🌿 Backcrafting: A Therapeutic Hiking + Art Retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Reconnect with nature, creativity, and yourself.

Join us for a unique overnight hiking experience that blends the grounding power of the outdoors with the joy of creating art with other awesome humans. We call it “Backcrafting”—because it combines two of my faviorite things backpacking and crafts. It’s really a retreat into beauty, both on the trail and on the canvas.

Beginner friendly hiking and no art skills needed

These small-group trips are designed to slow you down, spark your creativity, and build your confidence in the outdoors—all in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. Whether you’ve been craving a reset or just want a playful, peaceful escape, this is for you.

🏔 Where We’re Headed: Sam’s Knob

Tucked off the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, Sam’s Knob is one of the most scenic summits in Western North Carolina. The 5.5-mile roundtrip hike weaves through wildflower-filled meadows, open balds, and evergreen forests, offering just enough challenge to feel accomplished without feeling overwhelmed. Sunset views are unreal—and yes, we’ll be creating at camp, too.

This trip is welcoming to most fitness levels and includes plenty of time to relax, breathe deeply, and create something pretty to take home and remind you of your trip.

🎨 What We’ll Make: Campfire Crafts

Each Backcrafting trip includes an easy, beginner-friendly art activity under the open sky. We’ll provide all materials and guidance—you just show up with curiosity. No experience needed! See what upcoming trips we have planned at the bottom of this page.

🏕 What’s Included

✔️ Guided overnight hike with certified Island Ford Adventure Guide
✔️ Pre-trip Zoom call with Katlyn to answer your questions and walk through gear
✔️ Optional free tent spot at Nero Coffee + Camp in Brevard, NC the night before and/or after your trip
✔️ All meals + craft materials provided (including dietary accommodations)
✔️ Coffee brewed onsite from Nero Coffee and selection of tea, too ☕️
✔️ All Gear + Mini Intro to Backpacking Gear Course before we head out on the trail. If you are a more experienced backpacker and have all your own gear, we offer a (BYOG (bring your own gear) discount. on this trip. ***Discount can be applied after you book at full price and have your pre-trip Zoom call to make sure you have all the right gear you need.***
✔️ Trail transportation included
✔️ Art supplies, instruction, and trail magic moments included

🧳 What You’ll Need to Bring

Once you book, you’ll receive a full packing list and guidance on what to wear and bring, but it’s things like warm layers, rainjacket, sturdy hiking shoes, headlamp, basic toiletries, etc.

🗓 Sample Itinerary

Day 1:
10AM – Meet at Nero Coffee Camp for Backpacking Basics an Gear Check
12PM – Lunch in town before we hit the trail
1PM – Drive to Trailhead
2PM – Hike to Camp
4PM – Craft Session
6PM – Dinner + Sunset Hike

7PM Campfire Vibes (as fire regulations allow)

Day 2:
8AM-ish– Coffee + Breakfast
10AM – Hike Out
12PM – Optional Post-Hike Celebration at The Hub (food trucks + beers!)

Ready to Backcraft with us?

Space is limited for these intimate, retreat-style trips. Come as you are—leave feeling recharged, accomplished, and hopefully ready to start planning your next backpacking trip.