On Saturday, June13th, we will be traveling to the Roan Highlands section of the Appalachian Trail for a backpacking and camping trip. This portion of the Appalachian trail is a ridgeline of bald mountains that lies along the North Carolina- Tennessee border. We will be hiking along the northern tip of the Roan Highlands, from Yellow Mountain Gap to Hump Mountain. Our hike will begin where the Overmountain Victory Trail crosses over the Appalachian Trail. The Overmountain Victory Trail follows the route of men who crossed the Appalachian Mountains to fight the British during the Revolutionary War, ultimately engaging the British at the Battle of Kings Mountain, which is known as the "Turning of the Tide" and one of the turning points in the war for our country's freedom.
What: Roan Highlands camping trip. We will be hiking from the Overmountain Shelter to Little Hump Mountain. The area where we will be hiking is a mixture of open, "bald" mountains with expansive summit views to spruce-fir forests. This is also to the peak blooming season for native Catawba Rhododendrons, which is usually spectacular. We will set up camp at a campsite near Little Hump Mountain and explore some of the area. Please bring a drawstring bag to carry your water and a snack as we day-hike around Hump Mountain.
When: We will meet at the church at 10am on Saturday. We will return Sunday afternoon. Scouts will be able to call for a ride as we get close to Hickory.
Equipment/ Gear: Each scout will need to bring their own personal gear and mess kit. This list includes: sleeping bag, clothing (remember to layer), toiletries, camp stove (if you have one), mess kit, sunglasses, rain jacket, sun protection, bug spray, and hat. They weather forecast calls for highs in the low 70s during the day and around 60* at night, with chance of showers. Weather can change quickly in this area, so be prepared for cool temps and quickly rising storms. Troop tents will be distributed Saturday morning.
Equipment:
- Folding knives and multi-tools only! No straight blades.
- We will be cooking over camp stoves this trip, but we'll build campfires if wood is available.
- 2-3 liters of water. If you have a drawstring bag, you could use it to hold water and stuff on our day-hike. If you would like to bring more soft drinks and leave in the vehicles for the return trip, that is fine.
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Sleeping bag
- Drawstring bag/Camelbak to day-hike
- Don't leave food/snacks in tents. As with gatorade and sodas stored in the vehicles, extra snacks can be stored in the vehicles
- Bring mess kits. We will be cooking individually, so you will need your cups, utensils, etc. If you do not have a camping stove, don’t worry, there will be enough to borrow and the older scouts will be able to assist the younger scouts prepare their meals.
- Rain Jacket/ Sun Protection/Fleece for the evening
Food/ Meals: We will be cooking our own meals. Please eat a good breakfast Saturday morning. We will stop for lunch on the way. Please plan to cook your own dinner Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning. We will also stop for lunch on our return to Hickory, so you will need to bring some money for 2 fast food meals. Please make sure to bring at least 2 liters of water on this trip. There is a spring located on the trip and we can filter water if we need, but it is a good idea to bring enough water in case the springs are not flowing well. Dinner ideas for new scouts are Raimen noodles, Easy Mac and Cheese, foil- packaged tuna or chicken, granola, fruit, or dried meat. Breakfast ideas include oatmeal, grits, granola/ fruit bars, etc. Please put your food in a ziplock bag with a spare ziplock inside (for your trash).
Call or email Mr. Roberts (robertspartyof4@embarqmail.com) or Mr. Webber (1webber@charter.net) if you have any questions.
