What we’re about
Meet others in Nashville, middle Tennessee, and beyond, interested in backpacking. At regular monthly meetings in the Brentwood REI Community Room, we discuss trails, equipment, tents, hammocks, packs, stoves, cameras and photography, clothing, weather, wildlife, first aid, food, recipes, etc., and find fellow hikers to go backpacking with. Our backpacking trips are multi-day events that require a great deal of work by hike organizers. PLEASE RSVP WITH INTEGRITY; if you can't do that, this might not be the Meetup group for you.
Most of our trips are open to all members on a first-come basis. However, there will be events that are attendance-selective based on difficulty, experience required, past participation in related or similar events, etc. This will be at the discretion of the specific event organizer.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Beginner's Overnight: Virgin Falls Martha's Pretty Point April 5-6, 2025Virgin Falls Trailhead Parking, Sparta, TN$8.00
Please read the entire description before RSVP'ing.
NOTE: In order to allow as many beginners as possible to attend, I will keep RSVP's closed until March 23, the date of my next Intro to Backpacking Class. I will open RSVP's to everyone at 6:00 PM CDT on March 23.
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Saturday: We will meet at 11:00 AM central time at the Scotts Gulf Wilderness (also known as Virgin Falls State Natural Area). We will then hike down the Virgin Falls Trail, then turn right just past the Cable Crossing campsite and head up to Martha's Pretty Point. This hike is suitable for all skill levels. Please bring a map and familiarize yourself with the trail beforehand. From Martha's, those who want to can explore the area. It's about a 3 mile round trip hike to Big Laurel Falls, and about a 5 mile round trip to Virgin Falls. (NOTE: The hike down to the falls is quite strenuous, and optional).
Route Info (Gaia)Sunday: We will complete the loop, hiking the Upland trail approximately 2.5 miles back out to the trailhead.
Route Info (Gaia)I have reserved several sites at Martha's Pretty Point. I am holding some spots for beginners who have taken (or are enrolled in) one of my Intro to Backpacking Classes, but haven't had their free trip yet. If this applies to you, the trip is included in your class fee. It will be $8 per person for everyone else. I accept Venmo, Paypal, or CashApp. Please contact me as soon as you RSVP , or you will remain on the waitlist.
Super Important Info:- Whether you are a free or paid attendee, you will go to the waitlist when you RSVP.
- In order to move to the going list, send me a text message to 931-267-9378 to a) confirm your attendance and b) make payment (where applicable). If you do not contact me when you RSVP, you will remain on the waitlist.
- Just because the waitlist is full doesn't automatically mean the trip is full. Go ahead and contact me when you RSVP, even if you're on the waitlist. You might be pleasantly surprised.
- Payment info:
Venmo - @BackpackerWill
Paypal - @aretebackpacking
CashApp - $BackpackerWillRefunds - Up until 7 days before the trip, if you cancel AND someone takes your spot and pays, I will refund your fee. Within 7 days of the trip, there will be no refunds.
Weather - We will go rain or shine, unless there are dangerous storms in the forecast. It could be quite cold, so please let me know if you have any concerns or questions about your gear, or if you need anything.
Water - There is a stream near camp, but it's seasonal. The most reliable source is about 0.5 miles from camp, so you may have to carry water a short distance. Please have a filter, or some other way to purify your water.
Food Storage - There are no bears at Virgin Falls, so special food storage is not required. I do recommend some basic means to protect your food from rodents, etc.
This will be a pup- and kid-friendly trip. Feel free to bring your well-behaved doggos and kids. If you have any questions about this hike, please let me know. My phone number is 931-267-9378. Please RSVP with integrity....canceling at the last minute keeps someone else from attending.
- Night Hike — Mossy Ridge Trail at Percy Warner ParkVaughn's Gap, Nashville, TN
Looking to get in better shape for backpacking? Missing the Backpacker Meetup group but don't have time for a trip? Then join us for a 5.8 mile loop through Percy Warner Park!
We'll meet at the Vaughn's Gap parking lot at 6:00 pm and take the Candy Cane Connector to the main Mossy Ridge (red) trail. We'll spend the next 2+ hours on this moderate trail with frequent elevation gain. This hike can be challenging depending on your fitness level/if you haven't been hiking recently. The pace is set by the group and no one is left behind.
Headlamps/lights are required for this hike. Water, snacks, and appropriate layers for the weather are recommended. I will keep an eye on the weather and may cancel for rain, thunderstorms, or windy conditions.
Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/mossy-ridge-trail
Please give yourself enough time to find parking and get to the trailhead – we will start promptly to respect everyone's time. Message me if you're running late!
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
- Night Hike — Mossy Ridge Trail at Percy Warner ParkVaughn's Gap, Nashville, TN
Looking to get in better shape for backpacking? Missing the Backpacker Meetup group but don't have time for a trip? Then join us for a 5.8 mile loop through Percy Warner Park!
We'll meet at the Vaughn's Gap parking lot at 6:00 pm and take the Candy Cane Connector to the main Mossy Ridge (red) trail. We'll spend the next 2+ hours on this moderate trail with frequent elevation gain. This hike can be challenging depending on your fitness level/if you haven't been hiking recently. The pace is set by the group and no one is left behind.
Headlamps/lights are required for this hike. Water, snacks, and appropriate layers for the weather are recommended. I will keep an eye on the weather and may cancel for rain, thunderstorms, or windy conditions.
Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/mossy-ridge-trail
Please give yourself enough time to find parking and get to the trailhead – we will start promptly to respect everyone's time. Message me if you're running late!
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
