Backpacking: Great North Mountain

OVERVIEW

This trip will follow along the West Virginia/ Virginia border upon the Great North Mountain Trail in George Washington National Forest. This are has some of the best scenery in the area -yet lacks the crowds of SNP and the BR Parkway.

We will begin the hike at Wolfe gap and hike to the summit of Tibbet Knob (2,800′) and camp. The views here are impressive and should include a nice sunset over the infinite sea of Allegany ridges of West Virginia. On Saturday, we will ascend the Great North Montain ridge and head north. This ridge will offer stunning views to the east and west. But, despite these many views, this Ridge is dominated by a huge portruding rock formation called Big Schloss- which is German for “Big Castle”- because it looks like, well, a castle! Big Schloss offers 360 degrees views -and wildlife sightings are pretty much garenteed on the hike up. We will then hike to our next camp- which is at the summit of half moon mountain (2,800′) THe views here extend in every direction also- particularly to the south and north. On Sunday, we will head down to our second car (two cars are required for this trip, so one more driver is necessar!) On the way back to the other car we will pass a bizarre wild life zoo in the bustling metroplis of Perry, West Virginia. (population 12) This is a completely optional side trip that is kind of cool, albiet unusual. They have Lions, Snakes, bears, Lemurs, and baby tigers that you can feed via a bottle for seven extra dollars. There are alos many other animals there. The entrance fee is 5$.

All in all, this is one of my favorite areas in this region. It is quite remote- you will see no more than two lights in the valley below at night while camped upon the summits. The hike will not be too gruelling either- we will go no more than 12-15 miles total. This trip will occur rain or shine- so bring some rain gear just in case. The club/ me can provide any gear that you may be lacking. This trip is ideal for beginners- but seasoned backpakcers are more than welcome and will enjoy the unique area.

Things you will learn:
-Tent set up
-GPS navigation
-using a Topographic map
-stove operation
-campsite selection
-water filtering
-bear bagging

Things you will need to bring:
-Some warm clothing- expect temperatures in the 30’s at the summit campsites.
-wool socks/ hiking boots
-water bottles/ water bladder
-small pillow(optional)
-T-shirt, shorts