Description

Dear adventure seekers,

We are thrilled to invite you to join us on an unforgettable journey through the stunning wilderness of Virginia for the Virginia Triple Crown Backpacking Adventure! Get ready for two days and one night of thrilling hiking, breathtaking views, and unforgettable memories.

Trip Details:
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Nights
Transportation: 4hrs from DC (Carpooling)

During this epic backpacking adventure, we will conquer the famous Virginia Triple Crown, which includes three iconic peaks: Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs. These breathtaking destinations offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and are a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts.

For this adventure, we have a group of experienced hikers, including an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, who will lead the way and share their knowledge and expertise with the group. While they may not be official guides, they have extensive experience in backpacking and are passionate about sharing their love for the trails.

The adventure begins with carpooling to the starting point (Dragons Tooth) , so be sure to register early to secure your spot and arrange transportation. We believe in fostering a sense of community, and carpooling not only reduces our carbon footprint but also allows us to bond and share the excitement as we head towards our destination.

Please note that this trip requires participants to bring their own backpacking gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment. We will provide a detailed packing list and recommendations to help you prepare for the adventure. Don't worry if you don't have all the gear; we can assist you in finding rental options.

Spaces are limited, so don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Join us for the Virginia Triple Crown Backpacking Adventure and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while hiking alongside experienced hikers and an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker.

To register or for more information, please contact Erica Friday directly. We look forward to embarking on this incredible journey with you!

Happy trails!

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Trip Specifics:

The Triple Crown of Virginia is a lovely series of day hikes with nice views that happen to be located within a few miles of each other along the Appalachian Trail. This overnight backpacking trip will take us by each of the main attractions: Tinker Cliffs, McAfee’s Knob, and Dragon’s Tooth.

The entire route is about 22 miles. We will be hiking southbound, one-way, so we’ll (hopefully) have three cars and shuttle people from one end to the other. While this is a beginner friendly trip, it will still be somewhat intensive, as we will be hiking several strenuous miles on the first day. It will also likely be cold weather.

On Saturday, we will start the hike for Tinker Cliffs (a steep hike, but doable)enjoy lunch and carry on several more miles down the trail to set up camp at the Campbell shelter, which will put us at 8-ish miles total for the day.

On Saturday, we will get up and make our way to McAfee’s Knob, snap some pics, and carry on down the AT. We should hit Dragon’s Tooth sometime between lunch and dinner. From there, it’s a short jaunt to the endpoint. We will clock a total of 14-ish miles on Saturday.

Because this is a short trip and it will be cold, we are not planning to refill/filter any water (water sources could be frozen or dry). Please bring all the water you will need for drinking and cooking.

*You are welcome to bring your own personal tent, hammock, or sleep in the shelter.

If you’re new to backpacking and think you can handle the cold weather, steep grade, mileage, and night hiking, feel free to sign up! I’m here to answer any questions you might have, so feel free to reach out!

SCHEDULE:
Saturday
7 am – leave DC Area (Greenbelt Park & Ride for those carpooling)
Noon/1PM – arrive at Tinker Cliffs trailhead & Shuttle Car To End Point at Dragon’s Tooth - Gear Up and Stretch while we shuttle cars)
1PM – arrive back at Tinker Cliffs trailhead and begin hiking

Sunday
4pm-ish – arrive at cars at Dragon’s Tooth and shuttle to start
4:30-ish – arrive at start with all humans and all cars accounted for
8:30-ish – arrive back in DC

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Suggested Gear:

To fully enjoy the Virginia Triple Crown Backpacking Adventure, it is important to come prepared with the right gear. Here is a list of essential items you will need for the trip:

• Backpack: A sturdy backpack with a capacity of at least 50 liters is recommended to carry all your gear and supplies.
• Tent: A lightweight backpacking tent that can accommodate the number of people in your group. If you don't have a tent, rental options are available. Please let Erica Friday know by April 5, 2024, if you need to rent a tent.
• Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag suitable for the expected weather conditions. Choose a bag with the appropriate temperature rating to ensure a comfortable night's sleep.
• Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad or inflatable mattress to provide insulation and cushioning for a good night's rest.
• Headlamp/Illumination
• Cooking Equipment: A lightweight camping stove, cooking pot, and utensils for preparing meals. Don't forget to bring fuel canisters if required for your stove.
• Water Filter: A water filter or purifier to ensure a safe and clean water supply during the trip.
• Hiking Shoes/Boots: Sturdy and comfortable footwear for tackling the rugged terrain.
• Clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, a waterproof and windproof outer layer, hiking socks, a hat, and gloves.
• Food and Snacks: Carry lightweight, high-energy food such as dehydrated meals, trail mix, energy bars, and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the journey.
• Hydration System: A hydration bladder or water bottles to stay hydrated on the trail. It is recommended to carry at least 2 liters of water capacity.
• Navigation Tools: A map of the area, a compass, and a GPS device (optional) to navigate the trails.
• Personal Essentials: Don't forget to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, toiletries, and any necessary medications.

If you need to rent any gear for the trip, please let Erica Friday know by April 5, 2024. She will assist you in finding the appropriate rental options and ensure that you have everything you need for the adventure.

We can't wait to embark on this incredible journey with you! Remember, being well-prepared with the right gear will enhance your experience and allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of the Virginia Triple Crown.

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Join us for a Planning Session Mappy Hour Event!

Before embarking on the Virginia Triple Crown Backpacking Adventure, we invite you to join us for a special Mappy Hour event. Mappy Hour is a gathering of outdoor enthusiasts who share a love for adventure and the great outdoors. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow hikers, gain valuable insights, and get inspired for your upcoming backpacking trip.

During the Mappy Hour event, you'll have the chance to connect with experienced hikers, including our Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, who will be leading the Virginia Triple Crown Backpacking Adventure. They will share their personal experiences, provide tips and advice, and answer any questions you may have about the trip.

Additionally, we will have interactive sessions where we'll discuss trail conditions, safety precautions, and the unique features of the Triple Crown peaks. This will help you feel more prepared and confident as you embark on this memorable adventure.

Attending a Mappy Hour event before the trip is a great way to build camaraderie with your fellow adventurers, learn from experienced hikers, and get in the right mindset for the challenges and excitement that lie ahead. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and make new friends who share your passion for outdoor exploration.

Stay tuned for the upcoming Mappy Hour event details, including the date, time, and location. We will be sending you an email with all the information, so make sure to check your inbox regularly.

We can't wait to see you at the Mappy Hour event and share in the excitement of the Virginia Triple Crown Backpacking Adventure!
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

We recognize that the land where we plan to live, learn, and work is the ancestral homelands and traditional territory of the Monacan Indian Nation, who have inhabited the area since time immemorial. We humbly acknowledge and pay respect to their elders and knowledge keepers – past, present, and emerging. We also acknowledge and honor the enslaved and free black laborers who played a vital role in the construction of VA and their descendants. It is important to recognize that the development of this area have been built upon the profits of their stolen labor, knowledge, and lives, as well as the dispossession of Indigenous land.
In recognizing the land, labor, knowledge, and lives that have shaped our community, we strive to foster a culture of respect, understanding, and inclusion. We are committed to learning from and amplifying the voices and experiences of Indigenous communities and people of color, both past and present. By acknowledging the history and contributions of those who came before us, we hope to create a more just and equitable future for all.
As members of Mappy Hour DC, we invite you to join us in this collective acknowledgment and commitment to honoring the land, labor, knowledge, and lives that have shaped our community. Together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate environment for everyone.
In solidarity,
Mappy Hour DC Chapter Leaders