24 HR COURSE/SEMINAR WITH A FREE 5 DAY HIKE
We now offer a 24 hr Course/Seminar with a free 5 day hike for those folks who just want a taste of the trail and gain some experience. This is a learning hike for new backpackers. We will spend 1 day in an "outdoor" classroom learning about gear and the trail. Then, attendees will be invited to join their Instructor on a free 5 day trek with their experienced AT hiker instructor to implement what they have learned.
This is a great way to learn about the trail, check out the necessary gear, and gain some experience before committing to something more. Most hikes leave from Deep Gap. NC, or Harper's Ferry, WV for beginners. Other Course/Seminar locations w/free week hikes along the trail that are more challenging are reserved for more experienced hikers and reserved privately.
Hikers arrive on a Sunday for the Instruction Course/Seminar, where we will talk about the trail, go over gear, set up camp at the campground, take a short hike and go have dinner. Once the course is complete, a free hike is offered on Monday morning with your Instructor. The planned mileage is about 6-10 miles per day. Hikers joining their Instructor must carry their own gear. We hike and camp for 4 nights. The last day we either slackpack or finish up backpacking, depending on which section we decide to hike. Hikers go home Friday evening.
Each hike location has a different setup and daily mileage limit. Week long hikes are reserved for after the Support Thru-hike is over and set up for mid Oct and early Nov. Short term hikers can join the Support Thru-hike in April for however long they wish but must start off with the group. Orientation is strictly for current or future thru-hikers only since we go over many things that week long hikers do not need to know in such detail. Hikers wishing to join the the hike during the season must be able to keep up with daily mileage.
2026 Pricing: $1200 per person per course