What we’re about
DC UL Backpacking hosts an average of 80 backpacking events each year, specializing in high-mileage, lightweight backpacking trips throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Our membership structure helps backpackers gain or enhance their outdoor skills. In general, our trips are quite challenging but you’ll find a wealth of experienced backpackers who are eager to share advice. Visit our website (www.dculbackpacking.com) to learn more about our group and our membership and trip ranks, and to read our FAQs.
Our goal: To cultivate a community of independent outdoors men and women who want nothing more than to have a fulfilling backcountry experience–to wake early, to walk far, and to travel light.
Join us. We look forward to meeting you!
When applying to join our group, make sure to fill out our questionnaire fully. We also require that your profile photo is of yourself.
*** Read our liability waiver (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/) and COVID-19 guidelines here: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/. ***
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- LM: Duncan Knob and Strickler Knob (Fall Foliage / Spooky Trip) (~19 miles)211 Park and Ride, Stanley, VA
I've never hiked the DCUL classic Duncan Knob/Strickler Knob, but the upcoming weekend seems like a good weekend to check it out. I'm hopeful for some fall foliage (https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map) and clear weather (https://www.wunderground.com/hourly/us/va/luray/38.67,-78.47/date/2024-10-26 & https://www.wunderground.com/hourly/us/va/new%20market/38.67,-78.47/date/2024-10-26).
If you are an "applicant" (meaning that this is your first DCUL trip), please send me your gear list in a direct message (doesn't have to be ultralight). You can learn about DCUL's membership ranks here.
Because this is a last minute trip, I won't be holding spots open for applicants. I also won't be organizing a formal carpool, but please post in the trip message board if you want a ride to the trailhead.
The Plan
Splits will be about 10/9. Plan to follow the route on this CalTopo: https://caltopo.com/m/FQ4BSaturday, October 26 (~10 miles)
- Meet up at Route 211 park and ride (http://goo.gl/maps/pF9JP)
- Start hiking around 10am
- Taking the Massanutten Connector, then the Massanutten Trail until Jawbone Gap
- Camp at Peach Orchard Gap
- Hike up to Duncan Knob to take in the views (sunset 6:19?)
- Make dinner at Peach Orchard Gap
- Given that Halloween will be in a few days, there may be a spooky surprise after dark (TBD)
Sunday, October 27 (~9 miles)
- Wake by 6, on trail by 7
- Hike down from Peach Orchard Gap, getting back on the Massanutten
- Taking the Strickler Knob Spur out and back to check out the views from Strickler Knob
- Hike back down to the cars
- (Optional: Brunch)
DCUL'ers have maps! Some options:
- National Geographic Map #792 Massanutten and Great North Mountain (Amazon link)
- GPX: [https://caltopo.com/m/FQ4B](GPX: https://caltopo.com/m/FQ4B)
- PATC Map G (PATC store link)
Waiver: By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)
COVID-19 policy: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/Dues: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15 ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)
Carpool: As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile.
- ONLINE (self-paced) Wilderness First Aid available ALL DAYS NOW until Oct 31stLink visible for attendees
In your own home, at your own leisure (anytime -- not just the date of this event): now you can learn a ton in the online portion of Disaster + Travel + Wilderness First Aid! COURSE TOPICS VIDEOS are almost exactly as MEDIC SOLO always presents them with the latest on disaster and wilderness medical science. Intermixed at several points we guide you to practice various skills.
Choose one of two ways to learn:
a) Take the self-guided course (no certification) $99.
b) Take the self-guided online course and attend a skills scenarios workshop (one day on-line) and get certified $249 (Early Bird).
Register here: https://solowfa.com/register-online-SOLO-disaster-wilderness-first-aid-course.html
In order to get certified, you will start watching our highly-rated, self-paced videos one month prior to your Skills Scenarios Workshop date and:- Practice skills at home before your Workshop date, send us photographs and our Instructors will provide you with kudos and constructive ideas.
- Pass the multiple-choice quiz and test is what verifies that you're ready for your workshop day with an instructor.
- Attend your online Skills Scenarios Workshop full day with a live instructor and a live human patient. Use a unique software which nearly replicates the in-person learning experience.
- Gain as much to more hands-on learning experience as compared to an in-person course.
- Instructors give individual live feedback to students while you perform hands-on skills in your own home.
- Graduates receive the internationally-renowned SOLO 2-year WFA Certification.
Upcoming online Skills Scenario Workshop dates:
November 17th, 2024
January 25, 2025
March 1, 2025
May 3, 2025
May 31, 2025
and June 14 2025.Sneak peek at the course:
https://www.solowfa.com/online-sample.htm - VMO: Four State Challenge 2024 (44 miles)Vienna Metro North Kiss and Ride Lot, Vienna, VA
It will be time soon for our annual Four State Challenge--a DC UL Right of Passage that typically tests your mettle over 44 glorious miles. I am planning to stick to posting the 44 miler version, but hey, if you are interesting in pushing your limits further and earning that elusive "#" sign, there could be a 50 miler version that we did two years ago (see this trip from last year: https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/events/288595543/ )
Join us if you want to undertake this challenge - or if you want to do trail magic and enjoy watching the challengers suffer :) Trail Angels - We would love to have you support us!
How the normal 44 mile version works:
● Start in Harper's Ferry on Friday, and hike up to Loudon Heights (maybe 4ish miles). Set up camp near the Virginia/West Virginia border. Note: PATC is working on a trail reroute in this section, so we will keep track of that in case that affects us.
● Wake up when you want (traditionally we do a 3am start, but that's up to you). Walk north on the AT, cross into Maryland, and keep going until you hit Pennsylvania. Regroup with your fellow backpackers at Pen Mar for a pizza celebration, and camp at a spot about one mile past the park.
● Enjoy a victory breakfast on Sunday. Receive your (@) symbol for walking a 40 mile day.
Before saying “Yes, I’m in!” there are a few caveats and challenges to note.
● If you haven't been doing regular 20+ mile days recently, consider your ability to do this mileage. Like any other event, training will go a long way to make sure you can do this safely and successfully. We do this every year--better to wait and prepare for next year’s event, than to rush in and injure yourself.
● This is a LONG day. 16 hours is a solid time. 20 hours isn't uncommon.
● There is no shame whatsoever in bailing. Even making it to I-70 is a big day. Better to end early than to finish with an injury.
● Water is not plentiful along this route. Maintaining good hydration and nutrition is paramount.
● It is the AT, but navigation can be a challenge in the dark. Be confident in your ability to follow a trail. There’s a chance you could hike all day without seeing another DCUL'er so be mentally ready to go the whole 44 solo if needed.
● This is a backpacking challenge. You must sleep out Friday and Saturday night, and carry all your gear to be self-sufficient just like any other DCUL backpacking weekend.
The logistics are also...complex. Traditionally we have emergency bail-out vehicles stationed at I-70 (27mi) and Wolfsville Road (34ish mi). You must check-in at those points to be listed on the DCUL Hall of Fame (https://dculbackpacking.wordpress.com/hall-of-fame/ ) for a successful completion--we do this as a safety precaution so we know where you’ve been and at what time.
We will need quite a few people who are willing to drive to help us set-up the shuttle and all those bailout wagons.By RSVPing for this trip, you acknowledge that you’ve read our COVID-19 guidelines and that you agree to DC UL's liability waiver terms. (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver)
Please note the COVID-19 club policies:
For more on DC UL’s COVID-19 policy, click this link: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/
