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Red River Gorge Backpacking Workshop

AT A GLANCE

Kentucky
10 Explorer Chicks
Backpacking
Backpacking, US-Based, Weekend, Workshop
2 Days
3 - Active
Physical demand level for this trip

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.

In Her Words

Leanne R.
1 week ago
Things 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!
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Jody L.
3 weeks ago
Quite 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 ago
Can’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!
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Cathie W.
2 months ago
If 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!
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Tracey L.
2 months ago
My 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 ago
I 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 ago
Two 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.
2 months ago
I 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!
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Sue F.
3 months ago
I just returned from the Bryce and Zion trip. I can't say enough about every facet of the trip. The food, the schedule, the lodging accommodations, the support, the people and the information we learned-- all 5 star! Our guides Kirstie and Lauren took care of every detail, even the ones that came up last minute. Their caring, humor and compassion for every member of the group was unparalleled. I have an extreme fear of heights and they supported me while I canyoneered and walked through some very narrow paths with little to no guard rails. I came home energized, empowered, and ready to take another Explorer chicks adventure!
Vanessa G.
3 months ago
Just got back from Zion & Bryce Canyon. Kirstie & Lauren were our guides for the weekend and they delivered the most epic experience ever. They thought of everything for us-it was so nice to not have to worry about anything. They fed us and provided snacks and told us what we should be wearing for our days adventures. It was also nice to hear the history of where we were about to hike and explore. They were so patient and kind and will stay right by your side to get you up that hill or help you repel down that wall. They also take tons of pictures so that you truly can be in the moment and not have to worry about reaching for your phone to capture the moment. I will be booking another trip with them! Best experience ever!

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