Book Now : Call or Text (540) 921-3444
Come learn more from first hand hikers, thru hikers and section hikers. Turn your dream of thru-hiking or section-hiking the historic, 2,194-mile Appalachian Trail into reality? Then you won’t want to miss this very special weekend retreat at Wood’s Hole Hostel.
Join 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 16-20
Where: Woods Hole Hostel- located 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:
Bunk House or Camping:
$375, Add September 16: $60
Shared Room up to Three
$450, Add September 16: $74
Private for One
$525, Add September 16: $127
Private for Two
$700, Add September 16: $156
Reservation: Please contact Wood’s Hole for registration
woodsholehostel@gmail.com
540 921 3444 Text or Call
A backpacking experience.
We meet at Wood's Hole Hostel in the afternoon. Participants should bring gear for an overnight in the woods. We then set out on a 2-mile hike to Docs Knob Shelter.
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 Wood’s Hole Hostel
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. – Coffee and Bread on the Porch
9-10 a.m. – Giving back to the trail – Who maintains the trail?
10-11:00 - Brunch
10:15 a.m.-noon – Dispelling AT Myths – A Panel Discussion plus Q&A