"First" Backpacking Suggestions

The best idea for a first backpacking trip is a 3-day (2-night) 15-mile trip that can be safely taken by a relatively inexperienced Venture patrol. Details need be flushed out by the patrol as they plan. The suggestions shown below are only outlines and will need to be modified based upon equipment, season, weather, experience, and physical conditioning.

The Appalachian (AT) is closest to DC at VA Rte. 9, Rte. 7, and Rte. 50. The crossing at I- 66/Rte 55 is quick to get to, though it's further. In the 40 miles of AT between I-66 and Rte 9, there six locations than can be used for small group overnight camping; Shelter, Dick's Dome Shelter, Rod Hollow Shelter, Bear's Den Youth Hostel (fee required), Blackburn Trail Center, and David Lesser Memorial Shelter. , located between Rte 55 and Rte 50, makes an excellent launching point. It has a primitive camping area (fee required) that can be used for the first night or as a base camp for hikes along the AT. If you go out on Friday night, pick a campsite that is near a trailhead and easy to walk to. In the winter, you will need to get to the AT as soon as possible because of a typical Friday night late start due to school and an early sunset. Be prepared to walk in the dark. The following are some suggested section hikes along the AT. For more details and maps, purchase the Guide to , and Northern published by the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) and available at most backcountry equipment stores.

Rte 9 to Weverton Cliffs and return. Start at VA Rte. 9 AT crossing at Keys Gap. Just south of Rte. 9 (0.1 mile) is a camping area with undependable spring (2.4 mile S. is new David Lesser Memorial Shelter and spring). north to Harpers Ferry is relatively easy downhill walk to the town to see John Brown's fort. The ATC Headquarters is in town. Cross the foot bridge at confluence of Potomac and into Maryland and camp at either at the Harpers Ferry Hostel operated by the American Youth Hostel (fee required) or at the Weverton Primitive Camp (no water, no privy). If you are camping at the Weverton Primitive Camp, fill up on water at the National Park restroom or buy water at Weverton country store. Crossing Sandy Hook Bridge and climbing steep blue-blazed trail back up Loudoun Heights gives good view on return to car.

Rte 9 to Rte 7 (Ashby Gap to Snickers Gap) - Either a one or two night trek. Start at VA Rte. 9 AT crossing at Keys Gap. Hike 2.4 mile south to the David Lesser Memorial Shelter (1st night). Continue hiking south past Blackburn Trail (3.8 miles), Center (PATC), Sand Spring (7.3 miles, great water), Crescent Rocks (7.9 miles, possible 2nd night, dry camp, wonderful views) and Bear's Den Youth Hostel just south of VA Rte. 7 (11.6 miles, possible 2nd night, $4.50/person). Watch your distance on this one if you want 15 miles. You can loop below Rte. 7 to make it right.

Rte 7 to Rte 50 (Snickers Gap to Ashby Gap) - This is a one night trek. You can hike this from the north or the south. Heading south from Rte 7, come to Rod Hollow Shelter in 10.3 miles or hike north from Rte 50, find Sam Moore Shelter in 10.3 miles. Hike the remaining 3.5 miles out the next day.

Rte 50 to Rte 55 (Ashby Gap to Manassas Gap) - This is a one night trek. Start at Rte 50 (parking area is .2 miles north of Rte 50 off of Rte. 601) and head south. There are possible

excursions into Sky Meadows State Park. Continue south for 10.1 miles to Manassas Gap Shelter with a wonderful spring (1st night). Hike south 2.4 miles to Route 55. This hike could be reversed and done in conjunction with the remainder of the troop base camped at Sky Meadows State Park.

The Appalachian Trail in Maryland (41 miles) follows the crest of South Mountain from the border until it comes down Weverton Cliffs to join the C&O Canal for a couple of miles before crossing the . The Maryland section of the AT has many Civil War historical sites including the Battle of South Mountain, a prelude to the Battle of Antietam. Although some hike the 41miles in a long weekend, it breaks conveniently into two overnight treks. The first trek is from Pen Mar Park, PA (Pen Mar Rd off Rte 550) to Cowall Shelter in 9.8 miles and then from Cowall Shelter to Turners Gap (US 40) the next day in 13.7 miles. The second over night trek is from Turners Gap (US 40) to Crampton Gap Shelter in 7.3 miles then hike to Sandy Hook, MD (US 340) in 8 miles the next day.

The

It is a popular National Park, but overused along the crest (read Skyline Drive and Appalachian Trail). Backpacking here has several rules based upon the principles of Leave No Trace, lowering the impact of the visitor and spreading the use through more acres of the park. No units larger than 10. While there are 6 (fee) huts along the AT for through hikers, backpacking is better off the AT on side . No camping at day shelters, within 0.5 miles of developed areas, or within sight of either trails or the Skyline Drive. Camp away from water supplies. This can make it interesting to find level tent sites in the winter with no leaves. Look for tent sites beyond bends in horse-shoe turns of the trail or on knolls where the trail nears, but doesn't crest the ridge. You will need a "backcountry permit" that can be obtained at most entry stations or by calling ahead to the park headquarters, (540) 999-3500. An excellent book that can provide ideas for overnight hikes is Circuit Hikes in the Shenandoah National Park, published by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) and available at most backcountry equipment stores.

You can start backpacking trips along the AT from US 211, at Thornton Gap is the closest (fastest) point from DC. Park just outside the entrance station and avoid paying the entrance fee. Winter backpacking trips have started here after dark and hiked .8 miles to Pass Mountain Shelter (or if filled to a horse-shoe bend just north of the shelter on the AT to find scattered tent spots). The next day hike 13.1 miles to Gravel Springs Shelter. Hike out 3.7 miles to Hogwallow Gap.

For another hike along the AT in the Shenandoah National Park, drive to Thornton Gap and head south for 25.3 miles on the Skyline Drive to parking area and access road to Bearfence Mountain Shelter (1st night). Hike north 15.4 miles to Rock Springs Shelter (2nd night). Hike out 1.8 miles to Skyland. Remember on all shelters in the park that AT through hikers have first priority (usually heavy traffic April through June).

Another popular way to beat the entrance fee is to turn left off US 211 at Sperryville onto US 522. Then turn right onto VA 231 and again onto VA 600 to the upper Old Rag Parking Lot. Stay off the Saddle Trail and the Ridge Trail that the crowds take to go up Old Rag. Instead head up the Nicholson Hollow Trail and take any one of many possible circuit hikes using

Robertson Mountain Trail, Corbin Mountain Trail, Indian Run Trail, Corbin Hollow Trail, Hannah Mountain Trail, Catlett Mountain Trail and Hot Mountain-Short Mountain Trail.

Wolf Gap

Great North Mountain (west of Woodstock, VA on VA-WV state line) has several outstanding attractions. Great Schloss (a magnificent rock outcropping), Sugar Knob cabin, Stoney Creek, Paul Garland Memorial Shelter, Trout Pond (a Forestry Fee Area), Big Blue Trail, Half Moon Trail, and White Rock Cliff can be included in a series of circuit hikes. An excellent guide for hiking trips in the area is Circuit Hikes In Virginia, , Maryland, and Pennsylvania, published by the PATC. Use PATC Map F.

Monongahela National Forest

Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide, by Bruce Sundquist and Allen de Hart for West Virginia Highlands Conservatory (1206 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301). Use USGS maps for current information. An excellent Forest Recreation Map (1970—limited revision in 1981) of the National Forest is available from the USFS, P.O. Box 1548, Elkins, WV 26241 and at the visitors center. Four of the most significant areas are listed below:

• Dolly Sods Wilderness Area - A little far from DC, but well worth the trip. A beautiful area with great swimming holes, sub alpine tundra, and magnificent views from Rocky Top. Permits are required for camping and can be obtained free from the U.S. Forest Service Potomac Ranger Station in Petersburg. Call (304) 257-4488.

• Spruce Knob Area - More than a dozen trails in the highest (Spruce Knob 4863 ft) and most rugged mountains of West Virginia make this an attractive area to hike. Permits are required for camping and can be obtained free from the U.S. Forest Service Potomac Ranger Station in Petersburg. Call (304) 257-4488.

• North Fork Mountain Trail - 21 miles along the crest of North Fork Mountain. The view from the ridge of Dolly Sods, Spruce Knob, Germany Valley, Potomac River, and Seneca Rocks is spectacular. Average trail elevation is 3000 ft. No water on trail, so bring it all. Permits are required for camping and can be obtained free from the U.S. Forest Service Potomac Ranger Station in Petersburg. Call (304) 257-4488.

• Cranberry Back Country - Between Marlinton and Richwood, WV, in the southern Monongahela National Forest about 250 miles from DC. This wilderness area offers several days of hiking in moderate hills (1200 foot day climbs possible). A free leaflet is available from the Gauley District Ranger Office in Richwood, the Cranberry Mountain Visitor Center, or from the USFS Elkins office. Ranger stations are in Richwood (304) 846-2695 and Marlinton (304)799-4334.

Other Trails

An excellent guide for hiking trips in the area is Circuit Hikes In Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, published by the PATC.

Tuscarora Trail - Connects with Big Blue Trail at Hancock, MD, and goes to Harrisburg, PA. Guide to the in Pennsylvania and Maryland, ATC.

Green Ridge Hiking Trail - A 45.2-mile loop from C&O Canal to old US 40 in , Maryland's 2nd largest. The trail follows hollow floor and has been flooded in spring, raising the difficulty of the hike. Elevations vary from 500 ft near the river to over 1100 ft at the northern terminus. Camping is allowed on a permit basis. Many wild animals. Contact Forest Manager, Green Ridge State Forest, Star Route, Flintstone, MD 21530 (301) 478-2991 or for information in the area, , Bureau of Forestry, Dept. of Environmental Resources, Route 2, Box 3, McConnelsburg, PA 17233. Count on using USGS maps (Flintstone, MD, Old Town, MD, Paw Paw, WV, and Artemas, MD).

Black Forest Trail (5-day, 42-mile circuit) - A rugged circuit in in North Central Pennsylvania. The name of the area comes form its resemblance to the Black Forest of Germany with spectacular vistas from high on the plateau. There are steep ups to get there, though. An excellent forest trip. A guide book and map is available from the Tiadaghton Forest Fire Fighters Association, Bureau of Forestry, Box 5091 South Williamsport, PA 17701.

Historic Trails

• Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, 118 Park Street S.E., Vienna, VA 22180, (703) 242- 0315

Potomac Heritage Trail - It's 10.2 miles right in Arlington along the Potomac Palisades overlooking Georgetown. You can make a loop between Chain Bridge and Key Bridges by including the C&O canal. Camping is available for Scouts at the Turkey Run Center. The trip is too easy for many patrols, but it does make a good day hike.

• American Historical Trails, PO Box 810, Washington, DC 20044. Patches and medals are available for all hikes

The Manassas National Battlefield Historical Trails - Consists of two hikes, 9.1 and 7.75 miles. Camping is available at Bull Run Regional Park. The President's Trail - Consists of three lengths of 8, 9.5 and 11 miles through downtown Washington DC.

The Lincoln Pilgrimage Trail - Consists of two lengths of 7.5, and 11.5 miles through downtown Washington DC.

The National Capital Bicentennial Trail of Freedom - Consists of three lengths of 6.5, 7.2, and 9.5 miles through downtown Washington DC.

"Old Town" Alexandria Historical Trail - Consists of an 8-mile trail through Alexandria, VA.

The Carlisle Historical Trail - Consists of trail lengths of 4, 6, and 8 miles. Camping is available nearby.

Colonial Annapolis Historical Trail - Consists of three trail lengths of 7, 11, and 14.5 miles. Camping is available at the U.S. Naval Academy.

• Harpers Ferry Heritage Trail, Harpers Ferry Historical Association, PO Box 197, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

A trail through historic Harpers Ferry. Camping is located nearby. Patch is available.

• Mason-Dixon Council BSA, PO Box 2133, 1200 Crestwood Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740, (301) 739-1211

Antietam Battlefield Historic Trail - A 10 1/2-mile trail along the Antietam battlefield. Camping is available through the at Rohrbach Campground. Patch is available.

The Appalachian Trail - This designated section of the Appalachian Trail is 44 miles in length and runs between the Potomac River in Maryland to Camp Penn, just northeast of Waynesboro, PA. Trail guides and patches are available from the council office.

The Forbes Road Trail - This trail, 28 miles in length, traces a portion of the route of an overland trail first cleared by the British General, John Forbes, during the French and Indian War. The hiker will walk between Cowan's Gap State Park and Sideling Hill Mountain, near the Bedford County Line. Mason-Dixon Council's Camp Sinoquipe is located near the trail's halfway point. Trail guides and patches are available from the council office.

• National Capital Area Council, 9190 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814

Washington and Lee Historical Trail - A 22-mile hike along the Potomac River from to Arlington National Cemetery. Patch is available.

C & O Canal Historical Trail - A 184-mile hike/bike trail from Cumberland, MD, to Washington, DC, following the old C & O Canal. Camping spots are available every 5 miles. Patch and medal are available.

The Fredericksburg Historical Trail - Consists of a 7-mile trail through the historic town of Fredericksburg. Patch Is available.

The Chatham and Old Towne Falmouth Historical Trail - Consists of a 5-mile trail through the St. Clair Brooks Park, Fredericksburg. Patch Is available.

• Richardson Foundation, 1445 Otis Place N.W., Suite 323, Washington, DC 20010

The Howard Heritage Trail - Consists of a 5-mile hike starting at Howard University. Patch is available.

• Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park, Regional Park Authority

A 42-mile bike/hike trail from Purcellevllle to National Airport. A map is available in many stores.

• Maryland Historical Trails, c/o Albert T. Swann, 3612 Court House Drive, #2B, Ellicott City, MD 21043-4432. Patches are available for each hike.

General Mansfield's Approach - An 11-mile trail from Route 34, Keedysville, MD, which follows the route of the XII Corps to where it was halted in the Antietam Battlefield.

The Sharpsburg Line - An 11-mile trail that begins at Cornfield Avenue on Antietam Battlefield and follows the Confederate line.

General McLaws Approach - A two day hike with a layover in Harpers Ferry. Join the General in Burketsville and trace the Battle of South Mountain. See the Correspondents' Monument, museum and trenches. Climb Elk Ridge and hike the assault route to Maryland Heights forts.

Annapolis Pathways - A 10-mile hike through colonial, naval and water front areas. See the State Capitol, Navy Museum, John Paul Jones crypt.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal - Each is a 50-mile hike, patterned on the one set by President Teddy Roosevelt as a Marine Corps test. Each trail is for three days and two nights. It will require about 17 miles per day for an allowed total time of 20 hours actual walking time. Jog the last 200 feet.

General A P Hill's Forced March - A 14-mile, 1-day hike that honors Hill's Light Division that dashed the 14 miles to save the Confederate Army at Antietam. Begins at Harpers Ferry and fords the Potomac River.

Monocacy Battle Trail - Eight miles on roads, trails, ford a river and stream. Open only in warm months.

Governor Johnson's Fredericktown - A 10-mile hike through Frederick, MD, including the governor's home.

Chief Neacoliln's Trail - An early Indian route from Maryland state line to Cumberland.

• Robert E. Lee Council, Inc., Boy Scouts of America, 900 Westover Road, Richmond, VA 23220. Patch is available

The Old Dominion Trail. A 14-mile trail through colonial and civil war Richmond.

Long Trails

Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia - Consists of 2200 miles. Camping is available along trail and in shelters. Ten trail guides are available to cover sections of the Appalachian Trail and

numerous side trails. A pocket-sized official handbook of mileages entitled Appalachian Trail Data Book, ATC is a must. It is the only way to know the current changes to the trail.

Big Blue Trail - Mathews Arm Campground in the Shenandoah National Park to Hancock Maryland. Consists of 250 miles of blazed trail. Camping is available at 7- to 15-mile intervals. The Big Blue, (Guidebook ATC, Northern and Southern Map ATC).

Horse-shoe Trail - A Guide to the Horse-shoe Trail, Horse-shoe Trail Club, Inc., Warwick County Park, Knauertown, PA, R.D. #4, Pottsdown, PA 19464. A guide (and maps) to a 134.3- mile trail from AT at Sharp Mountain (north of Harrisburg, PA) to Valley Forge, PA. A patch is also available.

Long Trail - A 270 mile footpath that follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont state border to Canada. The oldest long distance hiking trail in the country, it crosses Vermont’s highest peaks. A pocket size Long Trail Guide is available from the ATC.

Mason-Dixon Trail - A 187.2-mile trail between Chadds Ford, PA and the Appalachian Trail at Whiskey Spring (south of Harrisburg, PA). The trail is basically along the west bank of the Susquehanna River until York Haven, where it runs west south of Dillsburg to Whiskey Springs. The set of 10 maps is available for $7.50 from Mason-Dixon Trail System, Inc., Mary Bleecker, 719 Oakbourne Road, West Chester, PA 19382-7509.

Other Trails

Guide to the Massanutten Mountain, PATC

Hiking Virginia's National Forests, Karin Wuertz-Schaffer, The Globe Pequot Press

50 Hikes in Northern Virginia, Leonard M. Adkins, Backcountry Publications

Hiking the Old Dominion: The Trails of Virginia, Allen de Hart

Hiking Virgina, Randy Johnson, Falcon Publishing Inc.

Day and Overnight Hikes in the Shenandoah National Park, Johnny Molloy, Menasha Ridge Press.

Scenic Rivers in Virginia

Free 12 page brochure of maps and photographs from VA's Department of Parks and Recreation. Write John Heerwald, Virginia Scenic Rivers Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, 1201 Washington Bldg., Capital Square, Richmond, VA 23219.

Virginia White Water, A Canoeing Guide to the Rivers of the Old Dominion, H. Roger Corbett, Seneca Press

Blue Ridge Voyages, Corbett and Matacia, vols. 1, 2, and 3, Blue Ridge Voyageurs, P.O. Box 32, Oakton, VA 22124. Each volume has 10 beginner and intermediate canoe trips within an easy drive of Metropolitan Washington.

Biking Trails

Favorite biking trails include the already mentioned C&O Canal Towpath and the W&OD Regional Park. Eastern shore Maryland/Delaware is flat enough to allow long bike trips. Also check local bicycle shops for the bicycle map of Northern Virginia trails. Use caution when biking on busy country roads.

Important Backpacking Books

Boy Scout Fieldbook.

Backpacking Merit Badge pamphlet.

Venture Backpacking, BSA.

The Complete Walker III, Colin Fletcher, Alfred A. Knopf.

Walking Softly in the Wilderness, The Sierra Club Guide to Backpacking, John Hart, Sierra Club Books.

Backpacking One Step at a Time, Harvey Manning Vintage Press.

Backpacking in the 90's, Tips, Techniques and Secrets, Victoria Logue, Menasha Ridge Press.

National Outdoor Leadership School's Wilderness Guide, Peter Simer and John Sullivan, Fireside Books.

The New Appalachian Trail, Ed Garvey, Menasha Ridge Press.

Hiking & Backpacking, Karen Berger, W.W. Norton & Company.

The Backcountry Classroom, Lesson Plans for the Wilderness, Jack K. Drury and Bruce F. Bonney, ICS Books, Inc.