I am an active 62 year old female who will be traveling alone. I don't mind being matched up with another female if necessary to avoid extra expense. How does that work?

This is a backpacking tour so there is no single supplement even is the TourRadar site says there is. This trip requires guests to carry all of their gear from camp to camp. Packs weigh about 30lbs. We can pair you with another female solo hiker to avoid the extra single supplement fee.

How many miles do u hike in 1 day?

The group travels 4 to 9 miles per day.

Are meals provided during the trip?

All meals and trail snacks are included on this trip starting from breakfast on Day 1, all the way up to lunch on the last day of the trip.

We are dog lovers, but we only allow registered service animals. Is your dog a service animal that is required because of a disability?

I was wondering what time as a pickup on the first day. Is it 5AM? Also, is it backpacking tour, where we'll need to carry everything with us? I read the description, and it seems like it is. Sometimes we'll stay in the same place, so the daily packs will be lighter. Please let me know if I'm thinking in the right direction.

The guide will set the exact departure time for the morning but there is an orientation meeting at 5pm the evening prior. You will carry a full pack into camp and out but have a layover day to do a day hike with a lighter pack.

Shining Rock Wilderness

3 days

•

Start and end in Asheville

4.6

50 traveler reviews

View all
View all

No departure dates available

No dates, no problem! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive:

Travel inspiration for similar adventures
Alerts of the newest adventure deals

Plan your adventure:

Operator: Wildland Trekking
Hiking & Trekking: Epic trails and breathtaking landscapes await
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
High Intensity: Travelers should be in very good physical condition and expect continuous demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 8
Ages 12+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Brevard to Shining Rock Wilderness
Start point
Asheville, North Carolina, United States (Arrival transfer from your accommodation, 05:00 - 08:00)
Meals
Lunch (Summit lunch on Black Balsam Knob or Tennent Mountain, or in the grassy meadows of Ivestor Gap), Dinner (Sunset dinner prepared fresh by guide on Shining Rock summit)
Included Activities
- Stop at Looking Glass Falls roadside attraction
- Hike Art Loeb Trail over Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain
- Sunset dinner on Shining Rock summit
Landmarks
Looking Glass Falls
Art Loeb Trail
Black Balsam Knob
Tennent Mountain
Ivestor Gap
Shining Rock
Blue Ridge Parkway
Day 2
Shining Rock Wilderness
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch (Summit lunch at Cold Mountain (6,030 feet) or lunch along the Narrows ridgeline), Dinner (Hearty Appalachian dinner prepared by guide)
Included Activities
- Hike to Cold Mountain summit with lunch (Option 1)
- Shorter hike to the Narrows with lunch (Option 2)
- Hearty Appalachian dinner prepared by guide
Landmarks
Cold Mountain
The Narrows
Shining Rock
Day 3
Shining Rock Wilderness to Asheville
End point
Asheville, North Carolina, United States (Departure transfer back to your accommodation, 17:00)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at a scenic viewpoint on the Blue Ridge Parkway)
Included Activities
- Hike back to trailhead with multiple viewpoints of Pisgah National Forest
- Lunch at Blue Ridge Parkway viewpoint
Landmarks
Pisgah National Forest
Blue Ridge Parkway

Landmarks
Looking Glass Falls
Art Loeb Trail
Black Balsam Knob
Tennent Mountain
Ivestor Gap
Shining Rock
Blue Ridge Parkway

Landmarks
Cold Mountain
The Narrows
Shining Rock

Landmarks
Pisgah National Forest
Blue Ridge Parkway

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Adventure Type

Choose the type of organized adventure that suits your preferences.

Group Adventures
Join a group and forge lifelong friendships.
What to expect
- Group of 8 travelers max.
- Fast booking confirmation
- Carefully planned itineraries
- Travel with like-minded people
Starting at
US $0 / traveler
Check availability
Personalized Adventures
Customize an existing itinerary or create your own.
What to expect
- Choose your preferred dates and duration
- Upgrade your accommodation
- Customize the itineraries
After requesting a quote, we will get back to you with a price based on your requirements.
Request quote

Operated by

Wildland Trekking

4.6

(50 reviews)

Number of tours

142

Age Range

12 to 80 years old

Response time

within 2 days

Response rate

67%

Our Mission is to provide exceptional hiking vacations to the world's most...

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Reviews from other tours by Wildland Trekking

Tour Operator
4.6

Merrie
September 23rd, 2025
5
Great trip, so glad I went! Very informative guide, fun group, great equipment and a beautiful hike and kayak trip.
Birim
July 2nd, 2025
5
Hiking in the Presidential Peaks was a great experience — stunning views, varied trails, and fresh mountain air....
Show more