SLACKPACKING MARYLAND OCTOBER 20-25, 2019 TRIP SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS Hiking the entire 40.2 miles of the AT in Maryland, from the Mason-Dixon Line to Harpers Ferry Hiking on some of the easier sections of the AT, but don t be fooled, there are still rocky paths, ups and downs, and challenges on the trail Learning the role that this area played in the Civil War Enjoying the beautiful vistas Experiencing hostel life at the Harpers Ferry Hostel Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Oct 20-25, 2019 Location: Harpers Ferry, MD Cost: $1,195.00 Activities: Hiking Arrive: Dulles Airport (IAD) at 1:00 pm on 10/20/2019. If you're driving, meet at the Harpers Ferry Hostel just outside Harpers Ferry, WV @ 3 PM Depart: If you're flying, there is an 11 AM group shuttle to IAD on 10/25/2019 for flights out after 2 PM. If you're driving, you can leave any time after 11 AM TRIP OVERVIEW The Appalachian Trail, while often rugged and remote, is designed to accommodate both people who want to hike the entire trail and those who choose to section hike it, either by backpacking or by slackpacking. The AT in Maryland follows a 40-mile route along the backbone of South Mountain, a north-south ridge that extends from Pennsylvania to the Potomac River. This state is steeped in Civil War history and home to the original Washington Monument. This section is easy by A.T. standards, and is a good place to find out if you're ready for more rugged parts of the Trail. Join us as we continue our travel along the trail. RATING This trip is rated a 4 because you will be hiking from 7.5 to 11.5 miles a day (see the itinerary for daily mileage) four days in a row and requires being in excellent physical condition. You can always choose to stay at the hostel for the day, which is a pleasant 3 mile walk from the town of Harpers Ferry. A rating of 4 requires aerobic conditioning for at least 40-50 minutes 4-5 times a week with additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2 hour hike with elevation gain once a week) and strength training. Going for longer hikes before the trip is recommended if you want to hike the entire 40 miles. Rating: 1 2 3 [4] 5. WHAT'S INCLUDED Two experienced guides Five nights lodging in Harpers Ferry Hostel All meals from dinner on Sunday through breakfast the following Friday Transportation between Dulles and the hostel, and daily shuttles back and forth to the trailhead What's not included: Travel to and from Dulles airport (IAD), alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, and travel insurance
OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 OCTOBER 20, SUNDAY Meet at 1 PM at the Dulles Airport (IAD) or 3 PM at the trip hostel in Harpers Ferry. If you are flying, group transportation from the airport to Harpers Ferry will be arranged for 1 PM. The shuttle ride is about an hour and will deposit you right at the door of the hostel. If you prefer to drive to Harpers Ferry, please plan to arrive at the trip hostel by 3 PM. We will start with introductions and a discussion of all things hiking as well as an overview of our trip. There will be some time to relax and go for a walk while the guides prepare the first of many delicious dinners. We'll head to bed early, anticipating an early morning. Overnight: Harpers Ferry Hostel, Harpers Ferry. D DAY 2 OCTOBER 21, MONDAY After a delicious and hearty breakfast, we will have about an hour shuttle to our hiking start at Pen Mar Park near the Pennsylvania and Maryland state line. Hiking southward along the Appalachian Trail on our first leg through Maryland, this part of the trail is mostly forested and has a little of everything: easy flat walking, some rocky ascents and descents, plus occasional great views. We reach 1800 feet a couple of times, including the appropriately named, High Rock. We will take a break at the Raven Rock trail shelter and get a glimpse of through-hikers experience. Then, a few more hills -- down and up and down -- when we emerge from the forest to our pick-up location at Route 77. Tonight (and every night) we'll return to the hostel where our guides prepare a home-cooked meal, designed to replenish our spirits and bodies. Distance: 8.2 miles. Overnight: Harpers Ferry Hostel, Harpers Ferry. B,L,D
DAY 3 OCTOBER 22, TUESDAY Another day on Appalachian Trail! We'll enjoy breakfast before shuttling back to the place we ended the previous day. Today we go back to Foxville Road/Route 77. We start off hiking with a relatively short uphill, then down and back up to a ridge along South Mountain State Park. In fact, we travel in South Mountain State Park for our entire trip through Maryland, with some smaller state parks adjoining along the way. South Mountain was the site of some important Civil War battles and we pass placards that memorialize the struggle at several points along the way. We pass a couple of shelters, which make for nice breaks, and several rocky outcrops that drop off steeply to views of patchwork green farm fields below and the blue hills in the distance. This section has two gorgeous overlooks of the surrounding valleys and mountains at Black Rock and Annapolis Rocks. We finish the day at the AT trailhead parking lot off I-70. Hiking on the AT footbridge that crosses I-70 frequently draws honks and waves from cars passing below and confirms our own inclinations that hiking is way more fun than driving! After a long and satisfying day, we'll shuttle 'home' for another delicious dinner and a bit of relaxation. Distance: 11 miles. Overnight: Harpers Ferry Hostel, Harpers Ferry. B, L, D DAY 4 OCTOBER 23, WEDNESDAY Once again, we return to yesterday's finish to continue hiking south through Maryland's forested mountains. It's not every day you hike past a monument to our first president, but today's trek has a stop at the Washington Monument in Washington Monument State Park. Located atop South Mountain, this is the first completed monument dedicated to the memory of George Washington -- a stone tower initially erected by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827. After admiring the stonework and history, we continue on past the Dahlgren Backpacker campground and through Fox's Gap. We have some more up and down hiking, including a rocky trail down from White Rocks Cliff. We end the day's hike at Gathland State Park, rich with civil war history. It's best known for the imposing War Correspondents Arch, the only monument dedicated to the memory of Civil War correspondents. We're getting pretty close to the end and it s a short drive back to our hostel and dinner. Distance: 11.5 miles. Overnight: Harpers Ferry Hostel, Harpers Ferry. B, L, D
DAY 5 OCTOBER 24, THURSDAY After breakfast, we shuttle back to Gathland State Park where we continue our journey across Maryland. Our trail gently slopes up, past the Ed Garvey shelter (a great lunch stop), and onward to the dramatic Weverton Cliffs. Our last views are spectacular from here, as we enjoy a snack looking over the Potomac River and into West Virginia and Virginia. Then it is a short steep downhill to the Potomac River, where the trail follows the historic Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath. Today we hike right into our hostel and rejuvenating showers! After we're cleaned up, we'll drive into nearby Harpers Ferry where we'll have a couple of hours free to explore. We'll have dinner there tonight at a local restaurant, celebrating our adventures along the trail, getting all our 'trail names' straightened out, and perhaps thinking about our next AT opportunity! Distance: 7.5 miles Overnight: Harpers Ferry Hostel, Harpers Ferry. B,L,D DAY 6 OCTOBER 25, FRIDAY Our hiking isn't over yet! After our last tasty breakfast, we will hike two miles from the hostel to the Maryland state line and footbridge crossing to Harpers Ferry National Historic Park in West Virginia. We have completed our grand total of 40.2 miles across Maryland! For those of you driving, you are free to leave any time after 11 AM this morning. For those of you flying out of Dulles, the shuttle will leave the hostel @ 11 AM and you can plan to fly any time after 2:00 PM. B ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE Plan to fly into the Dulles Airport in Washington, DC (IAD) not later than 12:30 pm in time to meet the group at 1:00 pm for a shuttle to Harpers Ferry. If you're driving, plan to meet the group at the Harpers Ferry Hostel @ 3pm. The address is 19123 Sandy Hook Rd, Knoxville, MD 21758
ACCOMMODATIONS We will be taking over the entire Harpers Ferry Hostel for the week. The hostel has three bedrooms, with 3 to 6 bunkbeds in each room. And while all of the beds are bunks, no one will have to sleep on a top bunk. There are 2 separate bathrooms, each with 3 toilets and showers. There is also great dining and living space. There are no singles available on this trip. WEATHER The weather at this time of year in this part of Maryland can range from night time lows: 45 low 50s and daytime highs: mid 60s-low70s. Peak leaf color is usually mid-october and most likely will be spectacular but is always unpredictable. Rain is always a possibility although typically October is a dryer month. Please be sure to follow the packing list and bring that rain gear! TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page.
PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair of midweight hiking boots or shoes 1 pair comfortable shoes for after hiking and general use 2 pair thin liner socks: silk or synthetic equivalent (optional) 2-3 pair hiking socks: wool or synthetic equivalent (Coolmax, Thorlo, Smartwool, etc) CLOTHING 1-2 pair comfortable, lightweight, synthetic hiking pants 1 pair shorts/capris or hiking skirt (optional with zip-off nylon pants) 1 long-sleeved, lightweight shirt for protection from sun 1 lightweight long underwear top: silk, wool or synthetic equivalent (Capilene, Thermastat, or polypropylene) 1 medium-weight top layer: wool shirt/pull-over or synthetic equivalent A fleece/wool vest is a good option for this layer. 1 fleece jacket 2-3 synthetic t-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 wide-brimmed hat for protection from sun 1 lightweight wool or fleece hat or buff 1 lightweight pair wool or fleece gloves 1 rain parka and rain pants: should be a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex. Underwear/nightwear 1-2 changes of comfortable clothes to wear around the hotels and out to dinner (e.g. pants and/or skirt, with a couple of tops) EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS 1 pair Trekking poles (required) 1 daypack (see notes on packing list for recommended capacity) Capability to waterproof your backpack. Either a rain cover or a heavy-duty plastic bag to line your pack. An orange blaze item such as a piece of clothing, hat, bandana, vest Small headlamp or flashlight 2-3 liter water-carrying capacity sunglasses (100% UV blocking) with retention strap 1-2 bandannas Sunscreen & lip block with SPF of at least 15 Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Your favorite snack (snacks will also be provided) Plastic, tupperware type container for lunch/sandwich TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. OPTIONAL camera and film/memory card (extra batteries) wrist watch/travel alarm clock pocket knife short gaiters compact binoculars journal and pen
NOTES ON PACKING LIST: Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera,etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 30 40 Liters (1800 and 2400 cubic inches) with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, and/or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. IMPORTANT: Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 2-3 liters of water. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are required for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: http://blog.adventuresingoodcompany.com/blog-women-travel/bid/154714/trekking-poles-for-hiking-trips-the-4-mostcommon-questions.