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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 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
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
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: light lunch before getting on the road