Backpacking the Knob of Spruce??

OVERVIEW

Hello my fellow outdoor friends!! I hope everyone’s first week of classes went well (and more importantly that no one was swamped with too much homework this early in the semester). I am leading an intermediate backpacking trip out to Spruce Knob out in West Virginia this upcoming weekend. The hike round trip is 16.5 miles with about 6-8 miles the first day and the remaining mileage the second day. The plan is to get leave cville at 12:30 on Friday 9/1 and be back around 4pm on Saturday 9/2 but that time may vary by a few hours in either direction. Drivers will have priority on the trip. Also there is a link attached below that outlines the hike if anyone wants to look at the deets!

Friday 9/1:
12:30 PM: Meet at corner of echols to load cars
3:30: Arrive at Trailhead
3:45: Start hiking
Sometime after 3:45: Find a camping spot that we like and then enjoy the beautiful evening in the woods
Saturday 9/2:
8am (very subjective and is open to change): Wake up and hike the remaining 8-10 miles of the loop
Around 12-1pm: Get back to car
Around 4: Get back to cville

Hiking trail link: https://intothebackcountryguides.com/trail-guides/spruce-knob-seneca-creek-loop-backpacking-guide

Gear to Bring:
*Backpacking backpack
*Sleeping pad, sleeping bag,
*Clothes appropriate for the weather
*Headlamp
*2 Liters of water? (I will bring water purifiers but the longest section without a water source is about 5 miles)
*Bug spray/Sunscreen
*Food for dinner friday and breakfast/lunch saturday (if people want we can stop for lunch on the drive friday)
* Swimsuits if you want (There are also some waterfalls/fun rivers that I definitely plan on jumping into)
*There are several creek crossings so potentially water shoes if you want them
*I will be bringing water filters, bear bag items, and the tent situation will be figured out when we know who is coming

If anyone has any questions regarding anything with the hike please don’t hesitate to text me at 719-330-4229!