All-Inclusive Sustainably Executed Backpacking Adventures. For Vegans.



Let's Explore Together May 8-13

It’d be hard as a company striving to help people build connections to nature while actively participating in systems that directly harm the planet and inhabitants, right? As we have gone down the path of being a vegan owned and operated business, it became clear that travel can be extra tough to plan without a strong array of vegan food options, grocery, or vegan friendly activities that bring like-minded people together.

That’s why we are launching a handful of backpacking adventures for the vegan community in 2024 to experience one of the richest, biodiverse ecosystems in the world.

Since 2020 we have been on an amazing and fulfilling journey to provide a 100% vegan backpacking trips. As a vegan owned business we know how incredibly difficult travel can be and we’re well aware of how many mistakes or misunderstandings can occur when trying to enjoy a group activity away from home.

As a company striving to reconnect people to nature we realized how intertwined living a compassionate, plant based, healthful lifestyle and appreciating the planet and all life really is. So we figured it would make the most sense for us to fully honor and appreciate the experience of outdoor immersion by creating an experience of the lowest impact possible.

Our groups enjoy 100% vegan meals no matter what, but the trips listed below are specifically for YOU, the vegans.

Here’s the custom vegan adventure itinerary

This trip is ideal for beginners and experienced backpackers. With a moderate intensity, most anyone can succeed on this trip with the provided training plan. The below itinerary will highlight the daily treks and what to expect for miles and elevation. Note: Each all-inclusive package begins on a Wednesday and concludes on a Monday, both of which are travel days.

  • Arrive to Asheville (AVL) by 3:00 PM, and check-in to the river side lodge. Your guide(s) will meet you at 4:00 PM for introductions and orientation where you’ll get instruction on packing your pack, fitting, and can ask as many questions as you need to feel prepared. The group will then head to town for dinner at one of Asheville’s best vegan restaurants. After dinner we’ll head back to the lodge for camaraderie around the bonfire.

  • Your guide will show up to the lodge with breakfast around 8:00 AM with a planned departure of 8:30 AM. Pile into the van and enjoy the 2 hour drive to the trailhead (may be longer depending on bathroom breaks!). Once at the trailhead we’ll distribute food items and aim to be on the trail by 11:00 AM. Depending on the itinerary, we’ll hike anywhere from 3 to 5 miles to our first camp. We’ll make camp here for the first two nights which will provide the group the flexibility to day hike up the crest of the Snowbirds, and explore the source of the creek, high up in the mountains.

    Estimated distance 3-5 miles

    Estimated elevation +500’

  • This is our first full day in the backcountry. With making basecamp at our current campsite, we’ll be able to make a daytrip to the top of the mountain with light daypacks to explore the headwaters of Snowbird creek, and all the cascades that follow it back to the valley. This will provide the group time to settle into life on the trail, get some rest, and adjust gear for the next two days of hiking with packs.

    Estimated distance 5.5 miles (2 with pack, 3.5 with daypacks)

    Estimated elevation +700’ with packs, +1200’ gained then lost with day packs.

  • Another fulfilling day in the Snowbirds and the group is really clicking! Today’s trail may range from 2 miles with some incline to 4 miles with water crossings. Current conditions may change when the group changes campsites and the routes your guide select. We’ll aim to share a couple very special waterfalls with the group, of which is a towering cascade with amazing views from below and atop.

    Estimated distance 5 miles (2 with packs, 5 with daypacks)

    Estimated elevation -300’ to camp then +500’ gained and lost with daypacks

  • Our final hike out may prove to be the most adventurous one yet, with a section of trail taking us in and out of the Snowbird several times within the first mile. What better way to wake up?!

    Estimated distance 4 miles

    Estimated elevation -600’

    We’ll aim to exit the trail by 11:00 AM and be back in Asheville by 1:00 PM or earlier for lunch. Once at the lodge we’ll dump gear, check-in, and shower up. Option to paddleboard or float the river if we’re THAT early for check-in! Otherwise, shower up, get some rest, and prepare for one last group dinner in town and bonfire at the lodge.

  • Check out of the hotel by 10:00 AM. There is a cafe on site that will have coffee and pastries for those needing a quick bite before travel to the airport. If your flight is later, there will be plenty of options for food, and even some excellent options within a nice walk from the lodge in the River Arts District.

Notes about the route: The trail following the creek is gradual though there are multiple water crossings where water may go thigh high. Your lead guide will make the decision whether to cross the creek or not depending on recent rain, speed, and depth of the creek.

Any sections of trail that have elevation gain/loss are relatively short lived but will certainly get your heart pumping.

To be prepared for this trip we highly suggest utilizing the provided 6-week training plan and taking part in training hikes with weighted backpacks. This route is considered “moderate” given the duration of the trip, water crossings, and sections with elevation gain/loss.

See what we include here. Keep in mind, this trip includes lodging before and after the backpacking trip!

Ready to join us?

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer and is operated under special use permit with the Huron Manistee, Pisgah, Nantahala, and Hoosier National Forests.