Backpacking Treks
The Venturing Motto is “Lead the Adventure.” Venturers have many tools to help them plan and execute an adventure, but sometimes the first problem is coming up with ideas for trips. The following list is designed to jump start the creative-thinking process by identifying backpacking opportunities that are: (1) two to four days long, and (2) within reasonable distance from McLean, Virginia.
See your Advisor's Challenge, and lead YOUR adventure!
ADVISOR'S CHALLENGE:
Explore the list below, but then plan your own adventure. A good place to start is the National Forest Service's interactive trail map. You can see the trails in our area, do the research, and then Lead YOUR Adventure! Share your results with your President and Advisor using this sheet.
1. Catoctin National Recreational Trail (1 or 2 nights)
Description:
The Catoctin Mountains form the most eastern ridge of mountains ranging from Maryland’s northern border to the north and west of Leesburg, Virginia. This hike runs from north from Maryland’s Gambrill State Park, through Cunningham Falls State Park, and through Catoctin Mountain Park. The trail is a junior roller-coaster trail bouncing up and down from 800 to 1800 ft along the way. Vistas on Bob’s Hill, and a side trip to Cunningham Falls add interest to the hike. Camping is at an established campground, the Manor Camping Area, which features showers.
Hiking Distance:
27.9 miles plus minor amounts for vistas and falls.
Informative Websites
https://www.nps.gov/cato/planyourvisit/catoctin-national-recreation-trail.htm;
Paper Maps:
AT Maps 5 and 6, with Catoctin Trail
Google Maps
Other Comments:
This is not a circuit hike. Driving from St. John’s to the Gambrill State Park trailhead is 47 miles. The northern trailhead ends in a parking lot on Mt. Zion Rd (click for Google view). It is 67 miles from St. John’s.
1. This trip requires hiking 16.6 miles the first day. For an early start, consider camping overnight at Gambrill State Park the night before.
2. Since it is not a circuit hike, consider using a “key exchange” plan. This means that one crew parks and starts at the northern trail head, and the other from the southern trailhead. They camp overnight together at Manor Camping Area and exchange car keys for the trip home.
2. The Maryland Segments of the Appalachian Trail (3 or 4 nights)
Description:
In Maryland, the Appalachian Trail runs for 40 miles on the second ridge from the east. It features seven shelter areas for camping, plus two designated campgrounds, and a few more at various state parks. This makes for plenty of options for Venturers to plan a three-night or four-night trip. There are many stunning vistas along the way.
Hiking Distance:
40 miles plus minor amounts for vistas and springs.
Informative Website(s):
https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/explore-by-state/maryland/
Paper Maps:
AT Maps 5 and 6, with Catoctin Trail
Google Map:
Other Comments:
The Potomac River foot bridge at Harpers Ferry was destroyed by a train accident on December 21, 2019. See AT Updates. Pick-up location would likely be on Sandy Hook Rd.
3. Wild Oak National Recreation Trail (2 nights)
Description:
This circuit hike lies northeast from the Ramseys Draft Wilderness. It includes high peaks, Little Bald Knob (4,351 ft) and Big Bald Knob (4,120 ft).
Hiking Distance:
27 miles
Informative Website:
https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/hiking/8-perfect-weekend-trails/;
Paper Maps:
National Geographic Stanton / Shenandoah Mountain.
Google Earth:
Link (with approximated trail):
Other Comments:
1. The challenge on this trip is water. There are long stretches at altitude with limited access to reliable water. Fill at every rivulet!
2. To get a jump on the first day of hiking, consider car camping in one of the nearby family campsites.
3. The Blue Ridge Outdoors website (above) provides a suggested itinerary:
Day One: Begin your 7-mile day at the parking area near North River Gap (the low point along the trail) and start your counter-clockwise hike by climbing Grindstone Mountain and Chestnut Ridge. Prepare for the views along the ridge leading to Little Bald Knob, the highpoint of the trail at mile 7. Look for small, flat clearings near Little Bald Knob to pitch your tent for the night. Take a walk out the gated FS 427 for excellent views from the ridgeline.
Day Two: Save enough water for the 8.5 mile hike, including the three-mile, 2,000-foot drop to the North River. The next climb to Big Bald Knob is steep and rocky, but this perch has arguably the best views along the trail. You’ll hike along the border of the Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness before taking a hard left to descend Dividing Ridge. Look for campsites along the trail before you reach FS 96.
Day Three: At 10.2 miles, the last day is your longest. Climb up Hankey Mountain to the gated forest road for several miles. Then the trail gets technical again, with the last few miles highlighted by steep, rocky climbs leading to dramatic overlooks before dropping back down to the parking area.
4. Massanutten Mountain / Veach Gap (1 night)
Description:
Park at Elizabeth Furnace and take a trail up to the Massanutten Mountain National Recreation Trail. Head south until we arrive at the Little Crease Shelter (in Veach Gap) to camp. The next day return heading north, with the option of taking an alternate trail down Elizabeth Furnace. Elevation ranges from approx.. 760 ft. in the parking lot to 2,240 ft. to the highest part of the ridge, i.e., a change of 1,480 ft! (The photo on the top of this page is from a trail on this hike.)
Hiking Distance:
8.75 miles on day 1; 6.3 on day two. Total 15.1 miles.
Informative Websites:
Paper Maps:
National Geographic Massanutten and Great North Mountain.
Google Earth:
Other Comments:
There is a large campsite near the shelter.
The creek at the shelter provides plenty of clean water.
Spectacular views of the Page Valley.