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
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

50 3

Open

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

50 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

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

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Balance due closer to departure. Payment plans available.

Questions about Red River Gorge?

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In Her Words

Jill K.

5 days ago

Just returned from Alaska with Explorer Chick. This was my 5th trip through this organization and I cannot say enough wonderful things about them. These women go above and beyond to provide such a fabulous experience every time. I love that I don't have to plan anything - I just show up! The guides always share exactly what you need, what to wear, and provide all the snacks possible. The guides are the *trip moms* you didn't know you needed 🙂 It is amazing to sign up for once-in-a-lifetime trips knowing you don't have to be responsible or worry about any part of it. I have always wanted to travel to Alaska but didn't feel confident enough doing it on my own. Thanks to Explorer Chick, I was able to hike, travel from Anchorage to McCarthy to Valdez, enjoy a private bush plane, ice climb, explore ice caves and have a private sea kayaking experience in the Prince William Sound. None of this would have been possible on my own or through an Alaskan cruise. If you need a sign to book a trip with Explorer Chick - this is it!

Isabelle K.

5 days ago

I had THE most amazing trip to Yellowstone with Mary and Heather. The trip was the perfect life reset, and I can't imagine a better way to spend the long weekend than with a group of badass women hiking through Yellowstone. Mary and Heather were the absolute best guides; they knew more about the park than humanly possible and were so kind and approachable. I can't wait to book my next trip with Explorer Chick!!!

Sierra W.

5 days ago

Explorer Chick continues to be my go-to for adventure travel. After four trips, what consistently sets them apart is the outstanding value and care: attentive guides who tailor the experience to the group's needs, thoughtful itineraries, great accommodations even in unique and non-traditional environments, and the peace of mind that comes with an all-inclusive flat fee where you just show up and everything is covered. 7/2024 — Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking This was my very first trip with Explorer Chick, and I didn’t quite know what to expect—but I was blown away by the quality of everything! My guide, Kirstie, was beyond amazing. She did an impeccable job with backcountry meals (even sharing her recipes!), kept things interesting, and expertly managed the group’s pacing so everyone felt supported. To top it off, she put together a thoughtful birthday surprise for me right at the top of Half Dome, making the entire experience truly unforgettable. 6/2025 Update — Great Smoky Mountains Another incredible getaway. Lauren and Kara were wonderful guides who set a warm, encouraging tone for the entire group. The hiking routes offered stunning ridge views, and the balance of active trail time with evening downtime made it a fantastic, refreshing long weekend. 12/2025 Update — Belize A fantastic international adventure! Christina was an exceptional host, and our local guides, Wilson and Siri, brought so much local knowledge and cultural depth to every excursion. From exploring caves to the coastal activities, the logistics were smooth, and the immersion was top-tier. 8/2026 Update — Alaska I had a great time in Alaska, though this trip felt like a bit of an outlier compared to past experiences. While the scenery was breathtaking and the activities were well worth doing, the trip was much more demanding than its 3/5 rating suggested—the strenuous, back-to-back physical days definitely require solid conditioning. The pacing also felt front-loaded with physical exertion, followed by significant transit time toward the end. There were also noticeable hidden costs: many meals had to be paid out-of-pocket, and when alternative activities were offered for those opting out of the strenuous hikes, those came with unexpected extra expenses as well. Additionally, the overall food quality didn’t quite match the standard I have come to expect. It is still a fantastic adventure for anyone with the appropriate fitness baseline, and with a few logistical tweaks and better cost transparency, it has the potential to be just as seamless as their other offerings.

Maya V.

1 week ago

I had an excellent experience with Explorer Chick hiking Half Dome in Yosemite. Fantastic group of women and Kirstie our guide was so helpful! Wouldn't have wanted to do it without this group.

Danielle D.

2 weeks ago

I just finished the Explorer Chick trip to Scotland in July and it was fantastic. We did have true Scottish weather but that was part of the charm. Christina was our Explorer Chick guide and she was always prepared, full of information and making sure everyone was doing okay. The group of women I was with were encouraging, supportive and genuinely amazing people. The hikes we did were challenging at times but so worth it. The midges were the only thing about the trip I would change. Honestly, though, Explorer Chick made a bucket list trip for me an absolute experience I’ll never forget.

Jeanne B.

3 weeks ago

Had an amazing and challenging trip hiking in Scotland with Explorer Chicks. Great trip. Guides were outstanding and very helpful.

Jaimie H.

3 weeks ago

If you are considering taking a trip with Explorer Chick, DO IT! I just returned from 8 days in Scotland and it was the most amazing trip. My trip was full of amazing women, hikes with local guides who taught us about native plants and animals, great food and lots of laughs. Christina Bruno was our guide and she was amazing. She made sure everyone felt welcome and comfortable and she was so fun! I look forward to booking another trip with Christina in the future!

Crystal S.

4 weeks ago

Just returned from hiking in Slovenia with an amazing group of Explorer Chicks. This was my second trip with this company and certainly not my last. Our guide, Mary deftly looked after everything from geology lessons and gear advice to snack distribution and sometimes even sherpa duties. Our group had lots of laughs as we got to know each other, and i could not have asked for a better group of ladies to do it all with. It was challenging in all the ways i wanted it to be. Slovenia is a wonderful country with SO many things to explore (and remains slightly under the radar of most tourists, which makes it even better). Wishing i could go back and do it all again! No regrets!

J H.

4 weeks ago

When 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 chick

Marissa K.

4 weeks 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 🍝😂

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