BACKPACKING RETREAT
FOOTHILLS TRAIL
UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
MAY 28-31, 2026
Immerse yourself in nature. Reset your nervous system. Reconnect with yourself.
Something a little magical happens when you step away from the noise and let nature take over.
On this women’s backpacking retreat along the Foothills Trail in South Carolina, we’ll spend three nights wandering through lush mountain forests, following the wild and rambling Chattooga River, and setting up camp deep in the Blue Ridge foothills. Our days will be filled with hiking shady trails, crossing creeks, swimming in cold mountain streams, chasing waterfalls, sharing trail snacks, and soaking up the kind of quiet that only exists in the backcountry. Evenings are simple and cozy: setting up tents, cooking dinner together, and falling asleep under a sky full of stars.
We plan to move at a leisurely pace and take many breaks. Our focus will be on connecting with nature and enjoying the journey, not on miles walked! We hope to get into camp early enough each day to swim, play games, light a fire, and enjoy time together in nature.
(Be prepared for no cell service and embracing being bored.)
A few days in the mountains has a way of working quiet magic on your nervous system. Waking with the sunrise and falling asleep under the stars helps your circadian rhythm reset naturally, while the steady rhythm of hiking, fresh air, and cold swims in mountain streams melts away tension you didn’t even realize you were carrying.
Without constant notifications and noise, your nervous system will get a chance to soften and settle. By the time we hike out, our hope is that you feel lighter, clearer, and completely recharged.
The Trail
We’ll hike a beautiful 11-foot section of the Foothills Trail, one of the Southeast’s most scenic long-distance hiking routes. Stretching along the Blue Ridge Escarpment between South Carolina and North Carolina, the trail winds through lush hardwood forests, crosses crystal-clear mountain creeks, and passes some of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Much of our route follows the wild and rambling Chattooga River, the famous setting for the film Deliverance. Expect shady forest paths, bridges, and plenty of places to pause and take in the sound of rushing water. Depending on water levels, we may have the opportunity to wade through the river to cross the Georgia-South Carolina border!
This is a true backcountry backpacking experience. We’ll be carrying everything we need on our backs and camping at primitive wilderness sites along the trail. There are no facilities, no cell service in many areas, and no crowds—just forest, river, stars, and the quiet rhythm of life on the trail.
Why Tent Sharing Is Recommended
Tent sharing is part of the fun of backpacking together. We have limited tent capacity, so sharing tents allows more women to join the adventure.
When groups travel in the backcountry, sharing tents helps keep the group together at campsites and makes it much easier to find campsites along the trail (this also means not hiking unexpected miles to find extra tent sites). Fewer tents also means a smaller footprint on the landscape.
Limited solo tents are available if you prefer one, but sharing tends to work best…and often leads to some of the best late-night trail conversations.
ALL-IN MEMBERS receive 15% off retreat prices
ALL OTHER MEMBERS receive 10% off retreat prices.
Be sure to use your discount code at checkout!
Interested in becoming a member or upgrading your membership? Head over here for more info.
Shared Tent
Includes over $700 worth of gear (see list below) and sharing a 2-person tent with 1 other person, who you’ll meet before the trip.
If you have a tentmate you’d like to request, you can do so at registration.
Starting at $872 per person
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
Solo Tent
Limited Spots
Includes over $700 worth of gear (see list below) and a private 1-person tent.
Starting at $1123 per person
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Professional Leadership: Two experienced female guides will lead the way, ensuring group safety, managing camp logistics, and sharing local trail lore.
Comprehensive Pre-Trip Education: We won't just throw you into the woods. You’ll receive:
Gear Deep-Dives: Virtual or in-person sessions explaining how your gear works before you use it.
"The Art of the Pack": Personalized instruction on weight distribution and organization so your pack feels like an extension of your body, not a burden.
8-Week Training Schedule: A customized fitness plan specifically designed for the elevation gains of the Foothills Trail (looking at you, Sassafras Mountain!) with some optional group training hikes!
The Pre-Trail Packing Party: Bring your snacks and your questions! This is a dedicated pre-trip meetup where we’ll physically pack your kits together, weigh your bags, and make final adjustments so you’re 100% confident at the trailhead.
GEAR INCLUDED
(approximately $700 worth of gear)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Backpacking tent
Waterproof pack liner
Dry sacks
Headlamp
Trekking poles
Small quick-dry towel
Sit pad (or you can bring your own camping chair)
Cup
Plate/bowl
Spork
2 Smart Water bottles
Bear-proof food canister
Poop kit (trowel, toilet paper, + waste system)
Water filter system (shared among small groups)
Backpacking stove with fuel and lighter (shared)
Cooking pot (shared)
First aid kit (shared)
Hand sanitizer (shared)
Camp-safe soap (shared)
Wipes
Picaridin insect repellent (shared)
Sunscreen (shared)
Earplugs
Bags for packing out trash
Whistle
NOT INCLUDED - ITEMS YOU MUST SUPPLY
Links below are recommendations, not required purchases.
50-60L Backpack *Backpacks are highly personal and work best when fitted to your body. Therefore, they are NOT INCLUDED in the retreat price. However, if you’d rather not purchase your own backpack, you can rent one from me for $95.
Food for the entire trip (meals + snacks) – Don’t worry, sample menus will be provided and we’ll have a pre-trip meeting to go over food.
Hiking boots or trail runners
Quick dry socks (synthetic or wool), 2 pairs recommended⁺ (or these)
Moisture-wicking underwear⁺, 2 pairs recommended
Moisture-wicking bra⁺ (aka sports bra, wires and padding not recommended)
Moisture-wicking hiking pants or shorts⁺ (I love these and these)
Moisture-wicking T-shirt⁺ (Patagonia Capilene is my favorite)
Lightweight fleece or jacket⁺
⁺Please note that moisture wicking, quick dry clothing is required. No cotton allowed.Backpacking pillow (recommend trying several and finding the right fit for you: inflatable is lighter but maybe not as comfortable; compressible can be comfier but heavier; this one is popular, but this is the one I prefer)
Rain jacket or poncho
Sun hat / baseball hat / visor
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Electrolytes
Prescription medications
Menstrual products (If needed–traditional products will need to be packed out with trash. Ask Lauren if you have questions about this.)
Clean clothes to leave in the car (to change into for the ride home)
ID, credit card and/or cash
NOT INCLUDED - OPTIONAL ITEMS
Sleep clothes (moisture wicking required)
Bathing suit (for swimming/dipping in the river)
Bandana or Buff
Rain pants
Camp sandals or shoes to wear after hiking (Crocs, flip flops, Tevas, or dedicated camp shoes)
Sunglasses
Cell phone
Power bank for charging your phone
Misc personal items (lip balm, chafing stick, lotion, hairbrush, ponytail holders, contacts, glasses, etc.)
Women’s pee cloth (this or this)—if you use a pee cloth, a great hack is a retractable cord
Pocketknife or multitool
Earbuds for music or ambient noise at night
Instant coffee or preferred morning drink
Shoulder strap water bottle holder
Shoulder strap cell phone holder
Light weight, quick-dry fanny pack
Shoe gaiters (if you prefer trail runners instead of boots but are sensitive to getting debris in your shoes, gaiters may be a good solution for you)
Backpacking camp chair
Backpacking is about finding a balance between comfort and how heavy of a pack you’re willing (and able) to carry. As you purchase items, pay attention to their weight.
WHERE TO SHOP
REI is a great place to shop for shoes and packs because they have a 1-year return policy. They will also measure you and help you fit into a pack.
Half Moon Outfitters is our fave local outfitter and also has great backpacking gear!
Garage Grown Gear is a collection of small business specialty backpacking products.
Amazon also has some good budget items.
The Weather
Late May through early July is a beautiful time to hike the Foothills Trail. The forests are lush and green, waterfalls are flowing, and the rivers and creeks are perfect for refreshing swims.
Daytime temperatures usually range from the 70s to 80s, while evenings and mornings dip into the 50s and 60s. Afternoon rain showers are always possible in the mountains, so we’ll come prepared with layers and rain gear. A little rain is part of the adventure and often makes the waterfalls and forest even more magical.
Is This Trip for Beginners?
Yes—with the right preparation. This retreat is designed for women who are new to backpacking but excited to learn and willing to do a little training ahead of time.
Lauren and Stacy will guide you through everything you need to know before we step on the trail. We’ll host a few pre-trip meetings, share a simple training schedule, and meet before the trip for a fun packing party to go over gear. Optional training meetups will also help you meet the group and build confidence.
Along the way you’ll learn real backpacking skills: how to pack your bag, filter water from mountain streams, set up camp, cook trail meals, and yes…even how to poop in the woods. By the end of the trip, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to do it again.
How Difficult Is the Hike?
This is a moderate backpacking trip designed for beginners who are willing to train.
We’ll hike about 3-5 miles per day, and we’ll take plenty of breaks to snack, cool off in the river, and enjoy the trail. Expect uneven terrain, roots, rocks, and lots of ascents and descents along the way. Each participant will carry a backpack weighing approximately 30–35 pounds.
The pace will be supportive and encouraging, not rushed. Our goal isn’t speed. It’s to enjoy the experience, build confidence, and help every woman feel strong and capable out on the trail.
Preparation & Education
This retreat includes a lot of learning and preparation so everyone feels confident heading into the backcountry.
We’ll host a pre-trip meeting to go over gear, food planning, and trail logistics together. Two days before the trip, we’ll meet for a fun Packing Party (May 26) where we’ll help everyone fit their gear into their backpacks and make sure everything is trail-ready.
Our goal is for every woman to arrive at the trailhead feeling prepared, supported, and excited for the adventure.
Shared Tent
Includes over $700 worth of gear (see list below) and sharing a 2-person tent with 1 other person, who you will meet before the trip.
If you have a tentmate you’d like to request, you can do so at registration.
Starting at $872 per person
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
Solo Tent
Limited Spots
Includes over $700 worth of gear (see list below) and a private 1-person tent.
Starting at $1122 per person
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
Your Guides
Lauren Pavao is the founder of Paddle Babes and has spent more than four years leading women into nature through paddling trips, outdoor retreats, and wilderness experiences. She’s certified in Wilderness First Aid and is passionate about helping women feel confident, safe, and deeply connected to the natural world.
Stacy Boyce has more than three years of experience guiding women on backpacking trips and outdoor adventures. She’s certified in Leave No Trace Principles and brings a deep respect for wilderness ethics, safety, and creating supportive group experiences on the trail.
