Asheville & The Blue Ridge Mountains Women’s Hiking & Kayaking – Lodge Based

Your adventure begins at our host hotel in Asheville, North Carolina where we meet our fellow travelers and expert guides. We travel to Pisgah National Forest, a land of forested slopes, cascading waterfalls, and mile-high peaks. We fit in a few choice stops and vistas before our first hike to Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain within Pisgah National Forest. Together we summit Black Balsam Knob at 6,214’ where we enjoy 360-degree views including Looking Glass Rock before continuing to Tennent Mountain and looping back to our van. Along the trail, our knowledgeable guides share their passion for nature and history, weaving tales of the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the pristine landscapes of Pisgah National Forest. This afternoon, we settle into the Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway where each room has a private balcony and stunning views. Tonight, we enjoy a well-earned dinner in the lodge. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 3.5 miles; Total ascent/descent: +678’/767’; low/high point:5,800’/6,195’; Van transfer: 1.5 hours

Whether you woke up for sunrise or slept in, a morning at the Pisgah Inn is truly relaxing. Our morning starts with breakfast and a view before checking out and heading to our first activity, hiking Sam Knob. While we’ll enjoy views from the summit, one of our favorite parts of today is getting to the Biltmore and looking out of the massive windows to reflect on how far we’ve come. After our hike we relax on a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway as it winds down into Asheville. This afternoon we tour, and explore the historic Biltmore house and gardens, an 8,000-acre estate dating back to 1895. Tonight, we check-in to our rooms on the Biltmore property which we’ll call home for the next three nights. All meals included. 

Hiking: 3.7 miles; Total ascent/descent: +981’/981’; low/high point: 5,420’/6,066’ ; Van transfer: 1.5 hours 

After a healthy breakfast we travel to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This morning, we hike to a series of waterfalls within the park and enjoy a picnic lunch on the park’s edge. After lunch we take time to explore downtown Bryson City, a charming mountain town that’s become a gateway to the National Park. This afternoon we head back to our hotel where we’ve arranged a private wine tasting just a short walk from our rooms at the Biltmore Winery. The night is your own after wine tasting. Our guides will help with dinner recommendations and reservations. Breakfast and lunch included. 

Hiking: 4.9 miles; Total ascent/descent: +1,192’/1,209’; low/high point: 1,859’/2,422’ ; Van transfer: 3 hours 

After breakfast at our hotel, we travel on the Blue Ridge Parkway north, gradually climbing towards Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell. North Carolina hosts the most rugged section of the Appalachian Mountains with 43 peaks over 6,000 feet in elevation. Today our hike takes us to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet. From Mount Mitchell we hike on to two more 6,000-foot peaks while learning about the unique conditions that make these peaks more like a landscape you would find in Canada. This afternoon we travel to downtown Asheville for a walking tour of downtown and dinner. All meals included. 

Hiking: 4.8 miles; Total ascent/descent: up to +1,497’/1,523’ low/high point:6,198/6,656’ ; Van transfer: 2.5 hours 

After one last breakfast together, we check out and travel to the French Broad River. We have arranged for a kayak tour along the French Broad River with a mix of backdrops from the beautiful Biltmore Estate to urban Asheville. The kayaking is beginner friendly, with limited paddling required and plenty of flat water to relax on. After kayaking we head to the Sierra Nevada brewery for a brewery tour focused on the history of women in brewing. We’ll enjoy a celebration dinner at Sierra Nevada before returning both to the Asheville Airport and our host hotel. All meals included. 

Kayaking: 2-3 hours; Van transfer: 1 hour