Description: Women in the Wilderness 2026
Location: Fiery Gizzard State Park
Have you been wanting to get into backpacking but just don't know where to even begin? Does all the gear involved just intimidate you? What all is actually a must have in order to enjoy a good backpacking trip? Do you have the stamina to carry a 30 lb pack with all the essentials necessary for survival? Can you even start a campfire? Ranger Jessie DeRight and her fellow guides will help you answer all these questions as well as teach you all the skills needed to enjoy a backpacking trip in a safe and controlled environment. We can provide equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack) to those who need it on a first come, first serve basis. Lunch and Dinner backpacker meals will be provided for the Saturday date. Those will special dietary restrictions may be asked to provide their own food.
This trip will start out at the Fiery Gizzard South (Foster
Falls) trailhead at 10:00 a.m. We will discuss the basics of
backpacking, learn how to pack a bag (it's not nearly as straight forward
as you think!), and go over the route we will be taking. We will then begin our
hike to Small Wilds Campground via the Climber's Loop/Fiery Gizzard
Trail, which is about a 2.5 mile moderate - strenuous hike. Once we
get there, we will set up camp, eat some lunch, and then for those who are up
for it, we will explore the Laurel Gorge next to camp. Once we get back from
our hike, we will gather firewood and go over how to start a campfire.
Sunday morning, we will pack up and head back to the Fiery
Gizzard South trailhead via the Fiery Gizzard Trail. The hike back will also be
about 2.5 miles, which will be a total of 5 miles for the weekend. Once we are
back to the parking lot, we will answer any last minute questions that people
may have before we depart and go back home!
This trip is limited to women ages 16 and up and all minors must
be accompanied by an adult. This event is limited to the first 10 people
who register. Registration for this event will end April 24th. If you
register for this event but must cancel for whatever reason, then you must do
so before April 24th by 4:00 p.m. in order to receive a refund. If the
Ranger decides to cancel for dangerous weather conditions then she will do so
by 4:00 p.m. on May 1st, and refunds will be issued to participants.
Contact Email: jessie.deright@tn.gov
Meeting Place: Fiery Gizzard South 498 Foster Falls Road, Sequatchie, TN 37374