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P.O. Box 742 Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 734-0355
A backpacking and adventure ministry. |
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How do I get to the Wilderness Trail Property? What should I bring (or not bring) to an event? What color will the t-shirts be this summer? What will the weather be like? What can I do to prepare for the hike? What happens if there is an emergency? Who will lead our hiking group? I'm not athletic - I cant do it. ...Can I? Can I use the Property for a non-Wilderness Trail function? How can I get in touch with the good people at Wilderness Trail?
How do I get to the Wilderness Trail Property? The Wilderness Trail Property is located in the southwest corner of Virginia, in a beautiful place where cell phones still don't work, so it's important to know where you're going before you hit the road. For directions to the Property, click here. Be aware that the route from I-81/Chilhowie has changed slightly since 2004 due to the completion of a new road. If you need help with directions, email Mary ahead of time or call our Property number when you're en route: (276) 388-3867. (If you thought the Wilderness Trail Property was located in North Carolina, you're not all wrong - our office is located there. Unless you'd like to visit Mary, be sure to plan your trip to Troutdale, VA!)
What should I bring (or not bring) to an event? Be sure to consult our packing lists while you're getting ready for an event. Click here for our Summer Event packing list. For Fall and Spring Events, click here for the Day Event packing list, and click here for the Hike packing list.
What color will the t-shirts be this summer? What, and reveal this closely-guarded secret? Never!
Registration forms can be found here. Also, when in doubt, feel free to contact us. We'll get you pointed in the right direction. Once you send in your registration forms, we'll send you a packet of information that will help you plan your trip. You'll need to confirm availability with Mary Brown first if registering for a Summer Event after January 1, or for a Spring or Fall Event less than 3 weeks before it begins.
What will the weather be like? Weather in the mountains is predictably unpredictable. We have seen snow in the fall and in the spring; temperatures in the summer can dip into the 30s and 40s. Rain is always a possibility. We are often blessed with good weather, but whenever backpacking, it's necessary to be prepared for the worst. Always bring warm clothes and rain gear, even if the weather is supposed to be sunny and warm. Click here for the current forecast for the Mount Rogers area.
What can I do to prepare for the hike? Probably the best preparation is to have broken-in, comfortable shoes to hike in. If you're getting new boots, be sure they are well-used before the hike. Walk around in them; wear them for full days at a time, since you'll be walking in them all day on trail. Even if you have old boots, be sure to wear them a bit before the hike, particularly if you haven't worn them since your last hike.
What happens if there is an emergency? All of our leaders are veteran backpackers who have hiked countless miles with Wilderness Trail. They have both "classroom" and experiential training in wilderness medicine. Thanks to their knowledge of the trails and roads in the Mt. Rogers area, they are able to stabilize the situation and get help quickly in the case of an emergency. During every event there is a support team at our Property ready to help. Our Informed Consents (medical waivers each hiker must complete) document important medical information and reduce complications with hospital visits for those under 18.
The Wilderness Trail "Trailblazers" (or the "Order of the Black") includes anyone who has hiked over 150 miles with our ministry. At the end of each Summer Event, current Trailblazers induct new members into this "prestigious" group, by teaching them our secret handshake and giving them an official Trailblazer t-shirt. Each summer hike counts as 45 miles toward Trailblazer status. One fall or spring hike may count (for 15 miles), but we only induct new members at the end of summer events.
Who will lead our hiking group? In the fall and spring, hiking groups are led by experienced hikers age 18 and older who have completed our Servant Leadership Training. This means they are CPR/First Aid Certified and have been taught the necessary information to meet the spiritual, medical, emotional, and trail-related needs of the group. In the summer, most groups are led by one of our awesome Summer Staff. In some cases they are led by a former staff member or experienced Servant Leader. Most summer groups also include one of our Junior Staff, a hiker age 15 to 18 who has completed at least 3 summer hikes and has demonstrated the willingness and ability to serve.
I'm not athletic - I can't do it.
...Can I?
If you (or someone in your group) has a medical condition, email or call (828-734-0355) Mary Brown to talk it over. We have several physicians who can help us make an educated decision on what is best for each individual.
Can I use the Property for a non-Wilderness Trail function? YES. Click here for our Usage Policies, rates, reservation procedures, and other information. Click here for the Usage Request Form.
How can I get in touch with the good people at Wilderness Trail? The Wilderness Trail office is located in Waynesville, NC; contact Mary Brown, the Executive Director, there at (828) 734-0355 or P.O. Box 742, Waynesville, NC 28786. On most business days you can send Mary an instant message through AOL Instant Messenger at marylikessnow. The Wilderness Trail Property is in Troutdale, VA; you can reach us there during events only at (276) 388-3867 or 301 Wilderness Trail, Troutdale, VA 24378. Email is always a good way to contact Mary; her address is mary@wtrail.com. If you need a quick response (within several hours) a phone call is the best way to go.
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