• Experiencing the freedom and comfort of carrying a backpack under 30 lbs
  
• Learning all the techniques of wilderness 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 wilderness backpacking or, if you have backpacked previously, learn techniques from our expert guides that will keep your pack under 30 pounds. We keep our mileage low on this trip so that everyone has the energy to learn.
This trip is currently full. Please contact us if you would like to be on the waiting list or would be interested in a second trip.

women who enjoy backpacking and for those who want either a basic or a thorough introduction to lightweight wilderness backpacking. Our trek involves early mornings, strenuous hiking-including carrying 30-pound packs, and significant elevation gain and loss. No prior experience is necessary.  Rating: 1  2  [3]  4  5

• 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

• experienced guides
• three nights lodging and four nights camping
• dinners and breakfasts from dinner Saturday to breakfast the following Saturday
• group camping, cooking, and safety equipment
• round trip shuttle from Damascus to the trail
• parking in Damascus is available for $2/night. If you are flying into Bristol (TRI) airport, you can arrange a shuttle from Mt Rogers Outfitters 

Meet at 5 p.m. at Mount Rogers Outfitters in Damascus, VA on June 12

You can leave anytime after breakfast in Abingdon, VA on June 19

you can download the complete trip information here

Saturday: 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 you can arrange a shuttle from there with Mt Rogers Outfitters. 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 wilderness backpacking. We'll go out to eat at a local restaurant and then get to bed early.

Sunday: 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 for our backpacking trip.  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.

Monday: After parking our cars, we are shuttled to the start of our hike. We put in at Dicky Gap and from there our destination is Hurricane Shelter.  The terrain is mostly rolling today with a bit of a climb to Hurricane Shelter.  Total mileage 5.2

Tuesday: We start our day with a climb to the top of Iron Mt. From there we descend to Fox Creek Gap and then climb up again to Old Orchard shelter.  This part of the trail is very pretty with lots of small water crossings and beautiful foliage, flowers, and rocks.  There is quite a bit of uphill today, although none of it is steep and there is plenty of time to cover the distance. Total mileage 5

Wednesday: Our hike starts with a climb to the top of Pine Mountain where the views are magnificent on a clear day.  We then descend to an area known as The Scales. Right after this is where we meet the wild ponies that inhabit this part of the trail, known for their exceptional interest in any food you may be carrying in your pack. With any luck we will also start seeing some of the amazingly large azaleas and rhododendrons that are usually blooming at this time of year. From there the trail ascends again to Wise Shelter, where we camp in a lovely meadow just before the shelter.  5.9 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 Thomas Knob 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: Thoroughly steeped in the lore of the Appalachian Trail and the art of wilderness backpacking, we'll hike out to our pick up spot at Elk Garden and return to town for hot showers, beds, and a final farewell dinner in Abingdon. 4.2 miles

Saturday: You are free to leave anytime after breakfast on Saturday.