Welcome to Mountain Trek

Arrival And Departure

We recommend flying into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) or Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP).

From there you will need to take a taxi, car service, or ride-share to the lodge.

You may also drive to the lodge if you wish. Here is the address:

10 Road of Vines
Travelers Rest, South Carolina 29690

Check-in is between 3:00-5:00 pm on the Saturday of your program start date.

Check out is the following Saturday before 10:00 am

What to pack

Bring layers, leave fancy attire at home—this is your time to recharge in comfortable clothing. Plan to hike in mild to cool temperatures (45-65°F / 7-18 °C), with some precipitation. Daily laundry services will be available, and we provide shampoo and conditioner, soap, a hairdryer, bathrobe, backpack, and hiking poles. We also gift you a 3L water bladder.

How to Layer

Base layer
This is your sweat-wicking first layer that has direct contact with your skin. Good fabrics include polypro, merino wool and silk. Cotton is discouraged—it will keep you damp.

Middle layer
Your insulating layer that traps body heat. Polar Fleece and wool are preferable.

Outer layer
Your shield from wind and rain. Gore-Tex, or something similar, is best—it’s waterproof yet breathable.

Your Packing List

Passport
Prescribed medications
Trail runners / hiking boots
Slippers
Sandals
Sneakers
Bathing suit (preferably 2)
Activewear for the gym and yoga
Loungewear
2 quick-drying hiking pants
2 short-sleeve base layers
1 long-sleeve base layer
1 warm fleece or wool mid-layer
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Warm vest (optional)
Warm hat or ear band
Sun hat
Rain hat (if rain jacket doesn’t have a hood)
Medium-weight, water-resistant gloves
Wicking hiking socks
Non-cotton underwear
Pajamas
Sunglasses
Camera
Book
Extra pair of prescription eyeglasses

Note: We provide backpack and hiking poles

What to leave at home

Tobacco
Candy
Coffee
Alcohol
Perfume
Strongly-scented deodorants, lotions and aftershave

How to prepare

Our nutritionist and kinesiologist recommend adopting the following guidelines leading up to your retreat, ideally beginning one month prior:

Eat fibrous breakfasts
Consume smaller, low-carb dinners; breakfast and lunch should make up 2/3 of your daily calories
At least 2 fruits and 2-3 cups of vegetables per day
Less caffeine
At least 8 glasses of water daily
Fewer refined carbohydrates, such as white breads and pasta
1 multivitamin daily
Less salt when cooking and snacking
Increase your cardio activity
Aim to hit at least 10,000 steps daily
Increase length strength when possible, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator

Why no Caffeine

For the week or two you are at Mountain Trek, you will not have sugar, alcohol, or caffeine. While the sugar and alcohol might be obvious, cutting caffeine might be perplexing. Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands to produce the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. Higher and prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream have been shown to have a negative effect on raising the metabolism, altering blood sugars and blood pressure and decreasing muscle tissue and bone density. It has also been shown to increase the deposit of belly fat for a significant percentage of the population. We offer substitutes at the retreat that will satiate your coffee needs.

Travel & Medical Insurance

It is highly recommended that guests purchase trip cancellation insurance. The Mountain Trek program is non-refundable and last-minute emergencies or medical issues do sometimes arise. Please visit your local travel agent to do so, or purchase insurance online.

It is required that all guests have medical insurance. If coming from outside the US, please ensure your current health insurance covers travel or purchase travel-specific medical coverage.

Schedule