Wildwood Hiking Co.

11/02/2025

Help rebuild the town of Hot Springs, NC by making a donation and entering to win the 2025 Badger Sponsorship with tons of backpacking gear giveaways!

Hot Springs, NC is a special waypoint along the Appalachian Trail, where tens of thousands of thru-hikers, day-trippers, and section-hikers have walked down Bridge St, following the iconic white blazes. The trail runs right through the heart of town, guiding adventurers across the French Broad River bridge and up Lover’s Leap, where breathtaking views of the valley await.

Our town is slowly recovering from the devastation of Helene, but there’s still a long way to go. Many businesses remain closed, and we’re working hard to bring back the food, lodging, and entertainment that make Hot Springs a favorite stop for hikers and visitors alike. Your support helps us rebuild so that future generations of AT hikers will continue to find a warm welcome here.
co's Badger Sponsorship features top outdoor brands that hikers know and love. For just $1 per ticket, you’ll be entered to win high-quality gear, and every dollar goes directly to the Rebuild Hot Springs Area (RHSA) initiative.

A huge thank you to , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .biz, , .co, , , , .gear, .wilderness.designs, , , , , and for their support!

Enter to win here: https://rhsa.betterworld.org/giveaways/2025-badger-sponsorship?_gl=1%2A8vjan%2A_gcl_au%2ANTgyNDA2NTA3LjE3MzYyNTQzNTQuMTM3MDM2ODIyMS4xNzM2NDM1MzkyLjE3MzY0MzU3MzM.

11/02/2025

Hilarious! And so true 😄

On a scale of 1-10, how accurate is this? 🤔😂

07/02/2025

Thank you to all the National Forest workers and volunteers that are getting our trails reopened!

04/02/2025

I only have 1 spot left on my June 12-14 Women's Beginner Backpacking trip in the Roan Highlands of East Tennessee! This section of the Appalachian Trail is a must see in June, when the Catawba rhododendrons and flame azaleas are in bloom!

We'll hike 15 miles over the course of 3 days and 2 nights through a beautiful section of the AT, filled with wildflowers and fantastic mountain-top views. All backpacking gear and meals are included, so this is perfect for first time backpackers.

- 3 days / 2 nights backpacking on the Appalachian Trail
- Includes gear, meals, and transport
- $850 per person

Sign up at www.wildwoodhiking.com

03/02/2025

Had these falls all to myself yesterday in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I couldn't believe it was so warm and sunny on the 2nd of February! Does this mean winter is over??

This was a moderate trail with some rocks and roots, steady incline, and a couple of narrow spots. It's less than a mile to get to the falls, so this would be a nice trail for a short scenic hike.

- Spruce Flats Falls via the Buckeye Trail
- 1.9 miles out and back
- 420 ft. elevation gain

01/02/2025

I got to hold a corn snake at Wilderness Wildlife Week. Her name was Phoebe 😍

30/01/2025

Looking for a custom backpacking experience? Whether it’s for a romantic getaway, a girl's weekend, or a section hike on the Appalachian Trail, our Private Backpacking Trips are tailored just for you.

✅ Personalized itinerary and dates
✅ Expert guide, gear, meals, and transportation
✅ Stunning mountain views
✅ Memories that last a lifetime

Let us design your dream adventure today!

Send an inquiry at https://www.wildwoodhiking.com/pages/private-backpacking-trips

29/01/2025

Did you know we offer co-ed trips, too? These backpacking trips are open to everyone, and are perfect for couples, friends, and solo travelers. Grab a buddy and hit the trails with one of our all inclusive adventures this year!

- May 22-24: Max Patch Beginner Backpacking ($850 per person)
- June 5-6: Smoky Mountains Synchronous Fireflies ($525 per person)
- August 22-24: Roan Highlands Beginner Backpacking ($850 per person)

The best guided backpacking trips in East Tennessee, the Appalachian Trail, and the Smoky Mountains by Wildwood Hiking Co.

28/01/2025

All set up at the Wilderness Wildlife week in Pigeon Forge!

26/01/2025

Here's a fun tip for pooping in the woods 😆

The Deuce #2 ultralight trowel is a favorite among backpackers because it's lightweight and strong, and the serrated edges make it easier to dig a cat hole. But did you know that the HANDLE is actually a better DIGGER?

Flip the trowel upside-down to get more force while you dig. Use the handle to dig an outline of a circle in the dirt, and then flip it back over and use the wider part to scoop out the dirt. Keep digging and scooping til you get a 6" deep hole to make your deposit. When you're done, kick the dirt back into the hole to cover everything up. Easy peasy!

Also... how fun is this color?? 😍 I don't need another trowel... but I may have to add this one to my gear stash this year.

25/01/2025

Doe, a deer, a female deer. Ray, a drop of golden sun!

I absolutely love the balds of Roan Mountain! Every time I hike here, I feel like I'm in the Sound of Music! Strolling through the wildflower covered fields of the blue ridge mountains just makes me wanna sing...

Come tap into your inner Julie Andrews with me this spring! I've got 1 spot left on my May 30 Women's Backpacking Trip in the Roan Highlands. This trip is a favorite for first time backpackers!

Sign up at www.wildwoodhiking.com

24/01/2025

Some more thru-hiker (or backpacking) tips for cold weather ❄❄:

Make sure your sleep system is rated for the coldest temperatures you expect during your hike. Northbound thru-hikers starting in March and April are likely to encounter below freezing temperatures at some point, especially in the high elevations of the Smokies where temperatures can easily dip into the 20s or teens at night!

Sleeping pads are rated with a "R-Value", ranging from 0-7, where the high number provides more insulation. An R-Value of 4 or 5 works for most people in these conditions, but if you get cold easily, you may want a higher number. If you get hot at night (like me), you can probably get away with a lower number.

Sleeping bags and quilts aren't rated with an R-Value, but are given temperature ratings instead. Most bags list a "Comfort" rating as well as a "Survival" rating. A 20 degree comfort rating works well for most people, but you may want something warmer or cooler depending on how you sleep. Don't make the mistake of relying on the survival rating! At that temperature, you'll be alive, but you probably won't get any sleep.

And if you get really cold when you sleep, you might consider adding some down booties for your feet or a down hood for your head. I like to toss some instant hand warmers into my quilt before bed to help warm it up, or you can even add hot water to a Nalgene bottle and tuck it in by your feet.

Bonus tips: Sleep with your electronics while they charge for a little extra warmth, and keep your water filter inside your bag so it doesn't freeze! Your water filter can break if it freezes.

24/01/2025

With the frigid temperatures here in East Tennessee, I thought I'd share some tips for thru-hiking (or backpacking) in the cold! 🥶🥶

Be Bold! Start Cold!

When you first wake up and start hiking, you'll be freezing and want to put on all of your layers. Resist the urge! With too many layers, you'll soon be sweating and putting yourself at risk of hypothermia. Start hiking a little cold, and then add layers if you need to. You might be surprised how warm you get while hiking in the snow!

Make sure you have adequate warm and water/wind protective layers. A wool base layer, fleece mid layer, and rain jacket are my go-to combo for cold hiking. Take layers off as you get warm, and add layers as you get cold. Keep yourself DRY and WARM. Sweat is bad when you're hiking in the cold- as it evaporates from your skin, it steals all of your body heat, too.

You'll lose heat rapidly as soon as you stop hiking, so get changed into a dry, warm set of clothes as soon as you get to camp. I like to have a heavier weight set of base layers, some cozy socks, and a lightweight puffy jacket for camp. And don't forget a hat and gloves!

23/01/2025

So cool! New forever stamps coming out next month will feature sights from the Appalachian Trail!

The U.S. Postal Service will release stamps honoring the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which offers nearly 2,200 miles of unspoiled nature to the millions who hike it each year. Within easy reach of large East Coast metropolitan areas, the Appalachian Trail — often called the AT — provides ...

22/01/2025

Getting ready for Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, TN. I'll have a booth set up to share about my upcoming trips. Come check it out January 28 - February 1!

https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/wilderness-wildlife-week/

From educational programs to guided hikes in the Smoky Mountains, Wilderness Wildlife Week offers activities for all ages. Get schedules and event info.

17/01/2025

Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Tip: Be wary of the privy!

A "privy" is another word for an outhouse. Most of the shelters on the AT have a privy nearby, and a lot of hikers use them so they don't have to dig cat-holes. This is great! However... the privies are also where Norovirus is spread! This nasty stomach bug comes from poor bathroom hygiene (not washing your hands) and easily spreads from the privy to the shelters and the picnic tables when people touch the surfaces. Even worse, hand sanitizer does NOT kill Norovirus! And it can survive on surfaces for weeks. This is why so many hikers in the springtime end up with this debilitating sickness in Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Here are some privy rules that I use to stay safe on the AT:
1. Bring a small bottle of soap (Dr. Bronner's is great) and a water bottle. Set these down outside the privy before you go in. You'll need them later.

2. Don't touch the privy! Use your foot to kick open the door and lift the lid. Don't lock the door if there is one.

3. Don't set your phone or toilet paper down in the privy! Keep your phone zipped in a jacket pocket and get your toilet paper out and ready in another pocket.

4. When you leave the privy, immediately wash your hands with the SOAP and water you left outside!

16/01/2025

Here's another Thru-Hiker Tip: Never quit on a bad day.

You'll have a lot of bad days out there. Between the throbbing pain in your feet, the constant overwhelming fatigue, the stench of your sweaty clothes, the pointless ups and downs on the trail, missing your comfy bed and a flushing toilet, the mental challenge of just being "over it" and feeling like you can't possibly choke down one more cup of ramen... You'll want to quit. A lot. But you should never quit on a bad day.

When you really want to quit, give yourself a little break. Go to town and get a shower, a hot meal, and a bed for a night. Call your friends and family. Relax your tired body. Then go out to the trail again in a day or two. Chances are, you'll feel alive again and ready to tackle the next few miles. Then, when you're having a good day, ask yourself if you really want to quit.

You probably can't tell in this picture, but I remember crying and cussing my way down that mountain. I summoned up every bit of profanity I could think of 😄. I was exhausted and hungry and everything hurt. It was getting dark and it was raining. I just wanted to stop and set up camp, but there were no good places to put up a tent. I was So. Over. It! But with some sleep and a belly full of food, I let my mind reset. And I kept hiking the next day.