"I had never been backpacking before. I learned what to take and how to pack it. Trekking poles are a MUST. I also learned how little I really need." B Shapbell, Tennessee
This trip is currently full. Please let us know if you would like to be put on the waiting list. You might also consider our Hut to Hut on the Appalachian Trail or our Hut to Hut in British Columbia if you'reinterested in carrying a light pack and sleeping indoors.
Highlights:
- Experiencing the freedom and comfort of carrying a backpack under 30 lbs
- Learning all the techniques of backpacking so you can do it on your own
- Backpacking over one of the most scenic sections of the Appalachian Trail
- Learning about the "culture" of thru-hikers
- Seeing wild pony herds and enjoying the azaleas and rhododendron in bloom
This section of the Appalachian Trail is known for high alpine meadows, towering rhododendron and azaleas, wild pony herds and other more indigenous wildlife, and spectacular views. It is the perfect setting for learning all about backpacking or, if you have backpacked previously, learn techniques from our expert guides that will keep your pack under 30 pounds.
This trip is for: women who enjoy backpacking and for those who want either a basic or a thorough introduction to lightweight backpacking. Our trek involves early mornings, strenuous hiking-including carrying 30-pound packs, and significant elevation gain and loss. No prior experience is necessary.
Accommodations:
- two nights at Between the Trails
- four nights of camping; some of our campsites will be at shelters with fire grates and pit toilets; others will be completely primitive
- one night at a motel in Abingdon, VA
Maximum group size: 10
Trip price: $995 (deduct $50 for registration prior to 2/15/08). $200 deposit.
Trip price includes:
- experienced guides
- three nights lodging and four nights camping
- dinners and breakfasts from dinner Sunday to breakfast the following Sunday
- group camping, cooking, and safety equipment
- round trip shuttle from Damascus to the trail
- parking in Damascus is available for $2/night and we can help arrange a shuttle from the Bristol (TRI) airport if you're flying in
Trip starts: at 5 p.m. at Mount Rogers Outfitters in Damascus, VA on June 15
Trip ends: anytime after breakfast in Abingdon, VA on June 22
More information: a summary of all this information, packing list, notes on packing list, general information (must have Adobe Acrobat Reader)
For pictures from previous trips, click here.
Register for this trip or Contact us for more information
Itinerary
Sunday: Meet at 5 p.m. at Mount Rogers Outfitters, an outdoor store on the main street of the small town in Damascus, Virginia. If you are flying in, the closest airport is Tri-City airport (TRI) in Bristol, VA and we can help arrange a shuttle from there. After we're gathered there, we'll move over to Between the Trails, our basecamp for the next 2 nights. We'll start with introductions and an overview of the trip, and then review some of the most important aspects of backpacking. We'll go out to eat at a local restaurant and then get to bed early.
Monday: Today will be spent on going into detail most of the things we briefly discussed the night before, e.g. staying hydrated, foot care, and what to bring and how to pack it. We will also begin the task of identifying those items we will take with us and those items that will be “left behind.” We will spend most of our day on demonstrations of equipment, adjustment of packs, the “shakedown” and generally “getting ready.” Before dinner we will take a trip to the local outfitters for those items that were “forgotten” or maybe even those items we just have to have. After dinner, with all of our hard work done to get ready we can relax and look forward to our adventure.
Tuesday: After parking our cars, we'll be shuttled to the start of our hike south. We'll see our first shelter and learn about purifying water, and then on to the top of one of the local mountains. From there it's a gradual downhill slope to our stopping place for the night. There is quite a bit of uphill today, although none of it is steep and there is plenty of time to cover the distance. 3.5 miles.
Wednesday: Today we meet the wild ponies that inhabit this part of the trail and, with any luck, start seeing some of the amazingly large azaleas and rhododendrons that are usually blooming at this time of year. Although our hike is a little bit longer, it actually feels shorter and we will arrive at our shelter by lunchtime. This gives us time to learn about lighting stoves and using a compass, go for an additional hike, or spend some down time. 4 miles.
Thursday: This may be one of the prettiest days of the trip! We hike up to a ridge with great views and then through a state park, over another ridge and through a gap with more great views, and onto the next shelter, which is widely considered to be one of the nicest on the Trail. Although the actual mileage is only 5 miles, it will feel much longer. 5 miles
Friday: Today is our longest day as we hike through varied terrain. By this time, our muscles are used to carrying packs and our packs are lighter. There are meadows of wildflowers, interesting rock formations, more great views and lots of photo opportunities. We won't spend this night by a shelter but our tents will insure that we stay warm and dry. 6.6 miles.
Saturday: Thoroughly steeped in the lore of the Appalachian Trail and the art of backpacking, we'll hike out to our pick up and return to town for hot showers, beds, and a final farewell dinner in Abingdon. (3-4.5 miles, depending on where we are picked up).
Sunday: You are free to leave anytime after breakfast on Sunday.
