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Are you ready to turn your dream of thru-hiking or section-hiking the historic, 2,194-mile Appalachian Trail into reality in the near future? Then you won’t want to miss this very special weekend retreat to benefit the iconic Woods Hole Hostel and Hiking Radio Network. Woods Hole is regularly ranked by hikers among the best hostel experiences on the trail, and Hiking Radio Network provides a suite of diverse hiking podcasts for everybody who loves the outdoors.
Join past thru-hikers for a weekend of conversation and camaraderie. Learn from successful thru- and section-hikers, hostel owners, and an expert from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, who will answer all your questions and get you prepared — and excited — for your hike.
What: A weekend retreat of presentations and discussion for individuals considering a thru-hike or long section-hike of the AT.
When: September 29- October 1 (including an optional September 28 overnight camping experience)
Where: Woods Hole Hostel, located on a gorgeous mountain outside Pearisburg, VA, 625 miles north of the southern terminus of the AT. Named the “best overall off-trail experience” by Platinum-Blazing the Appalachian Trail, Woods Hole has been described as “A slice of heaven not to be missed” by the past thru hikers.
Cost: Please contact Woods Hole Hostel for updated cost of the Weekend Event.
Registration: Contact Woods Hole for application at woodsholehostel@gmail.com.
Attendance limited to 15 participants, first-come, first-served, with a wait list in case of cancellations. Limited scholarships may be available, based on need, at the discretion of the hosts.
This is an optional overnight backpacking experience.
We meet for lunch at Weary Feet Hostel. Participants must bring gear for an overnight in the woods. We then set out on a 2-mile hike to Dismal Falls.
There, we’ll talk about setting up, getting water, bear hanging, setting a fire, cooking dinner and clean up.
There will also be a Leave No Trace demonstration from ATC.
Friday morning, we’ll break camp and hike back to Weary Feet for our cars before heading to Wood’s Hole.
Arrive Woods Hole
Noon-1:30 p.m. – Welcome lunch
1:30-2:45 p.m. – “Get your head right” - We’ll talk about the mindset necessary to undergo a long-distance hike, with our presenters sharing stories of bad days (and good ones) on the trail.
2:45-3 p.m. – Break
3-4:30 p.m. – “It’s not just walking” - Having resolved the mindset, we’ll discuss the physicality of the trail.
4:30-5 p.m. – Break
5-6 p.m. – Social time
6-7:15 p.m. – Dinner
7:30-9 p.m. – “Stuff happens”
7:30-8:30 a.m. - Breakfast
9-11:00 a.m. – “Let’s talk gear”
11:00-Noon – “Let’s look at hammocks”
Noon-1:30 p.m. – Lunch
1:30-3 p.m. – Individual pack shakedowns
3-3:15 p.m. – Break
3:15-4:30 p.m. – Going to town:
4:30-5 p.m. – Break
5-6 p.m. – Hiker Etiquette and representing the hiking community
6-7:15 p.m. – Dinner
7:30-9 p.m. – Optional breakout groups:
7:30-8:30 a.m. – Breakfast
9-10 a.m. – Giving back to the trail – Who maintains the trail?
10-10:15 a.m. – Break
10:15 a.m.-noon – Dispelling AT Myths – A Panel Discussion plus Q&A
Noon-1:30 p.m. – Departure lunch