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.
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 finally get the 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 be hiking a beautiful 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, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Southeast and 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.
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 price
ALL OTHER MEMBERS receive 10% off retreat price.
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 will meet before the trip. If you have a tentmate you’d like to request, you can do so at registration.
Starting at $1027 per person
(All-In Member Price — 15% off regular rate)
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
Solo Tent
Limited Spots
Includes over $700 worth of gear (see list below) and a private 1-person tent.
Starting at $1277 per person
(All-In Member Price — 15% off regular rate)
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
what’s included
guides
gear
education
GEAR INCLUDED
(approximately $700 worth of gear)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Backpacking tent
Dry sacks
Headlamp
Trekking poles
Small quick-dry towel
Cup
Spork
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
Picaridin insect repellent (shared)
Earplugs
*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.
ITEMS YOU MUST BRING
Backpack* (see above)
Food for the trip (meals + snacks)**
Hiking boots or trail runners
Moisture-wicking socks (synthetic or wool), 2 pairs recommended
Moisture-wicking underwear
Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Lightweight fleece or jacket
Please note that moisture wicking, quick dry clothing is required. No cotton allowed.
Rain jacket or poncho
Sun hat
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Electrolytes
Prescription medications
Menstrual products (if needed)
Sunscreen
Lip balm (SPF recommended)
ID, Credit card and/or cash
**Don’t worry, sample menus will be provided and we’ll have a pre-trip meeting to go over food!
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Sleep clothes
Bandana or Buff
Backpacking pillow
Rain pants
Camp sandals or camp shoes (to wear after hiking)
Sunglasses
Cell Phone
Power bank for charging your phone
Instant coffee or preferred morning drink
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 low 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 5 miles per day, with one day totaling around 7.5 miles, and we’ll take plenty of breaks to snack, cool off in the river, and enjoy the trail. Expect uneven terrain, roots, rocks, and some hills 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.
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.
After reading the FAQ below, if you have any final questions — don’t hesitate to email Lauren:
FAQs
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No! Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, no passport required for US citizens.
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No problem! These are beginner-friendly excursions, and Lauren is a certified instructor. She can teach you all you need to know.
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Spanish is the primary language in Puerto Rico. In Fajardo and most tourism areas, many people also speak English.
Lauren will spend the next 4 months brushing up on basic Spanish and encourages you to learn a few phrases too—kindness and effort go a long way.We’ll greet in Spanish and, when needed, politely ask: “¿Habla inglés?” (Do you speak English?)
Gracias, chicas! 🧜♀️
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Light breakfast items, coffee, and water will be available at the house every morning.
Included in the retreat is a catered meal each day (adjacent to our excursions): Thursday night dinner will be provided upon arrival, lunch will be provided on our way to our daytime activities, and dinner will be provided on our way to our nighttime bioluminescent tour.
The rest of the time is open for you to explore, and you’ll have bicycles to get around the village, which offers plenty of local fare!
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Yes, but please check our retreat scheduled closely before booking other activities, so you don’t accidentally miss out on something fun. All our excursions are optional, but they’re included in your retreat pricing and designed to connect you to nature and our community.
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What should I pack?
Think breezy and beachy! Temps will be in the 70s–80s, so bring:
– Swimsuits + cover-up
– Light, comfy clothes for paddling + lounging
– Sandals + sneakers (for easy rainforest hikes)
– A hat, sunglasses, & sunscreen
– Something casual-cute for the Super Bowl watch party
– Bug spray (for the jungle vibes)
– Reusable water bottle + small daypackWe’ll be by the beach, on the water, and out exploring, so keep it comfy and fun!