Calling all outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers!
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Get ready for the backpacking experience of a lifetime as we take a journey through the heart of Virginia’s wilderness, conquering the legendary Triple Crown on the Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Trail (AT) is one of the first national scenic trails and it stretches 2,189 miles from Georgia to Main. The AT in central Virginia falls mostly within national forest land, traveling through mature forests and over relatively high mountain summits. Hiking can be strenuous but very rewarding, especially as the trail crosses over notable peaks such as Dragon’s Tooth and McAfee Knob. The AT travels 550 miles through Virginia and we will be hiking 33.6 miles of this beautiful section.
The Triple Crown
A Hiker’s Dream Come True
Our expedition takes you through some of the most iconic and breathtaking sections of the Appalachian Trail. The Triple Crown, consisting of Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs, offers awe-inspiring views, thrilling rock scrambles, and the promise of an adventure you will never forget.
Dragon’s Tooth
The final summit will challenge your mettle as you ascend the jagged outcrop of Dragon’s Tooth, where the reward is a panoramic view that will leave you in awe. We will drop our packs to scramble up a series of rock walls to reach the Dragon's Tooth, a 35-foot spire of quartzite high above the trees.
McAfee Knob
Experience the magic of McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the entire Appalachian Trail. The dramatic “diving board” rock ledge offers 270-degree view of the Catawba Valley. It is the picture-perfect backdrop of this adventure.
Tinker Cliffs
Conquer this mile-long limestone bluff high above the Catawba Valley where the horizon stretches to infinity, and you’ll feel on top of the world.
Have you always dreamt of hiking the Appalachian Trail or backpacking but you’re too afraid to go alone or don’t know how to start preparing?
For years I bought and read all the backpacking books and told everyone, “I really want to backpack!” The thing is, nobody in my circle wanted to go and I didn’t know what to buy or where to start with hiking gear. It was extremely overwhelming! So, I went with another outdoor adventure group and my friend walked me through my first overnight trip.Â
And…That’s what I’m going to do for YOU! So no more excuses! It’s time to gear up and let us show you the ropes of backpacking and hiking on one of America's most beautiful trails.
Our epic backpacking trip will start and end at a beautiful lodge on 100 forested acres outside of Roanoke, VA.
You will be welcomed with dinner and a campfire where you will meet other amazing adventure seekers sharing this journey with you. The lodge pub will add spirit to our evening. Before hitting the trail, we will spend one day at the lodge enjoying a private adventure backpacking and survival class, hosted by a trained survival guide with tons of knowledge of the mountains.
Tour Details
Duration:
➜  6 days, with a well deserved zero day before and after to relax and recharge. We will spend the first two nights in a mountain lodge before setting off for three days of backpacking 10 miles a day. We will tent camp for two nights then spend our last night back at the lodge before heading home.
Arrive on May 14th and meet at the lodge at 4PM
Depart on May 19th after breakfast by 10AM
Group Size:
➜  This is a small group with a ratio of 1 guide to 4 backpackers, not to exceed 8 registered backpackers and two guides.
Logistics:
➜  Fly into Roanoke, VA (ROA), which is approximately 30 minutes from the lodge in Catawba, VA. Other airports are Greensboro, Charleston and Salem which would require car rental or private transportation not provided.
Accommodation:
➜ We will stay as a group at Mountain Shepherd Lodge the first two nights, tent camp two nights on the trail, before returning to Mountain Shepherd Lodge on the last night. You may also reserve a hotel in Salem, VA or Roanoke, VA if you need added lodging.
Location:
➜  Catawba Valley outside of Salem, VA
Season:
➜  Spring season. May weather in Virginia is beautiful with highs around 72 degrees and lows around 60 degrees. The average rainfall is 3.6 inches with about 8 days of rain in the month of May.
Days Backpacking:
➜  3 Days
Nights in Tent:
➜  2 nights (Double Occupancy)
Elevation Gains
➜  6700-7400 ft
Distance Hiking:
➜  33.6 Miles
Activity Level:
➜  Moderate to Difficult. Strenuous and challenging with elevation gains, rock scrambles, and a test of your hiking prowess to not give up. This is a mental game of moving forward.
Who is this Tour For?
Persons with outdoor experience, from beginning hikers to wilderness warriors. You must have hiking experience and be physically prepared for this epic journey. This is NOT for someone who has never hiked, fears spiders, can’t pee in the woods, complains about everything, or can’t be accountable for their own remarkable journey.
What's Included
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➜  Expert Leadership and Guides
➜  Comprehensive Pre-Trip Preparation
➜  On-Trail Assistance and Support
➜  Nature-Based Education
➜  8 NBCC CE Continuing Education Credits on Nature-Based Therapeutic Interventions
➜  3 night Mountain Lodge Accommodations (bunk style)
➜  Meals While at Lodge (3 Dinners, 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch)
➜  Outdoor Adventure Course Covering Backpacking/ Survival Skills
➜  Welcome Reception Dinner
➜  Shuttle Service to and from Trailheads
âžś Shuttle Service from Airport (designated times only)
➜  Travel Planning Guide
➜  Private Facebook Group Access
What's Not Included:
➜ Alcoholic Beverages
➜ Travel Insurance
➜ Airfare
➜ Backpacking Meals on the Trail     Â
➜ Backpacking Gear (the lodge rents some gear)
➜ Gratuities for lodge staff and hiking guides
➜ Individual or Group Psychotherapy or Professional Coaching
What to Bring
We will provide you with a list to help you plan so that you bring the minimum amount of gear. Weight is not your friend when backpacking. You will need seasonally appropriate clothing and backpacking gear. Local businesses have equipment and gear for rent if you prefer. Many gear items are shared between two hikers so wait to buy anything until we meet.
Guides
Your guides are experienced hikers and backpackers. They are trained in wilderness first aid and response, survival skills, and emergency evacuation. Your guide's goal is to keep you safe on the trail. We ask that you listen to the guide and follow instructions for the safety of the entire group.
Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics
We will follow these principles to protect the environment, minimize impact, and ensure health and safety while on the trail.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
This tour requires a 50% non-refundable deposit to hold your spot. This tour requires an interview and physical preparedness, which does not allow us time to easily refill vacant tour spots. Any cancellation over 60 days from the event receives a full refund, not including the deposit amount. Any cancellation within 60 days of the first day of the event receives no refund.
Travel Insurance
All participants are expected to purchase travel insurance upon registration and provide proof before the trip. This is not included in the registration cost and is the responsibility of the hiker. We recommend you research and find the policy that best suits your needs. Here are a few recommended travel insurance companies: World Nomads, Allianz Travel, Travelex, AIG, Geo Blue, and Generali Global. These policies are typically inexpensive and will cover you in the case of cancellation or medical injury on the trails. Helicopter rides average 50k without insurance, which The Practice Class does not cover. We also recommend always purchasing flight insurance.
Consents
All participants are required to sign a Release of Liability and a Consent at the time of registration.
Interview
This tour requires an interview with Dr. Dawn Brunkenhoefer. If it is determined you are not a fit for this tour, you will receive a full refund, including the deposit.
This tour includes 8 NBCC CE or 8 EMDRIA credits on the topic of therapeutic interventions and group dynamics. Participants must be present and complete a content evaluation to receive completion certificates for the CEs. The Practice Class, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing education Provider, ACEP No. 7235 and by EMDRIA as a Credit Provider, No. 23050. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC or EMDRIA credit are clearly identified. The Practice Class, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.
For questions or complaints, please contact Dr. Dawn Brunkenhoefer, LPC at [email protected] or mail PO Box 331, Buda, TX 78610.
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If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us
Mail: PO Box 331, Buda, TX, 78610Â
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 512-523-8777
Retreat Coordinator & Host
Dawn Brunkenhoefer, PhD, LPC
The Practice Class, LLC, Owner
NBCC ACEP No. 7235
EMDRIA EC Provider No. 23050
