Looking for a way to celebrate graduation or just the end of another tough school year? Join us on a week-long backpacking trip to the Appalachian Trail!

This is an interest form - if you wish to be added to the wait list, sign up now! Official sign up will happen in the near future.

*If you are interested in this trip, fill out this form: https://goo.gl/forms/S7MlKqFmKAWLChm72

Where: Appalachian Trail, between Allen Gap & Standing Bear Hostel (TN)

When: Saturday 5/13 to Saturday 5/20

Weather: Days around 70-80F, overnight lows around 40F (VARIABLE - prepare for the worst, hope for the best!!)

How: We will be driving DOA minivans, and spending the first night in a (cheap) hostel on the trail.

Cost: 14 participants (including 4 trip leaders) and 2 DOA vehicles: $250 trip deposit

This will cover backcountry food, gas, vehicles, and one night in a hostel. Left over money at the end of the trip will be divided equally among the trip participants. To claim a spot on this trip, a deposit of $250 is required. This does not cover meals off trail! Pay Alyssa Smith (preferably via Venmo) the $250 trip deposit IN FULL.

Who: Priority sign up goes to those with fleet certification and their WFR. A rating of G3 or higher is required.

G3 Fast-track Form (if you have equivalent experience): https://goo.gl/forms/iHqK0SRbDzwzriEm1

Fleet Certification (it’s easy!): http://www.hooferleaders.org/fleet-vehicle-training-usage (You can also become fleet certified in the OUW office)

Itinerary:

Saturday 13: Depart from Madison at 7am. Spend the night at Standing Bear Hostel in Hartford, TN.

Sunday 14: Start backpacking! One van will leave from the hostel, the other will drive up to Allen Gap and start there. Each group will have 7 people. Hike 8 miles.

Monday 15 - Friday 19: Hike ~8 miles each day. Camp along the trail (approximately 50 miles total, elevation gain of 3,350 total). Swap car keys with the other group approx. halfway through.

Saturday 20: Short hike out to vehicles. Drive back to Madison.

Important personal gear to pack (a more indepth list will be sent out closer to the trip):

• Backpack (60+ liters)

• 3-season sleeping bag (30°F minimum rating recommended)

• Sleeping pad

• Hiking boots (broken in)

• Trekking poles (required)

• Rain Gear (jacket, pants) (required)

How do I sign up?

1. Complete the trip interest form: https://goo.gl/forms/S7MlKqFmKAWLChm72

2. Click “sign up” and fill out the forms.

3. We will add you to the waitlist.

4. Official sign-up and payment will occur starting April 7th.

   • Pay the trip deposit of $250, either by cash or check or Venmo. You can pay this trip deposit to Alyssa Smith (email her at aksmith23@wisc.edu for any questions).

   • We will add you to the participant list.

The trip is full, can I go on the waitlist?

Yes! The wait list is first come first serve and does not require a trip deposit. However, if a spot opens up, to move off the waitlist, a trip deposit is required.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the trip leaders via e-mail (tmarohl@wisc.edu, aksmith23@wisc.edu, larneson2@wisc.edu, or anordin2@wisc.edu) or shoot Alyssa (608-963-4728) or Taylor (920-412-8765) a text!