How to run a spring break backpacking trip.

Step 1. Finding where to go. This can be the most difficult step because there are a limited amount of long trails and they can be hard to find. You will need to search for a trail of group of trails which add up to at least 80 miles. The internet can work wwell but its still difficult. Backpacker magazine often has allot of good information on trail and onede a yeara dedicates an entire magazine to destinations. Just remember that the more north u are the colder it is and even in georgia u can get snow.

Here are some sujestions. Jefferson National Forest in western VA - on the AT Cohutta and big Frog Wildernesses of Northern GA and TN - very nice 100+ miles of trails Chattahochie National forest - 412 miles of trails Great Somkie Mountains National Park NC and TN - many trails Ouachita National Forest of AK - 700 miles of trails Ozark National Forest

Step 2. Getting a map to make sure its sutable. U can usually get a public use map from the national or state forest service. They usually aren’t the best, but their a good start. Make sure that the place have enough interconnected trails to make a good trip. Then u can get a better map from ems, a local map store, internet, or national geographic.

Step 3. Checking conditions of the area. You will need to call or email the forest service, park ranger, or local clubs to find out the following information. -Trail conditions -blazes, crowdedness etc. -Water - availablility and purity -Wildlife - what type of dangerious animals and what to due in an encounter -Fees. -Campsites - where are u allowed to camp -Weather - average and current -And ask them if that have any other suggestions.

Step 4. Transportation This can be very difficult if u don’t have a car. For locations like Jefferson Nat Forest that are very close to the route that the florida spring breakers take, u can leach a ride with them. But aside from those very vew places ur on ur own. Renting a van is expensive but may be ur only option. If u do rent retal places around the airport may be cheaper. See if any of ur participants have of can get cars.

Step 5. Advertise. Once u know where u are going or maybe even before u need to convince people to go. I usually require at least 2 previous trips and at least one must be 10+ miles a day. When u send out email be sure to add links to previos spring break trips. Tell them average cost is less than 100$ including food alsumming u dont have to rent a van, and how much fun it is and all that jive.

Step 6. Food + Gear Once u know for sure u can work on planning out food. Its best to do this with all the participants. Here is some advice, have a block of cheese and loff of bread for each person. Prenaras in Squirl Hill has good sour dough that will last. Don’t plan on any fruits, vetables or things that will crumble to last for more than 2 days of hiking. As for gear make sure the ur participants know what is needed. Bring a couple printouts of the backpacking gear list from the webpage