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Backpacking & Hiking at the Pinnacle +
Who says Scouts don't go backpacking or camping in the Winter? Let's do both, on the Appalachian Trail and Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation! This is the first backpacking prep trip for Philmont.
Leave: Friday from St. John's at 5:45PM. Please arrive by 5:30PM. Drive directly to Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation (MAP - DIRECTIONS) where we will stay in a cabin (Randy Rowe Lodge) with bunks and tables.
Return: Sunday at 2PM to St. Johns.
Pack your Scout uniform on this trip (you will need to wear it on Sunday for the trip to Cabela's).
Friday night at HMSR: We will be setting up camp in a cabin (Randy Rowe Lodge) and an adjacent campsite for those who want to tent (Philmont Scouts required, as long as the weather cooperates).
Saturday, we will prepare for our hike/day backpacking and drive to the Hamburg Reservoir (DIRECTIONS), park, and start hiking toward the Pinnacle; the longest hike could be 8.7 miles (LINK). Philmont backpackers should bring a semi-loaded backpack.
For Saturday's hike, bring (or make) a bag lunch, water, and snacks. Make sure you're prepared for hiking with good hiking boots or shoes, layers of clothing (WEATHER FORECAST), and the Hiking 10 Essentials (in a comfy day pack; don't worry about bringing a pocketknife if you don't have one yet or haven't earned the Totin' Chip).
When we're done with our hike we will drive back to Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation.
During the weekend, campers can work on advancement, take a hike up to the Appalachian Trail, and explore HMSR. Philmont Scouts will work on backpacking skills: portable stoves, water purification, bear bags, bear safety, PLUS itinerary review.
PHOTOS (from the last time we stayed here)
Sunday, we will cook breakfast (by patrols), hike around camp (and maybe up to the Appalachian Trail), then pack up to go home. On the way home we will stop at Cabela's outdoor store, and stop for lunch at Yocco's, returning to St. John's at 2PM.
BACKPACKING/HIKING PREPS:
You should only backpack if you have good hiking boots/trail shoes. If you're not sure, please get them checked out at a troop meeting !
Wear hiking boots or solid trail shoes that are waterproof. Wear two pairs of socks, ideally thin polypropylene (wicking) socks or cotton socks against your foot, and a pair of thicker socks (ideally wool or wool blend) outside of them. This reduces the likelihood of blisters.
For Philmont Scouts, pack your backpack as if you were going on a two night backpacking trip.
You must carefully plan what you are carrying. MINIMIZE WEIGHT
Pack your smellables separately in something you can easily take out and put in the bear bag.
Don't forget eating gear (but not an entire mess kit). MINIMIZE WEIGHT
Take time to attach things to your pack (such as your sleeping bag) with compression straps or rope. Your pack and gear will be checked out before you start hiking.
You should drink a lot of water before leaving and you must carry at least one quart of water (in a durable water bottle.
You may be assigned to carry some Crew Gear:
Water purification
Crew food
Cooking/food prep/serving gear
Cleaning gear
Bear bag and rope
First Aid kit
Compass (2)
Pack your Scout uniform (for the trip to Cabela's).
CAMPING PREPS:
Planning and Packing:
Saturday meals and Sunday breakfast meals are by patrol. Patrol Leaders or alternates should arrange for food buying.
There will be tables and cooking equipment in the cabin and we'll also bring our own stoves.
You may be sleeping on a bunk in a cabin with a wood stove, but prepare as if it will be cold!
Wear hiking boots or solid athletic shoes for hiking.
Wear multiple layers to regulate your body warmth.
Check the weather forecast before you leave; plan accordingly (like rain gear).
Bring eating gear (plate/cup/spork) and a water bottle.
Pack your Scout uniform (for the trip to Cabela's).
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