Guided Beginner GROUP Backpacking Trip:

Sam’s Knob to Flat Laurel Creek

Why You’ll Love it

Sam’s Knob is one of my personal favorite because of the variety of landscapes and the opportunity to summit on of NC’s 6000’+ peaks. It’s an area right off the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, so the drive along the Parkway up to the trailhead gives you stunning views of the mountains just on the drive, and then the 5.5 mile roundtrip hike itself offers just enough challenge to make you feel accomplished, but we will have plenty of leisure time in the evening to just enjoy the peace of the mountains and slow down for a bit (something we all need) and the slower pace helps make it super doable by most fitness levels. All of those photos were taken with my iphone and no filter so it really is just that pretty. I feel like so many sites share professional photos so you don’t know what it really looks like but these are pretty accurate as long as the weather cooperates with us. No matter what time of year you do this hike there’s something new to appreciate about this trail.

What’s Included:

• A pre-trip Zoom call with me before the hike to go over any questions like what to wear, what else to bring, etc. and make sure you’re all set!

• Optional free night at my mini campground Nero Coffee + Camp the night before your trip if that fits your schedule.

• All meals as noted in the daily itinerary below.

• Coffee from Nero Coffee of course, and I’ll happily make you a cup or two in the morning at camp ☕️

• Professional instruction and guiding from an Appalachian Trail thru hiker and regular backpacker. I want to help make sure you leave this trip a more confident backpacker excited about your next trip.

• For an additional fee, gear can be provided Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, water filter, cooking gear, you got it! You just need to BYOB *bring your own backpack! I am happy to help you pick one out if you do not have one.
  
  
  

Accommodations:

Pre-trip - Optional Free night at Nero Coffee + Camp

Night 1 - Tent at camping area near Sam’s Knob

Post Trip- Optional Free night at Nero Coffee + Camp

What Gear I’ll Provide for You:

If you bring your own sleeping bag, tent, and sleeping pad, I will still provide the following:

Water Filter

All trail meals (I’ll connect with you about any dietary restrictions prior)

All Group Cooking Gear

Group First Aid Kit

Bathroom Kit: Trowel, Toilet Paper, Ziplock Bags, Wipes, Hand Sanitizer

Large Plastic Garbage Bag (it’ll keep your gear dry if it starts raining)

Coffee, of course.

What You’ll Bring:

You will receive a full packing list after booking, and I can provide recommendations for any of these things on our pre-trip call

Backpacking Pack (recommended 55-75L)

Hiking shoes

Clothing including Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Midweight, Synthetic) pants, socks, etc,

Insulated Jacket and/or Vest

Fleece/Wool Gloves

Fleece/Wool Hat

Fleece/Wool Jacket

Headlamp with Fresh Batteries

Prescription Medications

Recommended but not required:

Trekking Poles

Rain Jacket

Rain Pants

Sunblock and Lip Balm (Small)

Sunglasses

Bandana

Camp Towel

Casual Shoes for Camp

Insect Repellent

Personal Wipes

Itinerary for the Overnight Trip:

You have the option to camp for free at Nero Coffee + Camp the night before your trip if your schedule allows.

Day 1: 

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Meet at Nero Coffee Camp in Hendersonville NC at 10:00 AM for a quick Intro to Backpacking Gear with Katlyn 

12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch (included in price)

1:00 - 2:00 Travel to trailhead (transport provided)

2:00 - 3:30 Hike 2 miles to campsite

3:00 - 4:00 Set up camp

4:00 - 5:00 Hike to sunset view point hot cocoa and coffee at the summit

6:00 Intro to Cooking at Camp and group dinner (meals provided)

7:00 - Campfire (as fire safety regulations allow)

Day 2: 

8:00 AM Breakfast and coffee (of course!) at camp

9:00 AM Camp breakdown

10:00 - 11:30 AM Hike back to trailhead. "Official" end of hike

12:00 Optional post trip celebration beers and food truck lunch (not included in price) at The Hub, a local favorite :) and transportation back to Nero Coffee + Camp

Interested, but these dates don’t fit your schedule?

Fill out the form to let me know when works for you and I will get back in touch asap. :)

Email me with any questions or ideas. I’d love to hear em. 😎 katlyn@nerocoffee.org