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The Appalachian Trail truly has mythic status and for many of us, hiking it is a dream. But then we look at the reality of it and find the prospect of carrying a 40-50 pound pack on our back and sleeping on the ground rather daunting. Solution? Slackpacking! We already offer slackpacking trips at the beginning and end of the trail; in 2016 we're adding this beautiful Virginia section. We'll cover a little over fifty miles, returning at the end of the day to our lodging in the friendly little town of Damascus. We cover significant mileage on this trip so it still requires being in good shape. Maximum group size: 12
September 12 to September 18, 2021 |
$1695.00 - Available |
Book Now |
What's not included: Airfare to/from Virginia (TRI), travel to Damascus, one dinner, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities.
This trip involves hiking from 7 to 13 miles a day (see the itinerary for daily mileage) with significant elevation changes and footing that may be rocky and uneven at times. It requires being in very good physical condition. While you can always choose to stay in town for the day, there are no options for shortening the daily hikes. This trip is rated 4. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be engaged in aerobic conditioning for at least 40-50 minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2 hour hike once a week) and/or strength training is usually required. Rating: 1 2 3 [4] 5.
This is a hiking trip on the Virginia section of the legendary Appalachian Trail. You will be hiking in the mountains with constant elevation gain and loss on a trail that is rocky at times. We're staying in the legendary (but small) trail town of Damascus and there will be time to visit some of the shops there.
We will be spending 6 nights at two accommodations that are next door to each other. A Step Away is a large vintage 2 story, vacation rental home that sleeps 5 - 6 guests. It has 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, good gathering space, a spacious kitchen, Wifi, linens, many other amenities. We will also have several rooms at the nearby Hikers Inn.
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.
This is a test by Net2Net.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/13/2020-9/19/2020
This is a test by Net2Net.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/13/2020-9/19/2020
This is a test by Net2Net.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/13/2020-9/19/2020
This is a test by Net2Net.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/13/2020-9/19/2020
This is a test by Net2Net.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/13/2020-9/19/2020
Slackpacking Virginia 9/13/2020-9/19/2020
Slackpacking Virginia 9/13/2020-9/19/2020
Slackpacking Virginia 9/13/2020-9/19/2020
Slackpacking Virginia 9/13/2020-9/19/2020
This in only a 4 because the first AGC trip I attended was so great I was expecting the same experience again. This experience was not bad at all (as I mentioned above), but just different, so now I know that the expectations will vary from trip to trip.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/13/2020-9/19/2020
Slackpacking Virginia 9/13/2020-9/19/2020
Accommodations were amazing as were the trip leaders.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/15/2019-9/21/2019
Slackpacking Virginia 9/15/2019-9/21/2019
I just love the AT and like to experience the different sections.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/15/2019-9/21/2019
Slackpacking Virginia 9/15/2019-9/21/2019
Was looking forward to seeing the ponies at Grayson Highlands, and they didn't disappoint. Going to the top of Mount Rogers exceeded my expectations. Wasn't expecting the different microclimate, and the cloudy/misty weather conditions that day further enhanced the experience. Finally, I was not expecting to be able to hike ahead at my own pace. That was such a treat!
Slackpacking Virginia 9/15/2019-9/21/2019
It was the optimal amount of challenge for me. The right amount of risk and relaxation. Tali and Wendy were incredible, and their personalities and expertise added to the experience.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/15/2019-9/21/2019
Beautiful lodging. Wonderful people!
Slackpacking Virginia 9/15/2019-9/21/2019
Highlights- The commraderie, the terrain, food I wish there had been more sharing about the AT, its history, use of its resources, maps and systems etc; all may not have needed but more “formal” sharing on hiking tools and tricks of the trade-
Slackpacking Virginia 9/17/2017-9/23/2017
The amazing vistas we encountered. The connections made with other women with whom we traveled. Having coffee and sometimes breakfast outside, too.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/17/2017-9/23/2017
Slackpacking Virginia 9/17/2017-9/23/2017
Hiking on the AT with a wonderful group of women
Slackpacking Virginia 9/17/2017-9/23/2017
Wonderful scenery, good accommodation, great food, great guiding.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/17/2017-9/23/2017
I really enjoyed beautiful countryside we hiked through. The views were spectacular. I also enjoyed meeting the other ladies participating.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/17/2017-9/23/2017
I'd have to say first and foremost was the company. It was a fabulous group of ladies who all shared similar interests. Also, the views.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/17/2017-9/23/2017
This trip pushed me to a new physical level. It was great. Guides so supportive, and our group coalesced perfectly.
Slackpacking Virginia 9/17/2017-9/23/2017
Group dynamics, Claire, scenery, laughter, feeling of accomplishment, challenge
Slackpacking Virginia 9/17/2017-9/23/2017
Slackpacking Virginia 2016 9/25/2016-10/1/2016
Very slow pace by lead guide and group was walking along like a freight train and we were so tight it was hard not to step on one another heels.
Slackpacking Virginia 2016 9/25/2016-10/1/2016
The best part was that the group of women was so easy to get along with and had zero drama, even when yellow-jackets tried to create lots of drama!
Slackpacking Virginia 2016 9/25/2016-10/1/2016
beautiful scenery, good food, wonderful guides and a great group of women
Slackpacking Virginia 2016 9/25/2016-10/1/2016
Briar Ridge past Mt Rogers--where you could see to North Carolina--after a close encounter with the wild ponies--equal to Angel's Landing as a peak experience. Also, perfect weather despite predictions, amazing.
Slackpacking Virginia 2016 9/25/2016-10/1/2016
Enjoyed spending a week with like minded individuals that were strong and willing to be active.
Slackpacking Virginia 2016 9/25/2016-10/1/2016
Wonderful group of women, good hiking. My only issue is with the accommodations (see below).
Slackpacking Virginia 2016 9/25/2016-10/1/2016
Slackpacking Virginia 2016 9/25/2016-10/1/2016
Wonderful group of participants. Hardworking, helpful guides.
Slackpacking Virginia 2016 9/25/2016-10/1/2016