What we’re about
The group is designed for people that love hiking (including day hikes) and backpacking trips as well as outside adventures. I will concentrate these trips in North Carolina and South Carolina. I hike at an average pace, everyone is included. I want us to actually enjoy the areas we are hiking through. And the people on the trip can range from beginners to experienced backpackers. I plan to do trips from many popular backpacking trips in the Carolinas. Usually, these hikes will be less than 5 miles one day, an overnight at a wild campsite, fire, dinner, breakfast in the morning, and a trip back to the starting point . . .all done in 2 days. These are 'bring your own food' trips, some trails have water and facilities on the way, some do not. I will provide a clear agenda for each day such that people understand what they are signing up for. It should be fun for all.
I encourage those of you that do not want to stay out on our overnight hikes, to come along and make some of these a day hike if you like. Day hikers will not affect our group size limits and it allows people to enjoy the hikes without the camping commitment. So day hikers can join us, hike as much or as little as they like and head back home. It's more about the people than the places anyway! If you want to be a day hiker, simply message me about the particular event and I will include your name on the list of attendees. Welcome, everyone!
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Women's Beginner Friendly Backpacking - UNF One Night (Dutchman's Creek Loop)24/27 (Woodrun) Trailhead, Mount Gilead, NC
I am so excited to get our first trips on the calendar!
A couple things to note that will apply to all trips posted for this series:- Regarding RSVPs - For the first 48 hours after trips in this series are posted only those that were a part of the “planning” zoom meetings will be moved to going. After that folks will be moved to going according to RSVP time (up to twelve participants for this trip).
- This is cross posted with another meetup. If you are on the waitlist and not getting moved although there appear to be spots left this may be why, but feel free to ask 😊
- Each trip in this series will be posted for two consecutive months to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to attend.
- Also in the interest of allowing as many to participate as possible, attendance will be limited to one of the two identical trips posted.
For our first outing we are going to Uwharrie National Forest for a one night trip to backpack the Uwharrie and Dutchman’s Creek Loop.
I’ve chosen this for our first trip because I am familiar with the route and it should be challenging for those completely new to backpacking but absolutely doable. Also, there is a reliable water source at the campsites that we will be setting up camp at. We will be building up to routes that have those awe-inspiring vistas and waterfalls, but this one is a great place to start for the newest folks.
I expect average pace for this hike to be around 2 mph. **If you know that you cannot currently hike with a full pack at that pace please reach out to me for ideas on how to condition yourself to prepare**.
We will meet at the NC 24/27 Trailhead (link to google map) Saturday morning. We will start the morning with a pack "shakedown". If you are unfamiliar this it is just taking a look at what you have packed and how. It's a chance for newer backpackers to get some tips on how to pack their backpack. Once we are all ready to go we will head out and hike ~5.3 miles in to our campsite. Sunday morning we will finish the loop with a 6 mile hike out.
Here is a link to my suggested packing checklist I hope it works but if not please let me know and I’ll see what I can do: Backpacking Checklist
Standard Notice, Disclaimer:
Meetup organizers/ leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for you own safety and well-being. By signing up for this and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possible death. The organizers of this group and current and former members can not be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant-including you- at ant event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of a claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group. - Women's Beginner Friendly Backpacking - Mount RogersFox Creek Trailhead, Mouth of Wilson, VA
Please join me for a one night backpacking trip to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in Virginia. I cannot promise we will see the wild ponies, but I was just there last weekend (April 5 - 6) and saw many.
We will meet at the Fox Creek Trailhead Parking (link to google map) Saturday morning, hike just under 8 miles and camp at the Thomas Knob shelter on the Appalachian Trail (AT). There is a reliable, clean water source, a privy, and a bear box. You can choose to camp in the shelter or tent camp nearby. Sundays hike will be around 7 miles back to our cars. Expected elevation gain 2,467. Here is a link to the route on AllTrails.
- Regarding RSVPs - For the first 24 hours after trips in this series are posted, only those that were a part of the “planning” zoom meetings will be moved to going. After that folks will be moved to going according to RSVP time (up to ten participants, including myself, for this trip).
- This is cross posted with another meetup. If you are on the waitlist and not getting moved although there appear to be spots left this may be why, but feel free to ask 😊
- Each trip in this series will be posted for two consecutive months to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to attend.
- Also in the interest of allowing as many to participate as possible, attendance will be limited to one of the two identical trips posted.
- I do not expressly prohibit dogs, however, I do ask that if you plan to bring your fur baby you post to the group for everyone's awareness.
- NO COTTON - Please do not wear any cotton or cotton blend clothing. Cotton does not dry. Damp or wet cotton clothing can accelerate the onset of hypothermia, even in Summer. Look for merino wool, wool blends, or synthetic materials.
I expect average pace for this hike to be around 2 mph. **If you know that you cannot currently hike with a full pack at that pace please reach out to me for ideas on how to condition yourself to prepare**.
Here is a link to my suggested packing checklist I hope it works but if not please let me know and I’ll see what I can do: Backpacking Checklist
Standard Notice, Disclaimer:
Meetup organizers/ leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for you own safety and well-being. By signing up for this and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possible death. The organizers of this group and current and former members can not be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant-including you- at ant event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of a claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.
