USA ADVENTURES
INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES
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The Appalachian Trail, while often rugged and remote, is designed to accommodate both people who want to hike the entire trail and those who choose to section hike it, either by backpacking or by slackpacking. The A.T. in Maryland follows a 40-mile route along the backbone of South Mountain, a north-south ridge that extends from Pennsylvania to the Potomac River. This state is steeped in Civil War history and home to the original Washington Monument. This section is easy by A.T. standards, and is a good place to find out if you're ready for more rugged parts of the Trail. Join us as we continue our travel along the trail.
October 17 to October 22, 2021 |
$1395.00 - FULL |
Join Waitlist |
This trip is rated a 4 because you will be hiking from 7.5 to 11.5 miles a day (see the itinerary for daily mileage) four days in a row and requires being in excellent physical condition. You can always choose to stay at the hostel for the day, which is a pleasant 3-mile walk from the town of Harpers Ferry. A rating of 4 requires aerobic conditioning for at least 40-50 minutes 4-5 times a week with additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2-hour hike with elevation gain once a week) and strength training. Going for longer hikes before the trip is recommended if you want to hike the entire 40 miles. This is an ideal first slackpacking trip for anyone who wants to see what they're like but with a shorter commitment and for any woman who is interested in section hiking the Appalachian Trail. Rating: 1 2 3 [4] 5.
This is a hiking trip through the state of Maryland along the legendary Appalachian Trail. You will be hiking in the mountains with constant elevation gain and loss on a trail that is very rocky at times. We're staying just outside the historic town of Harpers Ferry, although there will be limited time to visit it.
We will be staying in the lovely Blue Mountain Retreat for the week.
It is a private, spacious house with ample parking space. There is a wraparound deck with a dining area, and a living room full of comfy chairs to relax in after a long day of hiking.
The lodging has 9 bedrooms 4 bathrooms, 2 living rooms and 2 dining rooms. Some bedrooms can accommodate up to 4 people, but we will only have a maximum of 2 people per room.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
Yes it was amazing. I was looking forward to it since March hoping that it would happen. I'd say it exceeded my expectations.
Slackpacking Maryland 10/12/2020-10/17/2020
Consider offering to hire us a local guide (at our expense) for an hour tour of Harpers Ferry on the last day to enhance the experience. It’s always fun to have a mother/daughter team on the trip. I’ll never forget Laura Roth saying she’d chosen this Slackpacking Maryland because “my mom can do this trip”. Patty Burrow was able to hike through her injury because Karen Abis offered Patty her extra pair of hiking shoes, just another example of what makes AGC participants special. And Shiela and Nicole’s brought a selection of local adult beverages, which was especially fun and thoughtful.
Slackpacking Maryland 10/12/2020-10/17/2020
It actually exceeded my expectations.
Slackpacking Maryland 10/12/2020-10/17/2020
A good time was had by all! Delicious cooking, good strong coffee in the mornings by 6, dessert every night and a fun dinner out on the last night. What more is there?
Slackpacking Maryland 10/12/2020-10/17/2020
Slackpacking Maryland 10/12/2020-10/17/2020
exceeded expectations!
Slackpacking Maryland 10/12/2020-10/17/2020
What a delightful walk in the woods!
Slackpacking Maryland 10/20/2019-10/25/2019
Slackpacking Maryland 10/20/2019-10/25/2019
Meeting all the great women and realizing that I can hike 10 miles a day for 4 days in a row!
Slackpacking Maryland 10/20/2019-10/25/2019
It is a wonderful trail and will become a very popular trip.
Slackpacking Maryland 10/20/2019-10/25/2019
These trips are always excellent!! It's what keeps me coming back. Highlights: Everyone on the trip Finishing all of Maryland on the AT!!! The day when we almost beat the rain I love coming "home" to a meal each night. Its such a nice break for me.
Slackpacking Maryland 10/20/2019-10/25/2019
I enjoyed hiking with other women in such an historic area of the Appalachian Trail. The guides were great.
Slackpacking Maryland 10/20/2019-10/25/2019