Guided Hiking

group hikes & custom trips
to fit your needs & expectations

We’re passionate about working with each guest to meet their specific goals. Private hikes, special events and custom services give hikers the opportunity to learn life-long backcountry skills and discover the best hikes in the High Country. We provide gear rental and food plans, so there’s nothing holding you back. Don’t just visit the High Country, explore it!

Why go with a guide?

A guide is more than a hiking companion - we are trained & experienced with a variety of skills:

Plant identification
Survival and earth skills
Forest bathing, yoga, and meditation
Backpacking 101 & Appalachian Trail thru-hike training
Cultural & historical area information
All guides are certified Wilderness First Responders

Read more about our guides here and get to know us at a Pint Night!

Some of our most popular destinations are:

Grandfather Mountain
Linville Gorge
Grayson Highlands State Park
Roan Mountain
Wilson Creek Wilderness Area
Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Field of wildflowers with mountains in the background under a blue sky.

Current Offerings:

2025 Special Events

April 3: “Women in the Outdoors” Pint Night
April 11: Moonlight Hike | $35
June 7: Storyteller Rock Day Hike | Free!
July 10: “Leave No Trace” Pint Night
August 14-17: Women’s Beginner Backpack | Gear rental and food included
November 6: “Outdoor Professionals” Pint Night
November 7-9: “Is That All You Got?” Linville Loop | Gear rental and food included

Private Hikes

Family-Friendly: 1-2 hours | 1-2 people | $150
Half Day: 3-4 hours | 1-2 people | $300
Full Day: 6-8 hours | 1-2 people | $450
Overnight Excursion: 2 Day, 1 Night | 2 people | Starts at $1220
Group accommodations available upon request. Please note, a charge of $25 will be added for each additional participant on a Half Day hike, $50pp on a Full Day hike, and $300pp on an Overnight Excursion.

A La Carte Services

Outdoor Training: Basics of backpacking, thru-hike preparation, plant ID, or survival skills

In person or virtual
$60 / hour

Trip Planning: You may not need a guide for your whole trip, but you may want information about what to pack and what conditions to be aware of, especially if you’re not from the area. A 1-hour call with us could save you days of pain, mistakes, and danger down the trail.
Team Building Exercises: Schedule your group for a team building workshop with Ryan Crawley, Head Hiking Guide. These workshops can be curated to your group’s specific strengths, goals and outdoor experiences.
Corporate Retreats in collaboration with one of our local hospitality partners:
Rhodes Motor Lodge in Boone, NC or Brinkwaters in Damascus, VA
Simply contact us for pricing and information - ryan@thespeckledtrout.com.