For a ladies' weekend, a group of friends and I (age range from 37 to 58) booked a one night backpacking trip with A Walk in the Woods. From the moment of our arrival at the office on Saturday morning until the time we turned over our gear and said goodbye on Sunday afternoon, our guide Jamie provided us with an exceptional experience. Education was the main objective, and Jamie helped us by providing information on gear, terrain, maps, plants and wildlife. Her enthusiasm for the Great Smoky Mountains and the natural environment created a trip which was both fun and educational. Her flexibility and patience with our group of beginners allowed us to feel the challenge but not over-extend ourselves on our moderate hike. I highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in learning the foundation of backpacking.