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The Wood's Hole Weekend

Hiker Weekend at Wood's Hole

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.

Event Details

What: A weekend retreat of presentations and discussion for individuals considering a thru-hike or long section-hike of the AT.

When:  September 19-21 with an optional overnight at Weary Feet Hostel on September 18.

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:

Bunkhouse/Camping: $275, Private Room/Safari Tent: $400

Reservation: Please contact Wood’s Hole for registration woodsholehostel@gmail.com 

Presentations

Gearing Up

  • The Big Three – pack, sleep system, shelter
  • Preventing the agony of the feet
  • No rain, no Maine – rain gear options … and expectations
  • Stoves, water safety, and everything else
  • Lightweight, ultra-lightweight – how much does it matter?
  • Individual pack shakedowns

Decisions, Decisions

  • When should I start? Winter, spring, summer, and bubbles
  • NOBO or SOBO?
  • To flip, or not to flip?
  • How long will it take? Pace, mileage, zero days
  • Celebrate the spreadsheet, but expect the unexpected

Going to Town

  • Resupply
  • Maildrops, bounce boxes
  • Shuttles and hitchhiking
  • Hostels and hotels
  • Laundry
  • Platinum-Blazing – “must visit” spots along the AT

Hiker Etiquette

  • Leave No Trace
  • Representing the hiking community
  • Being a good guest

So, I’ve heard that…

  • Virginia is flat
  • Pennsylvania is rocky
  • The Whites are the hardest part
  • After the Whites, you’ve got it made
  • Bears … aaaagggghhhh! Bears!
  • Women shouldn’t hike alone
  • The 100 Mile Wilderness is terrifyingly remote
  • Guest questions

Giving Back

  • Who maintains the trail?
  • The Appalachian Trail (and every other trail) needs YOU
  • Trail clubs, the ATC and other opportunities

Schedule-

Thursday

A backpacking experience.

We meet for lunch at Weary Feet Hostel. Participants should 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

Friday

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”

  • Problem solving and allowing yourself to be flexible.
  • When to start? – Winter? Spring? Summer? Coping with the “bubble.” NOBO? SOBO? Flip Flop?
  • “How much time do I need?” – Pace, mileage, and zero (or nearo) days
  • Plan ahead but expect the unexpected.

Saturday

7:30-8:30 a.m. - Breakfast

9-11:00 a.m. – “Let’s talk gear”

  • The Big Three – pack, sleep system, shelter
    Preventing the agony of the feet
  • “No rain, no Maine” - rain gear options ... and expectations
  • Stoves, water safety, and everything else
  • Lightweight, ultra-lightweight – how much does it matter?

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:

  • Resupply
  • Maildrops, bounce boxes
  • Shuttles and hitchhiking
  • Hostels, hotels, and laundry
  • The highlight reel! The places you should see.

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:

  • Issues for women
  • Getting through the Whites
  • Social media, YouTube and podcasts
  • Other Long-Distance Trails

Sunday

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: light lunch before getting on the road

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