All Trips > Kentucky > Red River Gorge Backpacking Workshop Red River Gorge Backpacking Workshop View Dates & Book Your Spot AT A GLANCE Kentucky 10 Explorer Chicks Backpacking Backpacking, US-Based, Weekend, Workshop 2 Days 3 - Active Physical demand level for this trip Overview Photos Itinerary Logistics Activity Level What's Included View Dates & Book Your Spot Book a Call Share Overview Get ready to go from “never slept outside” to “queen of the backcountry” in just TWO days. This women-only beginner backpacking workshop in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is a hands-on, fully immersive experience in the great outdoors— gear included! Trip Highlights Hike through the natural sandstone bridges, arches, and forest trails of Red River Gorge Learn essentials like how to pack, carry, and hike with a full backpacking pack Master essential backcountry skills: filtering water, setting up camp, cooking outdoors, hanging a bear bag—even pooping in the woods Gain confidence and ask all the questions in a zero-judgment zone led by expert female guides Camp in the heart of Eastern Kentucky’s most beautiful wilderness The Vibe: Supportive, hands-on, and zero-pressure. You’ll learn all the real backpacking things with expert guidance and a group of women who’ve got your back. That means when you inevitably mess up, no need to feel embarrassed. When you question if you’re doing something correctly, your guide can help you. Let’s learn together in the outdoors, so when it’s time for your big adventure you’ll already have legit, backcountry experience. Photos Itinerary Expand All Days Day 1 - Learn How to Pack, Cook, Set Up Camp, Filter Water and More Rise early Explorer Chick! You are learning how to backpack this weekend. You’ll meet up with your Explorer Chick Guide at the trailhead first thing in the morning. She’ll be the one surrounded with enough gear and food to mobilize a small army. To kick off the workshop, she’ll walk everyone through a Duffle Shuffle where gear is passed out and you pack up together learning how to properly pack your pack. Once everyone is loaded up and packs have been adjusted, you’ll hit the trails in the Red River Gorge. Throughout the day, your Explorer Chick guide will pause for instruction including how to filter water, safety, Leave No Trace, and basic safety. You’re encourage to ask all the questions especially the weird ones. And, yes, we will teach you the trick for squatting in the woods without peeing on your shoes. By early evening you’ll roll into camp happy to heave off your backpack. Your guide will help everyone set up tent before prepping dinner. It’ll be hands on for dinner so you can try your hand at lighting the camp stove. After chowing down, your guide will also share how to properly dispose of food waste and how to clean dishes in the back country. We’ll shimmy out to our favorite spot to catch the sunset or watch the stars. And fire bans permitting, we’ll kick around a campfire. Distance: 5.5 miles Elevation Gain: 1,200’ Accommodation: Backpacking Tent – Shared 2 per Meals: L-D Day 2 - Camp Coffee and a Day Hike Rise and shine, Explorer Chick! You freaking did it – backcountry camped with nothing but the stuff on your back. But first the most important lesson in all of backpacking – your Explorer Chick Guide will get you good and caffeinated with some hot coffee. Then she’ll recruit some help to pull together a yummy breakfast. She’ll walk you through how to break camp and you’ll try your hand again at packing up all your gear. We will hike back to the trailhead where you will return the gear to your guide. Then it’s a caravan to a new trailhead for a short bonus day hike. We’ll close out our backpacking workshop with an included hot lunch at one of our favorite local food joints. Backpacking: 4.3 miles Elevation Gain: 1,000′ Day Hike: 1 mile Elevation Gain: 200′ Meals: B-L Logistics What to Pack Check out our recommended hiking gear for all trips. You’ll receive a complete packing list in your Travel Guide upon booking; note that trips may require additional specialized items. Arrival Airport City: Lexington, KY (LEX). Approximately 1 hour drive to the Red. Pick Up Location: Trailhead Parking Lot Meeting Time: 8am on Day 1 Departure Airport City: Lexington, KY (LEX). Approximately 1 hour drive to the Red. Depart Location: Self drive to day hike and lunch on Day 2 Return Time: Plan to depart by 3pm on Day 2 Optional Add-Ons: Limited Single Upgrade Tents are available at booking. You will receive a Travel Guide with all the trailhead, packing, and additional information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip. We require a minimum of 5 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare. Activity Level Rated 3 – ACTIVE This trip is rated as Active because it is backpacking with approximately 25-30lbs on your back. Backpacking differs greatly from casual day hiking and trail running in local parks. What makes the Red River Gorge absolutely breathtaking also makes its trails steep and strenuous at times. It is a gorge after all! You will be hiking some steep sections with a backpack. There are several creek crossings during your route. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are required for stability and to keep your feet dry. We want all Explorer Chicks to enjoy their backpacking experience, which is why we find it crucial to set realistic expectations for this workshop. Expect to carry approximately 25 pounds on your back. You will be responsible for carrying your own pack, assigned gear, and necessities. When planning the route, we take into consideration the variety of skills and abilities of the women joining us on the adventure while stopping often for instruction and allowing ample time to reach camp. For these reasons, the mileage is short, but your day will be full. Keep in mind we will hike together as a group. The pace of the trip will vary based on the group’s overall abilities. (ie. Some may find the trail/pace too slow while others find it challenging. Always support your Explorer Chick sisters!) Daily Backpacking: Day 1: 5.5 miles. 1,200′ gain Day 2: 4.3 miles. 1’000 gain Day 2 Day Hike: 1 mile. 200′ gain. Please consider the physical demands carefully as it is for the safety and enjoyment of the group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking. Read more about our Activity Levels. What's Included Essential Gear Shared 2 person tent Backpack Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad Trekking poles Shared water filter, cookware, stove Digital Explorer Chick Backpacking Book Limited Single Tent Upgrades (4 available) Meals All meals as indicated in itinerary: B-1, L-2, D-1 Gratuities for included meals Practical Commercial permits and 1-Day Pass fees for Daniel Boone National Forest Professional leadership team with 1 Explorer Chick Guide A detailed Travel Guide with everything you need to know for your trip The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander! Not Included Airfare Airport Transportation Alcoholic beverages Travel Insurance (Learn about our preferred insurance provider) Meals exclusive of itineraries Costs for additional activities Gratuity for your Explorer Chick Guide (read our tipping guidelines here) Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents. More from the Red Did you know we have a beginner backpacking trip? 🤩Well, these 8 women just hiked nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain through the heart of Red River Gorge! Spring thundershowers rolled through on the trail, and our women kept moving, getting stronger with every mile. Along the way, they spotted eastern eyed click beetles, a black widow, a gray rat snake, a copperhead, an American toad, and a yellow-billed cuckoo, because Red River Gorge doesn’t hold back, and neither do they.Happy hour at camp looked like trailside charcuterie and mimosas (yes, really), followed by dinner and falling asleep to the sound of whippoorwills calling in the dark.The next morning, they packed up, hiked out, and toasted with ice-cold local sodas, accomplished, exhilarated, and completely hooked on backpacking. Then, they proceeded to absolutely destroy burgers at a local farm-to-table restaurant on the way home. No notes.🍔Somewhere between the storms, the sore legs, and the shared snacks, they discovered they’re capable of far more than they thought, and turned a group of strangers into lifelong trail friends.Where was your first backpacking trip? We’d love to hear all about it below! ⤵️ #explorerchickred #redriver #backpackingforbeginners #backpacking #grouptravel 49 3 Open 49 3 Our latest beginner backpacking trip to Red River Gorge was an absolute blast! 💥 Six Explorer Chicks set out for an adventure, and it definitely delivered. We tackled a rough 6-mile trail, which felt like a marathon at times, especially with all our gear. The 8 creek crossings were a refreshing (and sometimes chilly!) challenge, adding a fun element of “will we stay dry?” to the journey.We learned some essential outdoor skills, mastering the art of cooking delicious backcountry meals and, perhaps more importantly, treating our own water so we wouldn’t have to haul it all. After a day of hiking and learning, falling asleep to the gentle pitter-patter of rain on our tents and the mesmerizing song of whippoorwills was pure magic. And the views? Oh, the views! We were treated to breathtaking 360-degree panoramas that made every uphill climb worth it.To celebrate our triumph, we devoured some famous Miguel’s pizza and enjoyed a well-deserved beer. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable trip filled with laughter, challenges, and incredible memories 🍕If you’re ready to join us and give backpacking a try, comment “RED” below and I’ll send you over our next dates!#explorerchickred #redrivergorge #womensbackpackingtrips #womenwhoadventure #backpacking #hikingadventures #womenwhohike #grouptravel #beginnerbackpacker 78 7 Open 78 7 Six adventurous women hit the trail this weekend in Red River Gorge and conquered 10 miles of rugged Appalachian beauty with nothing but backpacks, grit, and a whole lot of snacks 🥾🌟Under a canopy of stars and to the sweet nighttime serenade of whippoorwills, we camped like queens—complete with a makeshift spa night by the fire (face masks + headlamps = iconic).We powered through steep climbs, shared trail mix and inside jokes, and held each other up when the trail got tough—literally and emotionally. There were moments of struggle, sure, but even more of uncontrollable laughter that left our abs sore (who needs core workouts anyway?).We woke early to watch the sun rise over the rolling hills, feeling small and infinite all at once. And to wrap it all up? A victory feast of Miguel’s legendary pizza, cold local beer, and a toast to friendship, resilience, and really strong hiker booties.We came, we hiked, we spa’d, we laughed—and we’ll 100% be doing it again. If you want to join us, comment “RED” and I’ll send you over the link 💕 #explorerchickred #redrivergorge #redriver #hikekentucky #womenwhohike #hikinggoup #travelgroupforwomen #womenstravel 73 6 Open 73 6 What. A. Trip. ✨Some of our Explorer Chick’s just got back from an epic weekend in Virginia, and from what we’ve been told, the laughs, the lessons, and the views were unmatched. They tackled the Triple Crown Hikes – Tinker Cliffs, Dragon’s Tooth, and Mcafee Knob. 🥾 Then channeled their inner survivalists with self-defense and survival training 💪🔥 Building fires, emergency shelters, signaling skills – our ladies are ready for *literally* anything. So, what was the best part? Cozying up by the wood stove with incredible women, vibing over local brews, van karaoke sessions, and celebrating every mile with a glass of something special. 🍷These ladies came back with stronger legs, sharper skills, and hearts so full. 💕 And you could too! This trip is going to be $300 off during our Black Friday Sale! Comment “SALE” to get early access 🙌🏽🎉 #explorerchickred #redrivergorge #backpackingworkshop #bacpacking #weekendtrip #backpackingforbeginners 73 0 Open 73 0 Load More View Dates & Book Your Spot Let's Do This Starting From $499 Book Now You’re in Good Hands. Thoughtful planning, professional leadership, and details handled with care — so you can book with confidence. Non-Refundable Deposit: $100 due at booking to secure your spot Balance due closer to departure. Payment plans available. Questions about Red River Gorge? Book a call with our Destination + Guest Experience Manager, Amy, or fill out the form below. FacebookThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required) First Name Last Name Email(Required) Enter Email Confirm Email Send us your RRG questions!(Required) In Her Words J H.18 hours agoWhen my best friend had asked me to do this trip with her. I was very hesitant. But decided I would jump in. And now that the trip is done, I have to say that it was worth every penny and all across the board it was a fantastic experience!! Our guides, Amy and Lauren were amazing and incredibly knowledgeable! The timing of our trip brought in some bad weather, but they had already figured out new route for us before we as guests even knew what was going on weather wise.. they figured out another hike that was Challenging and also gave us beautiful views! They didn’t want us to miss the views of the Smoky Mountains And then there were the delicious lunches and dinners they made for us. It was definitely exceptional. The time with a bunch of 14 women that I did not know except for my one friend, was at first very incredibly intimidating, but ultimately it was so Fun, energetic and incredibly welcoming. (this is coming from this pretty introverted person) . I loved all of it! Can’t wait to return and do another trip with Explorer chickMarissa K.3 days ago⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I honestly don’t even know if I have the right words to fully explain what my trip to Italy with Explorer Chick meant to me. This was so much more than a trip or a vacation. It was an experience that truly changed me and left an impact on my heart that I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have traveled to Italy and experience so many things I never thought I would. From wandering through the beautiful streets and canals of Venice, trying unforgettable food (seriously… #CleanPlateClub 😂🍝), immersing myself in a completely different culture, and seeing places that I had only ever dreamed about, there were so many moments where I had to stop and think, “Is this really my life?” I will forever cherish those moments. The hikes and activities challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, but that’s what made them so rewarding. There were definitely moments when I had to push myself, but I never felt like I was doing it alone. Being surrounded by a group of incredible women who supported one another, encouraged each other, and pushed each other to become stronger and better was something truly special. We celebrated each other’s victories, helped each other through the hard moments, and reminded one another that we were capable of more than we thought. There is something incredibly powerful about being surrounded by women who genuinely want to see you succeed. One of the most special parts of this experience was having Katie as my guide. She was absolutely incredible and made the entire trip feel even more special. What made our connection even more meaningful was discovering that we are both from West Virginia area and share that Appalachian background. There is something so special about meeting someone who understands a part of where you come from, especially when you’re halfway around the world. Finding that little piece of home in Italy was something I never expected, and I will always be grateful for the bond we formed. This trip changed my perspective on life in ways I didn’t expect. It reminded me that there is a whole world out there waiting to be explored and that I shouldn’t be afraid to step outside of what is comfortable and familiar. I came home realizing that life is too short to keep waiting for “someday.” There is so much beauty, culture, adventure, and connection waiting for us if we are willing to take the chance and go find it. I left Italy with more than just pictures and souvenirs. I came home with a heart full of memories, a deeper appreciation for the world, a new sense of courage and curiosity, and friendships and connections that I will always treasure. This experience made me want to see more, learn more, challenge myself more, and experience as much of this beautiful world as I possibly can. I will forever be thankful to Explorer Chick for giving me an experience that I will never forget, and especially to Katie for being such an amazing guide and for making this adventure even more meaningful. I truly believe some experiences come into our lives at exactly the right time, and this trip was one of those experiences for me. Italy will always have a special place in my heart. 🇮🇹❤️ And I have a feeling this is only the beginning of my journey to see more of this incredible world. 🌎✈️ #CleanPlateClub 🍝😂Leanne R.2 weeks agoThings I learned (or remembered) on my Explorer Chick Shenandoah adventure: 💚 I can do hard things, especially in a supportive and encouraging environment. 🌿 Nature is healing, and physical activity can help me process deep and complex emotions. 🎒 I tend to carry more than I need to. ✨ Sometimes when things don’t go as planned, they turn out even better than I could have imagined. 🍷 I want to still be dancing to live music at wineries in my 70s and beyond. 💪 I should trust my body more. I am much stronger than I think I am. I am so grateful to our amazing guides, Christina and Kaylin, for all of their guidance, support, and encouragement - plus all of the fun surprises and treats throughout the trip!Jody L.3 weeks agoQuite possibly the best 8 days of my life! Our guides, Savannah and Nicole took care of everything--transportation, meals, lodging, itinerary, permits, celebrations. Utah was beautiful; my explorer chick companions were capable and enthusiastic, and the memories I will carry with me forever. Book a trip, and get ready to hike with your (new) forever friends.Joyce L.2 months agoCan’t say enough amazing things about Explorer Chick Adventure Trips! I recently did the Shenandoah National Park hiking trip with my sister and five other women who started as complete strangers but quickly became friends. The entire experience was unforgettable, but the absolute highlight of the trip was our incredible guides, Christina and Savannah. These women deserve 5 stars across the board for everything, customer care, knowledge, leadership, encouragement, fun, and heart. They were so attentive to everyone’s dietary needs and restrictions, always checking in and making sure every woman felt comfortable, included, and supported. They set the perfect pace for the group and created such a positive, uplifting environment. Christina and Savannah are extremely knowledgeable about the trails, terrain, and hiking experience overall. You can tell they are experienced athletes, adventurers, and truly passionate about what they do. Beyond their skills, what inspired me most was watching two such strong, accomplished women genuinely dedicate themselves to lifting up and encouraging other women to believe in their own strength and push beyond their comfort zones. This trip was so much more than hiking. It was empowering, inspiring, healing, fun, and full of connection. I left feeling stronger, more confident, and so grateful for the experience and the friendships made along the way. Highly, highly recommend Explorer Chick Adventure Trips and if you get Christina and Savannah as your guides, you are incredibly lucky!Cathie W.2 months agoIf you’re considering an adventure with Explorer Chick Boots and Roots in the Smoky Mountains — book it. This trip exceeded every expectation. Our guides, Kirstie and Cailyn, were absolutely phenomenal. They went out of their way every single day to make sure we were well-fed, well-guided, comfortable, and enjoying the experience. From yummy "Trader Joes" style meals to unforgettable moments, they created an experience I will remember fondly. One of the highlights was Cailyn fully committing to the fun by donning overalls for an authentic moonshine tasting experience that had all of us smiling from ear to ear. It’s those little touches that made the trip feel so personal and memorable. And then there was the hike to Charlie’s Bunion that had to replace Ramsay's Cascade due to bear activity... 8 miles round trip (uphill both ways LOL just kidding) and worth every single step. The views were simply breathtaking. Truly the view of a lifetime. Standing there in the Smokies, surrounded by those endless mountain ridges, is something I’ll never forget. If you want incredible guides, meaningful experiences, beautiful scenery, and memories you’ll be talking about long after you get home, just book the trip!Tracey L.2 months agoMy sister and I participated in a 3 day Shenandoah Hiking Adventure and it was an exceptional experience, in large part because of our two guides, Christina and Savannah. They are both incredible woman with a vast knowledge of hiking in the wilderness and an intense passion for all that they do, which includes leading many, many expeditions throughout the U.S., and around the world. We felt so fortunate that we had them as guides because they have so many years of experience hiking in a diverse range of terrains and climate zones, couples with years of experience as a guides, which means they have highly honed skills when it comes to leading participants during all of our hikes, and through all aspects of the tour experience. One of the challenges of leading tours like this is that participants vary greatly in their levels of experience, fitness, and personality styles, and yet, both Christina and Savannah managed this challenge with great facility. They were able to create an environment that fostered connection and camaraderie, and that encouraged everyone to challenge themselves in positive and growth-enhancing ways. Additionally, the hikes we took were all spectacular. The beauty of the Shenandoah's is incredible. I experienced so much peace, pleasure and joy from the time we spent hiking along various trails. For anyone who enjoys time in nature, or who wants an opportunity for nature immersion, this tour definitely fits the bill. Additionally, Explorer Chicks does a great job of planning and communicating all of the logistics which made it possible to let go of everyday hassles and to be fully present for the wonderful experiences that were offered through this tour.Gayle M.2 months agoI just took an amazing trip to Zion and Bryce National Parks with Explorer Chick! Everything about this trip was top notch. Everything was well planned and coordinated. Our FANTASTIC guides, Lauren and Christina, were very experienced and knowledgable about every thing we did/saw/experienced. They kept us well fed, hydrated, cared for during then entire adventure. We hiked and rappelled through some breathtaking scenery and glamped in tents that literally had all the comforts of home. Several of us were solo travelers. The entire vibe of the group was welcoming and supportive. I highly recommend this company to any woman looking try out an adventurous vacation.Michelle W.2 months agoTwo absolutely amazing guides, Lauren and Christina, took us on our adventure to Zion and Bryce. Our group was pampered with snacks galore, Trader Joe’s-inspired lunches, and glamping accommodations we all appreciated. Lauren and Christina were not only knowledgeable about the areas we visited, but they also intentionally curated a trip that built camaraderie and honored each of our skill levels. Several of the women in our group, including me, were first-time Explorer Chicks travelers. This trip was a reminder of how important it is to invest in myself and build connections with women who share the same love for nature and adventure. I had been following Explorer Chick for several years before finally booking a trip, and I couldn’t be happier that I chose Zion/Bryce as my first experience. I already can’t wait to book my next adventure!Marni N.3 months agoI recently attended the Red River Gorge backpacking workshop, and I can't say enough great things about it! Our guide, Janie, was friendly, funny, knowledgable, and patient. The equipment was perfect. I am so excited to take more trips with Explorer Chick! Book with Confidence Your wanderlust doesn’t have to wait. Our payment plans make booking your dream trip easier than ever. The best part? Zero additional fees. Payment Plans We want nothing more than for you join us. However, we understand emergencies do occur that may cause you to cancel your reservation. Cancellation Policy To protect your travel investment and your hide, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Receive a no-hassle, online quote with our trusted insurance partner. Trip Insurance Endless Wanderlust Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking 4 DAYS, CALIFORNIA Backpacking, Bucket List, Hiking, National Park, US-Based, Weekend Backpacking Great Smoky Mountains Hiking & Rafting Weekend 4 DAYS, TENNESSEE Hiking, National Park, Smoky Mountains, Weekend, White Water Rafting Locally Unique Las Vegas Climbing and Overnight Kayak Weekend Adventure 4 DAYS, NEVADA Camping, Climbing, Multisport, Paddling, Water Sports Hotel, Camping Moab and Arches National Parks Hiking Weekend 4 DAYS, UTAH Hiking, National Park, US-Based, Weekend Shared House Private: REDIRECTED: Patagonia W Trek Hut to Hut 7 DAYS, CHILE Backpacking, Bucket List, Hiking, Multiday Treks, Trekking Hotel, Mountain Huts Utah Ultimate National Parks Hiking Road Trip 8 DAYS, UTAH Hiking, National Park, US-Based Shared House, Glamping Yellowstone Hiking and Wildlife with Grand Teton 7 DAYS, WYOMING Bucket List, Cycling, Hiking, Hot Springs, Multisport, National Park, US-Based, Wildlife Hotel