Appalachian Trail Section Hike

Event Disclaimer

This event is suitable for anyone in Class 2 or 3. Visit this page for an explanation of how we classify events.

Our guides are here to assist you if needed. Still, with multiple clients and safety in mind, If you are thinking about attending this event, we ask that you have a basic understanding of hiking and the outdoors and have the strength to carry a pack of up to 40 pounds in weight for up to 8 hours. Additionally, spending time outdoors affects everyone physically, spiritually, and emotionally differently. We know the outdoors helps people "heal" differently, but we ask that you consider that when registering for such outdoor excursions.

Event Details

This is a seven-day event. (Friday-Friday) Traveling all day Friday, lodging in a hotel. Spending five days and four nights on the trail, then two nights in a historic AT hostel before traveling home!

Here is your chance to backpack on the Appalachian Trail. We will start this trip in Pennsylvania and end in Harper's Ferry, WV. We will relocate our passenger van daily to follow the group, allowing you to carry substantially less gear, clothing, or food than you would traditionally have to carry on a solo or group-section hike. Think of this as a supported section hike! Our van will meet us at various crossroads if you need to drop or add gear, desire to skip a section to rest, or want to jump ahead if you feel like you may fall behind the group. 

This will be a slow-paced, relatively low-mileage backpacking event.

We recommend and use FarOut Guides on the trail. 

Meals

During Travel: You must purchase your meals during our drive to Georgia and back to the Midwest. Snacks and beverages will be provided while traveling in our van. 

On-Trail- You will be responsible for your meals and snacks during the event.

Meal packages are available at $40.00 per day and include everything you need, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They will include protein/energy/meal replacement bars, jerky, nuts, a lunch meal, dehydrated backpacking meals, and a dessert. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know when selecting the "Meal Package" option during registration. Your meals will be waiting for you on the event day; add them to your pack!

Gear

You are responsible for obtaining your gear, or you can rent gear from True North by selecting the "Admission w/Gear Rental" ticket option.

We suggest the following information as a basic guide in preparation for our event.  If you are going to purchase gear and are unsure what to buy, feel free to contact us for guidance.

You will need a Ursack food bag or Bear Canister during this trip (for the third night on the trail only).

Required Gear

● Backpack (properly fitted) Typical pack for a 2-5 day outing is 40-60 liters.

● Sleeping bag

● Sleeping pad

● Tent

● Stove

● Cookware

● Trowel

● Small Compass

● Appropriate footwear (trail runners or boots)

● Water filter

● 25' of paracord (minimum)

● Individual First Aid Kit

● Headlamp (spare batteries)

● Rain Gear (poncho, Frog Toggs, rain suit)

● Toiletry Kit

● Fire starting kit

● Small knife

● Spare set of clothing

● Spare set of socks

● Appropriate backpacking meals for the length of the event

● Emergency blanket

● Hydration system or water bottles

● Whistle

● Quick Dry towel

● Biodegradable soap

● Personal Medications

Optional Items

● Trekking Poles

● Baselayer (inclement weather)

● Rain gear (inclement weather)

● Camp shoes (Crocs or similar)

● Insect repellent

● Earplugs

Rental Gear

Rental is available for an extra fee and includes the following:

-Osprey Backpack

-River Country Products 1 or 2-person tent

-North Face, Eureka, or Kelty Sleeping bag

-Thermarest sleeping pad

-UL Pillow  (fleece pillowcase you can stuff your extra clothes into)

-Jetboil Flash backpacking stove w/fuel

-Sawyer water filter

-Trowel

-Headlamp

-Trekking Poles

-Dry Bag for food storage

Ticket Options

Admission-Based on Double Occupancy-$1066.67

Admission is for one person based on double occupancy. You must provide your gear. The ticket price includes transportation (fuel/tolls), an on-trail guide during the event, and snacks/drinks during transport. Double occupancy lodging is provided for three separate nights. We will list required gear approximately 60 days before the event date. If you need a list sooner, please notify us.

Gear Rental-$425

Gear rental includes the following: backpack, Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad, one—or two-person tent, water filter, Stove/Fuel canister, long-handled spoon, headlamp, trekking poles, trowel, and Ursack for food storage.

One Day Meal Package-$40

This package includes all the food and snacks you will need for one day, including breakfast bars/breakfast meals, protein/energy/meal replacement bars, jerky, nuts, a lunch meal, a dehydrated backpacking meal, and a dessert.

Five-Day Meal Package-$200

This package includes all the food and snacks you will need for four days, including breakfast bars/breakfast meals, protein/energy/meal replacement bars, jerky, nuts, a lunch meal, a dehydrated backpacking meal, and a dessert.

Safety

All True North Expeditions staff are certified in First Aid/CPR, and every one of our events is led by a guide with a background in emergency medicine and a certified Wilderness First Aid instructor. Guides are experienced in wilderness and outdoor travel and are equipped with GPS and satellite phones during every portion of this event.

We ask that guests refrain from bringing alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons of any kind (excluding a pocket knife for use on the trail).

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations over 45 days from the event date will receive a 50% refund.
• No refunds for cancellations made less than 45 days before the event.
• We can not transfer your admission fee to another event or issue you a credit toward a future event.
• If you can find someone to take your place, we can transfer your admission fee to another client ONE TIME only. If they cancel, they will not receive a refund for any portion of what the original client has already paid.
• Please allow 5-7 business days for processing; we will notify you when the refund has been issued.
• MEAL PACKAGE CANCELLATIONS: No refunds will be issued for meal package cancellations made less than 14 days before the event. A full refund will be issued for all meal package cancellations made more than 14 days before the start of the event.

True North Expeditions, Inc. reserves the right to substitute the events listed in the description above due to inclement weather, availability, or other uncontrollable events. After registering, you will receive additional information via email.