Overnight Hikes

We Be Hiking offers one overnight or up to 5 nights and 6 days of backpacking for the novice hiker that wants to experience the packpacking overnight adventure. The overnight trips may also be geared for the experienced hiker that wants to be challenged in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

We Be Hiking is unique in that we provide most all of your equipment and all of your food. All of our equipment is high tech, and light weight, making your hiking experience more enjoyable. For summer backpacking your weight should be no more than 25 lbs. for a 6 day trip and a maximum of 30 lbs. in the fall and winter. For a single night out, the weight of the packpack should be 18-20 lbs.

All of the overnight adventures will be on The Appalachian Trail and side blue blazed trails, located in the Wayah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest. Distance hiked each day will be between 5 and 7 miles, leaving time to enjoy each vista, each waterfall, and time to renew your spirit in the great out-of-doors. One of the 5 night/6 day adventures will begin at the parking area near Albert Mountain Fire Tower and end at The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in Wesser, North Carolina. This is a distance of 36.7 miles and will include fantastic views, waterfalls, wildflowers, hardwood and coniferous trees, songbirds, animals, insects, mysterious balds and a fantastic time.

Easy is up to a 5 mile hike that is mostly level ground with some hills that have a slight incline.

Moderate is up to 8 miles, may include some rocky and tree root paths, stream crossings and elevation gains of up to 350 feet per mile.

Strenuous is up to 8 miles, may include more of the rocks, boulders, tree roots and stream crossings and can have elevation gains of more than 350 feet per mile.

Itinerary: All hikers will meet at the We Be Hiking office at 231 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC by 8:30 a.m. or at another designated time agreed by the group. After an orientation, getting fitted for your pack, choosing your food, learning to pack your pack with the needed equipment, and having plenty of time for questions we will load our vehicle and be off to the Trail head.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 5 hikers and the guide. We feel you will enjoy your hiking adventure more by keeping our groups small.

Who can come: Anyone seeking an out-of-doors experience to uplift their mind, body and spirit. Any age, race or gender is welcomed. Trips can be arranged to accommodate children accompanied by an adult. Please consider your child's abilities to spend this time in the forest.

Required Items (provided by you, the hiker):

Good hiking boots or shoes
3 pair of your favorite hiking socks (No cotton... Look for Thorlo or Smart Wool)
2 pair of sock liners if you use them
1 pair of zip-off pants
1 short sleeved or sleeveless shirt (Preferably one made of cool-max material ... No cotton)
1 long sleeved shirt of wicking material or fleece (Make sure the fleece is light-weight)
Sleepwear - light to mid weight long johns or an extra large cool-max t-shirt (Mountain nighttime temperatures can range from 50-60 degrees in the summer, 30-40 in fall and winter)
2 pair of underpants
1 sports bra
Sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent, hat and/or bandana
Personal items - toothbrush (small travel size), toothpaste (travel size), comb, pain reliever, etc. Keep in mind that each item adds to your weight.
Sandals for campsite (light weight and good support - no flip-flops)

Gear Provided by We Be Hiking:

3400 cubic inch fully suspended backpack with padded shoulder and hip belt
Rain cover for pack
Complete Tent System for 1 - MSR Hubba, rainfly, ground cloth (A two-man and three-man tent is available for those who want to sleep in the same tent. Those hikers will share the weight.)
40 degree sleeping bag for summer; 20 degree for winter
Esbit stove, fuel tablets and screen, lighter
Titanium pot, mug and Lexan spork; soap, scrubber and towel
MSR Cloud liner hydration system
1.5" thick, 3/4 ThermaRest sleeping pad (longer ones are available)
16 oz. Nalgene water bottle
48 oz. collapsible canteen
Petzl Zippka Headlamp
Whistle
Pocket Knife
Carabiners
Bear Rope (for hanging food)
Trowel
Toilet paper, wet-ones, baggies
Frogg Toggs (Rain Gear)
Leki hiking poles
Stuff sacks
Gaiters
First Aid items, bug repellent, sunscreen
Sit upon
Maps, Journal and pen

Food - You will choose from a large selection of nutritious foods for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Energy powdered drink mixes are also available.

We Be Hiking will instruct you on how to fit and adjust your backpack, how to load your pack with the proper weight distribution, how to filter your water, set up and use the stove and pot, set up and breakdown of the tent system, how to get the most warmth or cooling from your sleep system and its care, how to choose, cook and keep your food safe from animals and the use and care of all the other equipment we feel beneficial to your hiking experience. We can also give you instruction on how to buy and fit your footwear, what socks to purchase and suggestions for your outerwear.

Being a Leave No Trace operation, we will teach and practice its principles at all times.

Your guide will be able to point out places of interest, history of the area, wildflower, tree, bird and animal identification.

Weather: In the mountains conditions can change, and rapidly. All hikes will be held, rain or shine. Extreme care will be taken by We Be Hiking to secure your safety in bad weather. Please remember that things can happen that are not in our control and your understanding will be greatly appreciated.

Other Business:

No Smoking
No dogs (exceptions being Seeing Eye Dogs)

We Be Hiking wants you to come away from any of our hiking adventures with a better understanding of the wilderness and what it has to offer. We want you to reconnect with YOU. Engage your mind... rejuvenate your body... nurture your spirit.

Cost: Please call We Be Hiking for pricing.

Payment is due at the time of the hike. Check or cash is accepted. A $200 deposit is required for those reserving a specific time to hike. A refund of $100 will be returned if the hiker needs to cancel and We Be Hiking is notified in writing 10 days prior to the hike. There will be a $30 charge for returned checks.

How to contact We Be Hiking:

We Be Hiking
231 Sloan Road
Franklin, NC 28734
828-349-5210
marcia@webehiking.com

We Be Hiking is operating in part on National Forest Land under a special permit from the US Agriculture Department and the Wayah Ranger District.
Proof of a specified amount of liability insurance is available.

Half Day • Full Day • Overnights
Easy • Moderate • Moderate/Strenuous