Thru-Hiker Cram Session

February 8-9, 2020

The perfect weekend for the aspiring thru-hiker! This lodging, workshop, and hike package will give you all the tools you need to tackle an Appalachian Trail (or other long trail) thru-hike in 2020. Saturday will be a comprehensive workshop covering all the basics of thru-hiking. Workshop topics will include gear, trip planning, nutrition, and physical and mental preparation. While the course is geared toward thru-hikers, it is a great workshop for those wanting to exerience the trail through day hiking and section hiking, and is an informative introductory backpacking class. On Sunday, hit the trail with your instructor for a taste of the Appalachian Trail on a half day hike. This trip is open to all ages, genders, and experience levels.

"As someone who is planning to thru hike the Appalachian Trail in 2020, I decided to attend the Blue Ridge Hiking Company's '
AT Thru Hike Workshop' in Asheville, NC and I was not disappointed! It was amazing being able to learn from someone
who has done this several times. The group size was small and intimate and I immediately felt right at home. AMAZING
experience and I will definitely be back for an advanced class!" - P.A., AT Thru-Hike Workshop, January 2019

Cost:

$300 per person

This trip will run if there are a minimum of 4 participants signed up. Maximum group size is 10 participants. If minimum group size has not been met, we'll reach out to participants 2 weeks before the trip date (January 25) to discuss options.

Price includes lodging Friday through Sunday, meals Saturday lunch through Sunday breakfast, a full-day thru-hike workshop, and a guided half day hike. Price does not include personal items (clothing, shoes, medication, water bottles, etc) or gratuity for your guide.

Sign-Up Details:

In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our trip calendar and select the trip start date (February 8th). You will find the trip listed there.

Before the start of the trip, we will be in contact via email with an information packet and a form for you to fill out. This form includes a waiver, health form, and information about gear needs and dietary restrictions. Please complete and return this form at your earliest convenience.

Itinerary:

Your trip begins with a stay at our bunkhouse in Hot Springs, the "Appalachian Trail-er". The address is 200 Lance Ave, Hot Springs, NC 28743. You can check in any time after 3pm on Friday February 7. After you check in, you will park your vehicle in Hot Springs for the duration of the trip.

Your day will start at 9am on Saturday February 8. You'll spend the day learning all about thru-hiking. Workshop topics will include gear, trip planning, nutrition, and physical and mental preparation. On Sunday, you'll start at 8am with breakfast. You'll then head out for a half day hike before heading home.

Instructor:

Your instructor for this trip has not yet been selected. Your instructor will be an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. All of our guides have extensive hiking and backpacking experience, and all hold CPR and Wilderness First Aid or higher medical certifications.

What we Provide:

Food: BRHC provides all food from Saturday lunch through Sunday breakfast. We try our best to cater to dietary restrictions; if you have food allergies or sensitivities, please notify your guide ahead of time.

Individual Use Gear: BRHC can provide the following pieces of gear for the half day hike at no additional cost

Daypack - We have a variety of daypacks available for your use each day.
Trekking Poles - These will provide you with some added stability while hiking, especially up and down hills.

Community Gear: BRHC provides all community gear for the trip, including water filters and back-up chemical treatment; map and compass; and a fully stocked first aid kit.

What to Bring:

You are expected to bring your own clothing, personal gear (such as headlamps and water bottles), medications, and approved optional items. We will send a detailed packing list with your trip information packet after you book. Generally, comfortable trail shoes are better than heavy hiking boots. Please do not pack any cotton - if it gets wet, it does not dry quickly and will not keep you warm. Athletic clothes are a good option. You will need only one outfit to hike in, one outfit for the workshop day, and one outfit to sleep in, plus a raincoat and a warm layer.

Cancellation Policy:

Payment in full is required to register. Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hike may be cancelled up to 2 weeks before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 2 weeks, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather.

If your guide does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip.

If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach us by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.