Appalachian Trail Section Hike for Beginners

Event Details

This event is suitable for anyone in Class 2 or 3. For an explanation of the way we classify events, visit this page.

This is a 7 day event. (Friday-Friday) Traveling all day Friday, lodging in a hotel. 5 days/4 nights on trail, then staying in a historic AT hostel for two nights before traveling home!

Here is your chance to backpack on the Appalachian Trail. We will be starting this trip in Pennsylvania and ending in Harper's Ferry, WV. We will be relocating our passenger van daily to follow the group, which will allow 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 be meeting 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 be falling 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 will be required to purchase your meals during our drive out 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 a rate of $40.00 per day and include everything you need including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and will include items such as protein/energy/meal replacement bars, jerky, nuts, 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 day of the event, simply 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 of what to buy, feel free to contact us for guidance.

You will need a Ursack food bag or Bear Canister during this trip (3rd 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 1 person based on double occupancy. You must provide your gear. Ticket price includes transportation (fuel/tolls), an on-trail guide during the event, and snacks/drinks during transport. Double occupancy lodging for 3 separate nights total. We will provide a list of 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, 1 or 2-person tent, water filter, Stove/Fuel canister, long-handled spoon, headlamp, trekking poles, trowel, Ursack for food storage.

One Day Meal Package-$40

This package includes all the food and snacks you will need for 1 day including breakfast bars/breakfast meal, protein/energy/meal replacement bars, jerky, nuts, lunch meal, dehydrated backpacking meal, and a dessert.

Five-Day Meal Package-$200

This package includes all the food and snacks you will need for 4 days including breakfast bars/breakfast meal, protein/energy/meal replacement bars, jerky, nuts, lunch meal, 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

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.