About

This backpacking trip will follow a loop trail in the George Washington National Forest near Wardensville, West Virginia. You will drive 10 or 15 minutes to the trailhead on Waites Run Road from Wardensville . Part of this hike is along the Tuscarora Trail, originally assembled as a western alternative to the Appalachian Trail. This will be a moderately paced backpacking trip with about 5 miles the first day and 5 miles the second day. The third day is about 3 miles, mostly downhill, with several stream crossing. After setting up camp the second day, there will be a 3 mile additional hike without your backpack to a great overlook. There are large campsites with water both nights. You will need to bring a treatment method for the water as well as your own food and a stove to prepare it. This backpack trip is suitable for those who have been hiking this season distances of 5 or more miles. This is a volunteer led trip organized by the Potomac Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. No dogs. The AMC Potomac Chapter has some equipment to loan if you are new to backpacking. Carpooling is certainly possible. This is perfect if you are a backpacker, want to move from hiking to backpacking, have not backpacked in a long while, or just want to get away and outdoors for the 4th of July. We will take breaks, but reasonable fitness is expected for continuous hiking with a backpack.