SLACKPACKING HARPERS FERRY OCTOBER 14-20, 2018 HIGHLIGHTS TRIP SUMMARY Enjoying the beautiful vistas over the Shenandoah Valley Hiking the infamous "roller coaster": 13.5 miles of ups and downs Learning the role that this area played in the Civil War Experiencing hostel life at the Harpers Ferry Hostel Staying 1 night at the historic Bears Den Hostel along the AT Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Oct 14-20, 2018 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV Cost: $1,450.00 Activities: Hiking Arrive: Arrive Dulles Airport @ 1pm on 10/14/2018. If you're driving, meet at the Harpers Ferry Hostel just outside Harpers Ferry, WV @ 3pm Depart: If you're flying, there is a 9am group shuttle to IAD on 10/20/2018 for flights out after 12PM. If you're driving, you can leave anytime after breakfast 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. This trip covers the northernmost section of Virginia, covering 60 miles between Chester Gap and Harpers Ferry, where the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) headquarters is located. In between are 60 miles of classic AT trail with varied terrain, great shelter areas (including one with both a front porch and a solar shower), beautiful vistas over the Shenandoah Valley, the 'roller coaster' section (with those AT 'muds' and 'puds'), and a night in a classic hostel right on the trail - all the time following the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountain ridge that forms the boundary between Virginia and West Virginia. Join us as we continue our travel along the trail. RATING This trip is rated both a 4 and 5 because it involves hiking from 8 to 14 miles a day (see the itinerary for daily mileage) and requires being in excellent physical condition. On two days there are shorter options and the rating of 4 is appropriate if you choose these or if you prefer to just take one or two days off from hiking. 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 recommended. Going for longer hikes before the trip is recommended if you want to hike the entire 60 miles. Rating: 1 2 3 [4] [5]. WHAT'S INCLUDED Two experienced guides Six nights lodging All meals from dinner on Sunday through breakfast the following Saturday Daily shuttles back and forth to the trailhead What's not included: Airfare to/from Dulles airport (IAD), alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities.
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 14, 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 1pm. 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 the week. 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: Maryland Heights Hostel, Harpers Ferry DAY 2 OCTOBER 15, MONDAY Today and every day we'll have an early and hearty breakfast so we have adequate time to prepare for the day and get on the trail early. After breakfast, we'll shuttle to our first put in spot - Chester Gap, just north of Front Royal. This will be our longest shuttle, about 90 minutes, as we're going to the southermost part of our section. These first few miles will be up with approximately 1000 ft. gain in elevation. Once getting to the top we will (of course) head down - which pretty much describes every day. We'll be sure to take a break at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter area. This shelter has a great front porch as well as a solar shower and yes, running water! From here we'll continue another 4.4 miles to our take out point in Manassas Gap. Tonight and every night we'll return to the hostel where the guides will prepare a filling, home cooked meal, designed to replenish your spirits and your body. Distance: 8.7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1590'/1955'
DAY 3 OCTOBER 16, TUESDAY Another day on trail! This morning and every morning, we'll enjoy breakfast before getting into our shuttle for the trip back to the place we ended the previous day. Starting at Massassas Gap we'll see the Discovery Monument, commemorating the site where the first English explorer saw the Shenandoah Valley. The trail today passes several AT shelters including Manassas Shelter and Dick's Dome Shelter. Dick's Dome Shelter is quite unique - a Geodesic structure located near a shallow, rocky river snd close to a brand new shelter built by the local AT club! Our take out spot today is at Ashby Gap. Just before we get there, we'll see a rock wall that was originally surveyed by 19-year-old George Washington. After a long and absolutely satisfying day, we'll shuttle 'home' for another delicious home cooked meal and a bit of relaxation. Distance: 13.6 miles Elevation gain/loss: 2780'/2400' DAY 4 OCTOBER 17, WEDNESDAY Today when we leave the hostel, we'll have our day packs organized for another type of adventure. Yes, we're still hiking, and today we have a choice. If you want a big challenge, you have the option to hike 13.9 miles, including the first 9.9 miles of the infamous 'Roller Coaster, so called because of tightly packed ups and downs. Plenty of rocks, great challenging ups and lovely wooded downs. If that isn't appealing, you can opt to skip the first 6 miles. You will still have lots of up and down, but the shorter mileage allows you to do it at a slower pace. Regardless of which you choose, at the end of the day we'll end up at the historic Bears Den Hostel where we'll spend the night. There we'll be treated to a lovely al fresco pizza dinner (catered by a local restaurant) complete with a gorgeous salad and homemade dessert - pizza never tasted so good! Plus, you get a chance to see what the thru hikers like about this place - a soft bed and a hot shower along with lots of friendly faces and camraderie. Although we have that every night, for thru hikers its a complete delight to have it right on the trail. Distance: 13.9 miles Elevation gain/loss: 4000'/2000' or 7.5 miles and less gain and loss. Overnight: Bears Den Hostel
DAY 5 OCTOBER 18, THURSDAY Leaving the Bears Den Hostel we'll first pass by the Bears Den rocks - beautiful granite and sandstone boulders that do look like they would make the perfect den for bears! The theme of the day continues to be 'rocks' - especially views from rocks, Raven Rocks and Crescent Rocks to name a few. We'll also pass through Snickers Gap - maybe a trail angel will have left some real Snickers?! Our destination and take out point for the night is the Blackburn Center, situated.3 miles off the trail. The Blackburn Center is another PATC maintained shelter area - in fact, it's the largest that is currently operated and they offer bunk space, enclosed shelter space, and tenting platforms for those who are backpacking. We'll meet our shuttle there and head back to the hostel. Since we didn't have a morning shuttle and our mileage is lower today, we may have some time to visit the pretty and historic town of Harpers Ferry. We'll gather before dinner to enjoy a few appetizers before our home cooked meal. Distance: 9 miles Elevation gain/loss: 2100'/2,000' DAY 6 OCTOBER 19, FRIDAY Can it really be over so soon? Sadly, yes. And our last day on trail is going to be a great one! We'll shuttle back to the Blackburn Center, and hike uphill to rejoin the AT. We'll hike along the boardwalk (think beach?) of Laurel Springs, through Buzzard Rocks, and onto Keys Gap. But wait, that's not all! We'll continue through this beautiful terrain under thick canopy all the way into Harpers Ferry and to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy where we'll be met by our van. Alternatively, if you're looking for a shorter day with more time to spend in Harpers Ferry, you can start the trail at Keys Gap for the final 6.5 miles. Dinner out tonight will give us the opportunity to remember our week together, get all those 'trail names' straightened out, and say good bye until the next AT opportunity! Distance: 13 miles Elevation gain/loss: 1900'/2700' or 6.5 miles and 800'/1300'. DAY 7 OCTOBER 20, SATURDAY As always, we start the day with a great breakfast. Except today we won't be burning it off! After close to 60 miles and about 12,000 feet elevation gain and loss in 5 days, our bodies will be confused - no hiking today! For those of you driving, you are free to leave anytime after breakfast this morning. For those of you flying out of Dulles, the shuttle will leave the hostel @ 9am and you can plan to fly anytime after 12:00pm.
ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE Plan to fly into the Dulles Airport in Washington, DC (IAD) not later than 12:30pm 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 If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson, Scan East West Travel, at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call 206-395-7836. 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 West Virginia can range from lows at night in the low 50s to highs during the day from mid 70s to low 80s. 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 e 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.