Red River Gorge Backpacking Workshop

AT A GLANCE

Kentucky

10 Explorer Chicks

Backpacking

Backpacking, US-Based, Weekend, Workshop

2 Days

3 - Active

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“For me, this wasn’t just a vacation. It was a life changing experience.

My trip to Red River Gorge was even better than I expected.

Our guide, Jess, was AMAZING.

She not only embodies the vision and mission of the company, but is also a great mentor for both amateurs and experienced trekkers. I loved every minute!”

-Explorer Chick Mara

📍Red River Gorge Beginner Backpacking Workshop

#ExplorerChick #RedRiverGorge #Backpacking #Adventure #TransformativeTravel #ExplorerChickRed

73 1

Open

“For me, this wasn’t just a vacation. It was a life changing experience.

My trip to Red River Gorge was even better than I expected.

Our guide, Jess, was AMAZING.

She not only embodies the vision and mission of the company, but is also a great mentor for both amateurs and experienced trekkers. I loved every minute!”

-Explorer Chick Mara

📍Red River Gorge Beginner Backpacking Workshop

#ExplorerChick #RedRiverGorge #Backpacking #Adventure #TransformativeTravel #ExplorerChickRed

73 1

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2026 Starting from

$499
$419

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Non-Refundable Deposit: $100 due at booking to secure your spot

Questions about Red River Gorge?

Book a call with our Destination + Guest Experience Manager, Amy, or fill out the form below.

In Her Words

Laura M.

I used Explorer Chick for the first time in October for a hiking trip to Jordan. Everything was handled very professionally from the initial contact to book the trip to the end of the trip. Our guides were extremely knowledgable, fun and organized. The front office is very organized, as well. I am using Explorer Chick again for Red Rock hiking next year.

Rachel M.

I just returned from the Red River Gorge trip in Kentucky. Lauren Beatty was our fantastic guide. I learned a lot and had a blast. I highly recommend and will be booking another trip soon!

mary S.

I had a great trip with Ashley to Red River Gorge! I would totally recommend working with this company.

Sabrina C.

I had a great first time backcountry backpacking trip at Red River gorge with Explorer Chick. I wanted to challenge myself and see beautiful scenery. Our guide- Jody, was amazing!!! We had the best meals, she even made brownies and brought a candle for one of the ladies to celebrate her birthday. Looking forward to another one very soon!!

Kim K.

Hiking and camping in Red River Gorge was my first adventure with Explorer Chick. The trek was challenging, fun and so rewarding. Amy, our guide, is the best. I felt comfortable with her and the group right away. She is extremely knowledgeable and put us at ease immediately. I never doubted our safety and felt upto any challenge with her encouragement. This adventure was amazing and an excellent first experience with EC. I only wish that Amy lead other adventures too. Anyway, book this trip and you won't regret it!

Terri B.

Just returned from a trip to Red River Gorge in Kentucky. It was a fabulous experience as a first time backpacker. The trails were beautiful and the views were stunning. It was very organized which I loved. Gear was borrowed from EC and grateful we didn’t have to purchase before experiencing it. I already have three more trips planned for 2025!

Mara K.

I highly recommend Explorer Chick! My trip to Red River Gorge was even better than I expected. Our guide, Jess, was AMAZING. She not only embodies the vision and mission of the company, but is also a great mentor for both amateurs and experienced trekkers. For me, this wasn't just a vacation, it was a life changing experience. I loved every minute!

Carolina S.

Red River Gorge Backpacking Workshop:
I was looking for a trip to experience and learn more about backpacking. I can do research all day but nothing beats real life hands-on experience! Our guide was Amy, and she did an amazing job at answering all of our questions and teaching us. She made the experience feel effortless to plan, easy to arrive and have fun. The hike itself is moderate, achievable with some preparation and determination. Bonding with women of all ages who share a passion for travel and nature is always a plus! I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to get into backpacking.

The views are stunning too, did not know this gem was in KY.

Kitty F.

2 day 1 night - Red River Gorge, with the best group ever! Thank you so much Jody, wonderful, knowledgeable, guide. As well as a big thank you to the amazing group of "chicks". Thank you!

Linda W.

I can’t say enough about my experience on the RedRiver Gorge Backpacking Workshop! All the gals were so friendly! I learned so much from our guide, Amy. And she did such a great job of accommodating my paleo diet, which gives me ideas and hope for eating well when I backpack on my own! (Yes, after this trip I feel like I could backpack successfully) The location was gorgeous and challenging, just perfect! Another great Explorer Chick adventure!

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