7 Day Appalachian Trail Hiking Trip Summer 2024

REGISTRATION FOR THIS TRIP WILL OPEN IN March 2024

Itinerary:

Saturday

Transportation departs Cincinnati at 10:00 a.m.  We will stop in Lexington, KY for lunch.  Arrive in Greeneville, TN at approximately 5 p.m. and check in to the co-ed bunkhouse at Hemlock Hollow.  After dinner at a local restaurant in Greeneville, we will relax and turn in early to be well rested for our upcoming hiking days.

Sunday

We will start our day with a provided breakfast and will leave for the Appalachian Trail at 9 a.m.

At a beginning elevation of 2376’ feet, we hike out Log Cabin Rd approximately 1/4 mile to get on the trail.  Traveling ~3 miles through lush forest with summer views and variety of foliage and wildlife, we will be making a moderate ascent to reach Little Laurel Shelter where we will have our provided lunch.  After lunch, we will hike the same trail back to Hemlock Hollow - a mostly downhill trek.  Dinner may be purchased back at the Hemlock Hollow store at your expense.  (Pizza, burgers, etc.). The evening will be spent in fellowship and discussion.

Hiking:  6-7 miles, 3-4 hours, elevation gain/loss of 1,276’

Monday

Starting the day with our provided breakfast, we will leave Hemlock Hollow at approximately 9 a.m.  We will be shuttled from Hemlock Hollow south to Hurricane Gap at a starting elevation of 2,945’.  Keeping our eyes open for beautiful views and glimpses of wildlife, a steep ascent brings us across Spring Mountain Shelter (3,536’) about 2 miles in.  We’ll enjoy our provided lunch along the way, and then will trek back downhill to 2,892’ at Deep Gap (4 miles in) where it intersects Little Paint Creek Trail.  After crossing North Carolina 208 at Allen Gap, we will return to Log Cabin Road for the 1/4 mile hike back to Hemlock Hollow.  Dinner may be purchased back at the Hemlock Hollow store at your expense.  (Pizza, burgers, etc.). The evening will again be spent in fellowship and discussion

Hiking: 7.1 miles, 4-5 hours,  elevation gain/loss ~600 feet

Tuesday

After our provided breakfast,  we will shuttle south from the Hemlock Hollow Hostel to Hot Springs. (1,326’). This is a “zero day” for rest purposes.  The Appalachian Trail goes directly through the town of Hot Springs, so optional hikes are available for those who are interested.  We’ll be taking the day to get settled in at Laughing Heart Hostel, and choose the activity or activities of our choice.  Sightsee along the French Broad River.  Soak in the Hot Springs or get a massage at the Hot Springs Resort. ($25-$80 and subject to availability)  Take the Afternoon Whitewater Rafting Trip with Class I-III rapids.  ($48 and subject to availability) Enjoy shopping, crafts and local brews.  Lunch and dinner are on your own in town at local restaurants.

Wednesday

After our provided breakfast, we’re headed back out to the trail again.  We will shuttle south from Hot Springs to Garenflo Gap. (2,500’). After a short 3/4 mile ascent, the remaining hike of 5.75 miles is predominantly downhill back to Hot Springs.  We will be hiking in the beautiful Pisgah National Forest, comprised of 500,000 acres of hardwood forest, mile-high mountain peaks, whitewater rivers, thundering waterfalls and hundreds of the areas top hiking trails.  Today’s hike is a mix of ascending and descending trail, mostly staying in the 2,300 - 2,600’ range, descending down to the 1,300’ range into town.  We will enjoy our provided lunch at the Deer Park Mountain Shelter (3.5 miles in).  After a small ascent and then downhill for 3 miles, we will trek back to our hostel in Hot Springs where you will have dinner on your own at one of the local restaurants.

Hiking: 6.5 miles, 3-4 hours, elevation gain/loss ~ 300/1,000’

Thursday

After our provided breakfast, we will once again shuttle out, this time north, from Hot Springs to Tanyard Gap. (2,270’). Crossing streams and numerous intersecting trails, the highlight of today’s hike will be the magnificent views at Lover’s Leap Rock, which overlooks the French Broad River and the town of Hot Springs.  Once again, our trek today will be a small ascent and then downhill back into the valley town of Hot Springs.  You’ll experience gorgeous views as we follow the river into town.  We’ll have a provided lunch along the way, but dinner will be on your own at one of the local restaurants in Hot Springs.

Hiking: 6 miles, 3-4 hours, elevation gain/loss ~300’/900’

Friday

We will pack to leave and then enjoy breakfast in town at one of the local restaurants before we head back to Cincinnati.  We will make a stop for lunch at a restaurant along the way, and plan to return to Cincinnati by around 4 p.m.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

* For men flying in for this adventure, you can fly into the Asheville airport and we can help you arrange a shuttle to and from the airport.  The current fee is $80 to shuttle from the airport to Hemlock Hollow, and $75 to shuttle from Hot Springs back to the airport.  This is subject to change, is payable directly to the shuttle driver, and must be arranged in advance.  PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE AIRLINE TICKETS UNTIL YOUR TRIP HAS BEEN CONFIRMED.

* We will be sleeping each night in a co-ed bunkhouse.  You will need a sleeping bag and a pillow.

* We will be hiking approximately 6-7 miles per day on each of 4 days on the Appalachian Trail. 

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedules listed above, these itineraries are subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions. This can include changes in the hostels to be used, trails to be hiked, etc. This trip is operated rain or shine.

* There will be a daily question based on this "Journey of Life".  

You’ll be asked to ponder your question during your day of hiking, and there will be group conversations each night based on the question of the day.

* Transportation is included to and from Maineville, Ohio. (Limited to 5 people.)  Also included are all shuttle fees from our bunkhouses to the trails.

* You are responsible for all of your hiking equipment (slack pack, clothing, etc.) and will be given a suggested packing list.

* Included meals are 5 hot breakfasts, 4 lunches suitable for hiking, and daily snacks.  You will be responsible for 1 breakfast, 3 lunches, (2 of which are on travel days), and 6 dinners.  You are also responsible for your optional activities.

Cost is $425.00

A $10 discount is offered for tickets purchased via cash or check. Contact us at WakingTheHeart@gmail.com to register for this type of payment