Appalachian Trail 4 State Challenge

This event is limited to 8 guests and 2 guides. 

Come with us to hike the Appalachian Trail 4 State Challenge! Hike through 4 AT States (PA, MD, WV, VA) and complete Maryland; we will be hiking approximately 48 miles within the week (as opposed to the thru-hiker challenge of 24 hours!) We have scheduled a Nero day (low miles) in between to rest and grab a shower & explore the history and town of Harper’s Ferry! We will be lodging 3 nights in an AT hostel; arrival day, the first day off trail, and the night before we head home.

You will need to be prepared to carry 5 days worth of food (the weight of 5 days of food usually averages 10lbs.) and be in proper physical shape, as we will be carrying 35lbs or more and backpacking between 4.5-11 miles per day.

Registration fee includes 3 nights lodging,  entrance fees, permitting, snacks/drinks during transport and fuel surcharge, guide fees, etc.

Lodging will be in private rooms, hostel/room share style with people from our group for a true AT experience! Rooms will be divided as follows: men's, women's, or Co-Ed at your preference.  https://thetownsinn.com

Rough itinerary, Southbound hike:

Sept. 15th - Travel Day/Lodge

Sept. 16th - Hike 4.8 miles - PenMar Park/Mason-Dixon Line to Raven Rock Shelter

Sept. 17th - Hike 9.7 to Pogo Memorial Campsite

Sept. 18th - Hike 9.2 to Dahlgren Backpacker Campground (Shower house/flushing toilets)

Sept. 19th - Hike 10.9 to Ed Garvey Shelter

Sept. 20th - Hike 6.3 to Harper's Ferry/lodging

Sept. 21st - Zero day if you wish, or slackpack a roundtrip 6.5 miles to cross the WV/VA border/lodging

Sept. 22nd - Head home

Carpool options are available. Leaving from Huntley, IL, and doing pick-ups in Indianapolis, IN, and along the route. Airport pickups can be accommodated as well. Please consult prior to scheduling flights to work out locations/times. 

If you have never backpacked before - this event is not designed for you. We suggest attending one of our Backpacker's boot camps. Contact us if you have a question concerning your readiness or equipment. Participants should be able to carry a load of up to 35 lbs. for up to 8 hours over multiple days. 

Backpackers attending this event should have previous experience in the wilderness. Members are responsible for obtaining their own gear. A recommended gear/food/clothing list will be provided prior to the trip. Essential gear includes a backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad/mattress, tent or shelter, cooking system with fuel, rain gear for you and your backpack, clothing suitable for hiking (we recommended not wearing cotton), trail runners, headlamp, food, water filtration device, bear-proof storage bag or container, and water. A full gear list will be sent out well in advance and can be provided at any time upon inquiry. 

Cancellations/Refund Policy for this event:

No refunds will be issued for cancellations less than 30 days from the date of the event. All other cancellations are subject to a 50% service fee. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing, we will notify you when the refund has been issued. Additional information will be emailed to you after registering.