Participants will learn the necessary skills to complete a backpacking trip, and will leave empowered to hit the trail again soon. This is a good first backpacking trip for people with hiking experience or a regular fitness routine. It is also a fun time for people with backpack experiences to share the love of the trail with others.

We will be hiking in the surrounding beautiful Wayne National Forest. Participants can expect to hike between 7-10 miles during the trip. During the hike, participants will have the chance to learn serval backpacking techniques/practices including: filtering water from streams, basic botany of plants found along the hike, leave no trace principles, group meals (provided), efficient ways to organize camp, personal hygiene on the trail, and small campfire building. This introduction to backpacking event aims to support people who have an interest in backpacking get started and learn the fundamentals from experienced backpacking guides.

Thanks to the Wayne National Forest this is a fully supported course providing food, gear (upon request), and hands-on instruction on all beginner topics.

Weekend itinerary:

Friday October 11th

• Meet at Tecumseh Theater for gear shakedown at 11 AM. Experienced backpacking guides will go over participants’ gear to ensure everyone is prepared for the adventure.
• Hit the trail by 3:00 PM to hike a three to six mile backpacking route with a camping option at mile marker three at the Upstream Rock Run Restoration Area. Participants will have the option to continue hiking for up to three more miles or stay at the campsite to learn survival skills and various camping activities and skills.

• Locally sourced dinner will be provided

Saturday October 12st

• Participants will be provided a locally sourced backcountry breakfast
• Three mile hike back to trail head
• Debrief at Tecumseh Theater
• Participants are invited and encouraged to stick around and enjoy the excitement of the Blue Blaze Festival in Shawnee! Hikers and runners will be crossing the finish line on Main Street and there will be live music, beer sales, food vendors and so much more for everyone to enjoy!

Participants gear needed:

• Backpack*
• Tent *
• Sleeping Bag*
• Sleeping Pad*
• Water filtration system – recommend Sawyer Squeeze
• Personal Hygiene kit
• Personal Mess Kit
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes/Boots
• Wind/Rain Layer, Base Layer, Insulating Layer (non-cotton clothing is best)

Items with * are able to be rented for the weekend is needed

Trip leaders:

• Madison Donohue: Madison is the Tourism Manager with Appalachian Understories and loves to host events that provide opportunities for people to get excited about the outdoors. Madison has been an avid backpacker for the past 8 years and is excited to share her passion with the group. Madison is a Wilderness First Responder.

• Scott Kreps: Originally hails from NW Ohio, but came for school and fell in love with the foothills of Appalachia. “Where else can one experience such biodiversity and terrain, alongside the resilience and creativity of this region?” Scott’s instructional skill sets have been put to use in multiple settings, including:, Dolly Sods, West Virginia, and our very nearby Wildcat Hollow, including up to 11-day treks with participant age ranges. Scott currently serves as the Shawnee Trail Town Coordinator based out of the Tecumseh Theater, where he is also the Director of Youth Development and Theater Manager. Scott is looking forward to meeting you and learning together on the trail.

Questions before registering?

Contact Madison Donohue, Appalachian Understories Tourism Manager:

• Phone:330-546-3059
• Email: madison@ruralaction.org