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- 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.
- Virgin Falls - Caney ForkVirgin Falls, Sparta, TN
Please RSVP with integrity!
To join the trip:
- Join the waitlist
- Send me a message on Meetup or text me at 615-635-4877
- I will move you to the "going" list if there is space available
Trip Overview
- Attendee limit: 10 (If I can get another site I will increase the limit)
- Arrival: 10am CST (11am EST)
- Trip type: Out-and-back overnight
- Total distance: ~10 miles
- Difficulty: moderate with brief strenuous climb
- Skill levels: All skill levels with the appropriate gear and physical stamina
Trip Description
Join me on an overnight adventure to Virgin Falls in the Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park! We will be camping at the Caney Fork campsite along the Caney River. Water will be available at camp and must be treated before drinking.Along the hike we will see multiple waterfalls and caves (cave access is likely prohibited). We will hike ~5 miles to camp and hike out the same way on Sunday.
If you have never backpacked before or need any gear, please reach out to me - I have plenty of gear that I can loan out and love discussing gear options.
Please come prepared with a general understanding of the trip and a map.
This map covers most of our hike with the exception of the spur to camp along the Caney Fork River Trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/virgin-falls-trail
