Backpacking Trip Deposit

DESTINATION HIKE WAIVER <--- Must read, review, and agree to terms before attending events.

Please read and review all information prior to registering for this Beginner and Beginner Plus Backpacking Weekend. If you have any questions or concerns, please email info@destinationhike.com prior to the event.

This backpacking weekend is tailored specifically for those who are new to backpacking and want to be able to attend a safe and guided backpacking trip. Our hike leader Carmen has researched, planned, and is ready to take you through an amazing backpacking experience.

This backpacking weekend begins Friday, April 19. Registrants are to meet at 7:00pm at a designated location in Harper's Ferry. 

* Excerpt from Destination Hike Waiver*

Hiking is a recreational activity that has an inherent risk of danger.  While hiking I may be exposed to dangers and hazards, not limited to: heat, stroke, dehydration, bee stings, tick bites, snake bites, loss of balance, inclement weather, falling rocks, fatigue, wildlife, negligence of others, drowning, and/or death. Please review full waiver prior to registering for any Destination Hike event.

Transportation Options to Harpers Ferry:

Option #1 - Amtrak Train from Washington, DC

Amtrak Train: RT Washington, DC Union station (WAS) to and from Harpers Ferry (HFY)

Reservations: $52.00

Amtrak Schedule time: Friday, April 19 th depart (WAS) 4:05p / arrive (HFY) 5:16p.

Sunday, April 21 st depart (HFY) 11:30a / arrive (WAS) 1:05p.

Option #2 - Drive personal car/ Carpool with another participant (Please note that you will be responsible for the parking fees associated with leaving your car overnight at the following nearby parking lots:

Harper's Ferry National Historic Park Parking Lot - 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. - Click Link Here 

Overnight parking is permitted in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park for Appalachian Trail hikers or C&O Canal bikers at the visitor center parking lot at 171 Shoreline Drive. Overnight parking is limited to 14 days and the National Park Service assumes no responsibility for the vehicle itself or its contents. Please note: staying or camping overnight in vehicles is not permitted. Harpers Ferry NHP does not offer camping or lodging establishments. These amenities are available just outside of the park boundary in the adjacent towns. For more information, please visit Here 

Lodging: Friday evening only

Room Sharing is highly encouraged. We will have a list of registrants willing to room share once registration closes. (Mileage indicated below refers to distance from backpacking starting point).

Option 1: The Town’s Inn, 175, 179 High Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Website: https://thetownsinn.com 0.5 miles

Option 2: Quality Inn, 25 Union Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Website: www.choicehotels.com 1 mile

Option 3: Clarion Inn Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, 4328 William L. Wilson Fwy, Harpers Ferry, WV

Website: www.choicehotels.com 2 miles

Option 4: 1799 Inn Harpers Ferry, 221 Potomac Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Website: 1799Inn.com 0.5 miles

Option 5: Stonehouse B&B, 156 High Street, Harpers Ferry, WV two-night minimum

Website: www.hfstonehouse.com Call and check if you can only stay one-night

Trail Information:

Appalachian Trail: Harpers Ferry to campsite (Campsite will be announced on Saturday morning at 7:00 AM

out & back / moderate 13.6 mil for both days.

Gear for backpacking- 

Look carefully at the list. Most items you probably already have at home. The main items for new backpackers will be focused on camping gear and a large trekking backpack.

(A full list of suggested gear with suggested weight will be sent in October after registration to those who have

paid deposit). List of required gear is not limited to this list below.

Tents (Not larger than a two-person tent)

Recommendation and sharing gear will be discussed and rental of tents on first come bases.

Sleep system

Sleeping bag/or quilt

Sleeping pad

Pillow (optional)

Hiking/trekking Backpack

Hiking boots/shoes

Socks (foot medication/support)

Underwear/Bra 

Top Base layer

Top fleece (optional)

Hiking pants/shorts/skirt

Hat (optional)

Sun gloves (optional)

Head Net (optional)

Rain jacket (not optional)

Rain pants (depending on the weather)

Trekking poles (recommended but optional)

Bug spray-insect repellent

Toilet Tissue &; ziploc bags

Ziploc bag for waste tissue-Leave no trace

Hand Sanitizer/Baby wipes

Head Lamp (batteries)

Sleeping gear/clothes

Ear plugs (optional)

Warm sleeping clothes and beanie cap to sleep in

Sleeping socks and toe warmers

Gloves to keep your hands warm and hand warmers.

Jacket (morning and nights can be chilly and a warm jacket can be comforting)

A questionnaire will follow registration.

What is the best pack weight for you and more.

Are you able to carry 20 to 25 pounds on your back?

Backpacking is a combination of hiking and camping with less gear and less weight.