Thursday, March 16 – Sunday, March 19, 2023
Enjoy one of the most iconic sections of the Appalachian Trail on this four-day, three-night backpacking trip! The goal of this trip is to complete the Triple Crown of the AT – Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs, in a supportive and positive environment. Whether this is your first or tenth backpacking trip, this adventure will challenge everyone regardless of your level of backpacking expertise. There will be uneven terrain and challenging uphill sections. Be ready to tackle 25-30 miles of trail over the course of four days. Hikers will be rewarded with incredible views, unique rock formations, and a huge sense of accomplishment at the end of our trip!
This trip is for intermediate to experienced backpackers. A novice backpacker may join if in good physical shape. Hikers will be carrying all their own gear. They should be able to carry 25-40 pounds and have the ability to hike in the mountains for 8-10 hours a day. They should be able to complete a day hike of 11-12 miles on their own.
Have questions? Katrina would love to talk with you and answer them. Contact her here!
Meet your Guide!
Your guide for this trip will be Katrina! Katrina has two thru hikes under her belt having thru hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. She has been in the outdoor professional world for over 17 years and has spent over 600+ nights in the backcountry. She is beyond excited to share her love of the AT and long-distance backpacking with everyone!
Location:
Please note this trip happens in Catawba, VA on the Appalachian Trail and not at Experience Learning in WV. Hikers will meet at the Dragon’s Tooth Trailhead (Catawba, VA) parking lot at 12:30pm. Please eat lunch before your arrival. There are several lunch spots along interstate 81. Here you will meet your guide where you will pack up and head out for the trail.
Dates and Rates:
We have a 3 tiered pricing system. You choose which tier is appropriate for your personal financial situation. More information on tiered pricing can be found here.
Tier 1: $750
Tier 2: $685
Tier 3: $625
More information about other Adult Adventures can be found here.
What we provide:
– Backpacks
– Sleeping bag – Synthetic sleeping bag with a rating of 32 degrees
– Sleeping pad – Roll up foam sleeping pad
– Tents – One-person North Face tents (weight = 3 pounds)
– Camp Stove/Fuel
– Water Filter
– Meals
– Snacks
Hikers are more than welcome to bring any of their own gear to use/try out on the trail. Our guide can always assist folks with newly purchased gear.
What you should bring:
– Trekking Poles (suggested but not required)
– Synthetic Long Underwear
– Light Weight Rain Jacket and Pants
– Down or Synthetic Jacket
– Synthetic long sleeve
– Trowel for backcountry bathroom use
– Odor proof food bag
– Individual hand sanitizer
– 2x 32 oz. Water Bottles
A more detailed packing list will be sent out ahead of the trip.
What Folks are Saying
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Experience Learning has for a long time been dedicated to understanding our students, and on each trip builds a program to meet our goals. The experience we have each year creates a channel for learning that helps students further understand and internalize skills for planning, organization, problem solving and risk taking, and shows how these skills lead to success and happiness. We also have a wonderful time, and the experience is a staple of school culture and our collective memories. – Greg Koehlert, headmaster, Winston Prep
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The leaders at Experience Learning do an extraordinary job of utilizing “outdoor education” to create opportunities for our boys to learn, grow, and develop an appreciation for our world beyond traditional classroom environments, which is valuable on too many levels to fully celebrate. – Mike Wallace, Gilman School
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Experience Learning and their staff make our school trips possible. From scouting things out before hand, to keeping everyone fed, safe, entertained and informed during the trip, none of it would be possible without their professionalism. They create a safe environment that allows students to push themselves out of their comfort zones and take risks while being fully supported. All of this translates to huge growth at home both in and out of the classroom. – Evan Schlissel, Winston Prep NY
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Hands down Experience Learning’s Water Sampling trip (AWSM) for my 5th graders this past year has been the highlight of my career thus far! – Megan Bacorn, teacher
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We are currently in the process of exploring a Trout in The Classroom project because of the interest that was piqued during the AWSM activities. – Julie Colaw, 5th grade science teacher, Petersburg Elementary School
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Our trip to SKMC has now turned into an annual event that is not only highly anticipated, but essential to bringing together the social dynamics of our class as we prepare for a year of working together. Additionally, my students feel empowered and connected to each other from our adventures that carries on through our schoolwork. – Jen Osha Buysse, teacher, Morgantown Learning Academy
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Mountain Stewards at Experience Learning is a fantastic week-long summer camp for kids who like the outdoors (or who WILL like the outdoors after this wonderful experience!) Stewardship of our natural resources, self-reliance, leadership, and fellowship, are all integral to this program. My daughter LOVES this camp, and that makes me a happy dad. Experience Learning also has great programs for learners of all ages. I recently completed an excellent Wilderness First Aid course at their wonderful Spruce Knob Mountain Center. Check it out! – Mark Wenzler