Appalachian Trail: Ensign Cowell shelter to Harpers Ferry
The Appalachian Trail is 2,179.1 miles long. We will hike 31.8 miles or 1.5% of it. |
If you are using this trip for Requirement 11a
You must have it completed and show Randy before we leave on the 14th. |
| Date: July 14-19 |
| Depart: Wednesday from ACDC parking lot. (No earlier than 4pm, so far.)
|
| Return: Sunday or Monday to ACDC parking lot. (or dropped off at home) |
Costs: We will not collect a fee for the trip. Each person needs to carry enough money to pay their expenses as they go. See below.
- Gas money. ($20 to your driver)
- Thursday breakfast for the group. ($2 per person)
- Personal meals/snacks/pop. (on your own)
- Souvenir money for AT Visitors Center at Harpers Ferry.
(on your own) |
Schedule/Activity:
This is just a rough idea and we will make adjustments depending on daily miles, weather, trail conditions, sore feet, etc. If we complete the trail early, we may drive back Sunday night. If we run over, we'll use Monday to finish the trail & see the AT Visitors Center.
| Wed 7/14: |
Drive time: 5:33, Directions,
Camp near Ensign Cowell shelter. Very few level spots for tents, lots of hammock spots. |
| Thurs 7/15: |
Breakfast provided at vehicle (Cinimon Rolls, Bananas, Orange Juice) & hit the trail. Hike 8.2 miles from Ensign Cowell shelter to Pine Knob shelter |
| Fri 7/16: |
Hike 7.5 miles to Rocky Run shelter |
| Sat 7/17: |
Hike 9.1 miles to Ed Garvey shelter |
| Sun 7/18: |
Hike 7.0 miles to Harpers Ferry. Spend some time at AT Visitors Center. Head home or Camp somewhere near Dahlgrens backpacking campground. Take a shower! Maybe share a couple pizzas? |
| Mon 7/19: |
Alternate departure day (breakfast & lunch on the road) Drive time: 5:54, Directions |
|
| Water: Several water sources available along the trail, but some of the springs are little more than a trickle. We will treat water as we go and fill up every chance we get. You should plan to carry 2 liters between water sources. If we have hot weather, you might want to carry another liter. "Camel up - To drink large quantities of water or other liquid in preparation for hiking through areas with little or unknown available water sources." |
| Meals: Bring/cook your own backpacking meals. You'll need to carry 12 meals (3 breakfast, 4 lunch, 3 supper + 2 backup meals) No more than 1-2 lbs. per day. "No-cook" lunches would be best. |
| Bear Bagging: We will hang all food & "smellables" properly at night. Each person will need gear for hanging a bear bag.
See the Bear Bagging page. |
Shelter: Bring a personal lightweight backpacking tent/tarp/hammock or share a Troop tent.
NOTE: Thru-hikers get first choice of AT shelters. We will likely NOT be in shelters. |
| Clothing: DON'T carry clothes for each day. See Clothing Tips page for suggestions.
|
| Insects: Expect bugs & ticks. Carry a small tube of insect repellant. |
| Car Bag: Bring a small car bag with a set of clothes, soap, towel, MP3 player, money, etc. |
Weather: Average temperatures in July are 82°/63°
Keep an eye on Boonsboro, MD weather as we get closer to the trip and adjust as needed. |
Harpers Ferry A.T. Visitor Center
799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Phone: (304) 535-6331 | Fax: (304) 535-2667
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
|
| Map 1 | Profile 1 | Map 2 | Profile 2 | Map 3 | Profile 3 | Harpers Ferry Map |
©2010,
Troop 69 - Apple Creek, Ohio - all
rights reserved