“Wild ponies and the legendary Appalachian Trail”
Year
2030
Cost
$400-500
Ages
15-18
Duration
5 days
Overview
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, VA • Summer (June-July)
Hike 46 miles of the iconic Appalachian Trail through Grayson Highlands. Summit Virginia's highest peak (Mt. Rogers, 5,729 ft), encounter wild ponies, and experience authentic thru-hiker culture.
What Makes This Special
- •46 miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail
- •Wild ponies roaming Grayson Highlands
- •Mt. Rogers summit (Virginia's highest at 5,729 ft)
- •AT shelter culture and thru-hiker encounters
Skills You'll Develop
Requirements
- ✓Completed 2+ high adventure trips including at least 1 Tier 2
- ✓Pass fitness test: 12-mile hike with 40lb pack in under 5 hours
- ✓Positive evaluations from all prior trips
- ✓Application and selection process
Fitness Test:
12-mile hike with 40lb pack and 4,000+ ft elevation in under 5 hours
Difficulty Level
ChallengingSeason
Summer (June-July)Why This Trip?
The Appalachian Trail is America's most legendary hiking trail. You'll walk in the footsteps of thousands who've attempted the 2,190-mile journey from Georgia to Maine. The Grayson Highlands section offers wild ponies, stunning balds, and Virginia's highest peak.
The Experience
5 days hiking 9-10 miles per day with full packs. Sleep in AT shelters (trail lean-tos) meeting thru-hikers. Encounter wild ponies on grassy balds. Summit Mt. Rogers. Learn AT culture and trail magic.
The Challenges
- ⚠Sustained high-mileage days (46 miles in 5 days)
- ⚠Elevation: 3,000-5,700 ft with constant ups and downs
- ⚠Rocky, technical trail sections
- ⚠Shared shelters (adaptability required)
- ⚠Weather at elevation can change fast
The Rewards
- ✓Hiking the legendary Appalachian Trail
- ✓Wild pony encounters in highlands
- ✓Trail magic and thru-hiker stories
- ✓Mt. Rogers summit accomplishment
- ✓AT shelter log entries (sign your name!)