September Backpacking & Cradle of Forestry Trip
Depart church Friday Sept 24th at 5 p.m.
Returns Sunday Sept, 26th at 4 p.m.
DETAILS:
This intermediate backpacking trip to Western North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest will include around 12 miles of hiking, several waterfalls and a couple 3,200+ft climbs. It is ideal for scouts who are reasonably fit and have some previous camping or backpacking experience.
Friday night the Troop is dispersed camping along John Rock Trail woodlands. No campfires or bathrooms.
Saturday we’ll drive and do short hikes to Looking Glass Falls and possibly Moore Cove Falls on our way to Cradle of Forestry in America, a 6,500-acre Historic Site which commemorates the beginning of forestry conservation in the United States. Because Saturday is National Public Lands Day, there is no admission fee, and guided tours and interpretive trails are free. The Troop may have opportunity to participate in a short service project.
Sunday, depending on stamina of our group, we will hike part or all of riverside loop trail Daniel Ridge Falls, a 3,450ft summit and enjoy the 150-foot cascade before returning home.
We hike rain or shine! While it is incredibly rewarding, backpacking is an endurance sport which can be challenging and/or uncomfortable at times. Maintaining a positive mindset, even when it is uncomfortable, is key to enjoying your time in the wilderness.
CLOTHES:
You only need Class A for travel, Class B shirt and zip-offs for hiking, one warm base-layer, one outfit to sleep in and a few pairs of underwear. Lightweight wool hiking socks with thin poly sock liners will prevent blisters. Generally, comfortable trail shoes will be better than heavy hiking boots. You will not need a new set of clean clothes each day. Don’t bring cotton anything – it is heavy, will not keep you warm and can trap unwanted moisture against your skin.
GEAR:
This trip focus is on minimizing gear and backpack weight. The Scout 10 Basic Essentials (Handbook pg. 268) is required on all outdoor scout events; challenge yourself to reduce your scout essentials to the least possible weight. Can you get it down to 3lbs?
Also minimize weight of your sleeping gear and eating kit. Bring a lightweight backpack stove if you have one. All you need in your cleanup kit is toothbrush and paste. Avoid scented products.
WEIGHT LIMITS:
Arrive at Harrison Church for weigh-ins with your pack at 25-30% of your body weight and 25lbs maximum.
Don’t be one of those scouts who has to unpack in the church parking lot to dump excess weight and gear back in your parents’ car.
Bring only what you absolutely need. Weigh your backpack at home. Please don’t delay our departure.
Scouts:
Bao
Januda
Yasindu
Ben
Miles
John
Soham
Scouts not on list please email sm@troop502.com if you also want to attend.
Leaders
Mr Fisher