Appalachian Trail Men & Boys Mountain Adventure

March 30 – April 1, 2012

Our Training

As our boys stand on the edge of manhood, they long to be tested in the company of older men.  They seek opportunities to prove themselves as worthy to be counted among the men.  This is a 3-day wilderness backpacking adventure that will test them physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Experience has always been the best teacher and the wilderness is a man’s classroom.

It is time to decide what kind of man you will be and find out if you have what it takes?  Class is in session!

The Group

This adventure is open to young men 13-16 years old and their fathers.  Dads do not have to join us but are certainly welcome!

Our Mission

Day One: Be ready for a 8:00am departure from Huntsville.  We will make a stop for breakfast on our way to the mountains.  After meeting our shuttle drivers in Erwin, TN, we will get dropped off on the Appalachian Trail near Beauty Spot Gap at 4400-feet!  We will have a few hours of daylight left to hike the short 1-mile to our campsite for the night.

Day Two: Today we will cover 6.9 miles.  The first mile will be a slight climb up to Beauty Spot, a high bald with spectacular views.  After the summit, it’s mostly downhill for the rest of the day.  We will set up camp in and around the newly rebuild Curly Gap Shelter (3080 ft).

Day Three: The last day starts with a sharp switchback on a steep south-facing slope.  We will quickly reach the noisy Jones Branch and follow it into the Nolichucky Gorge.  It will take 4.2 miles to reach the river and our trails end.  There is a great hiker’s hostel on the river that will set our group up with much needed showers.  Once clean, we will  load up and head for pizza in nearby Johnson City.

We will get back to HSV by 9:00 PM

The Cost

$120.00/person includes:

• Guided 12-mile, 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip
• Shuttle between trailheads
• Friday morning breakfast
• Food and snacks for the trail
• Hot showers after the trail
• Huge celebration dinner in Johnson City

Backpacking gear is available to borrow and some partial scholarships are available.  Sign-up deadline March 16th