complete a continuous footpath of a North Carolina section hike.

Along the way, you’ll walk through stunning fall foliage, see three of North Carolina’s 28 fire towers, marvel at open balds with miles-long views, and climb Mt. Albert, a summit that marks a thru-hiker’s first, or last, 100 miles on the Appalachian Trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • “Slackpacking” is just another word for “day-hiking.” It’s a style of hiking that thru-hikers have used for generations on the Appalachian Trail and other long trails. It involves hiking long sections of the trail, but with only a daypack, and pre-arrange shuttles, so you don’t have to carry the full weight of a backpacking kit. Thru-hikers have long used this style of hiking to knock miles off their journey quickly, to actively recover after an overuse injury, or just take a break from their packs. t’s a great way to experience the AT as thru-hikers do, while also enjoying the amenities of town.

  • You can expect to hike between 8-16 miles per day. Please keep in mind that even on shorter mileage days, you will gain and lose thousands of feet in elevation. The Appalachian Trail is a rugged footpath, and this beautiful section, including spectacular views from open balds and fire towers, is well-worth the strenuous hiking.

  • While this is not a guided trip, one of us will walk with the group each day. Both of us are seasoned thru-hikers; having completed the Appalachian Trail. Unfiltered has completed the Pacific Crest Trail, and Newfound will be attempting the PCT this year.