Blackberry Backpacking at Spruce Knob

OVERVIEW

By significant majority, the winner is blackberries at Spruce Knob! I received a fair amount of interest so let’s give it a shot.

This trip is a good beginner backpacking trip. It’s only one night and the first day hike is downhill (no significant climbs) and the second day hike is flat (but with stream crossings). On the way to the campsite we will pass vast blackberry fields ready for pickin’. The campsite next to the waterfall will hopefully be open and comes with a swimming hole – perhaps the second best swimming hole I’ve been to (and the coldest water). I already contacted the officers and believe I can get to the gear room for those who need gear. Everyone is waitlisted as I figure out cars (because I need at least two to run the shuttle).

Trip Itinerary:
Saturday: Leave from Bonnycastle in the morning and reach Spruce Knob early afternoon. Spruce Knob is the highest point in WV. If weather is clear we can climb up the observation tower for 360 views prior to our hike. Hike down Spruce Knob to the blackberry fields and continue down to the campsite. Perhaps take a dip in the creek. Distance is about 7-8 miles downhill.

Sunday: Easy morning for swimming and/or climb back to the blackberry meadows. Hike along the creek to the shuttle car. Might stop at Seneca Pizza before returning to Charlottesville so bring money because this will not be covered by the club.

What You Need:
Backpack (club can provide)
Sleeping Bag (club can provide)
Sleeping Pad (club can provide)
Tent (club can provide)
Headlamp/Flashlight (club can provide)
2 Liters of water (no water source until the campsite at end of first day)
Toilet Paper
Bowl, Cup, Spork/Utensils
Extra layers because it can get chilly at higher elevations and the creek provides natural air conditioning
Non-cotton clothing preferred (no jeans please)
Hiking Boots
Footwear for stream crossings (Crocs/sandels) and extra pair of socks
Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Camera
Snacks recommended
Hand sanitzer recommended
Lighter/matches recommended
Pocket knife recommended
Change clothes left in the car after the trip recommended

Club Provides:
Saturday Dinner, Sunday Breakfast, Sunday Lunch (I’m not sure about Saturday lunch – may depend on the budget)
Water Filter