What we’re about
*** Read our COVID-19 guidelines here: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/. ***
DC UL Backpacking hosts an average of 80 backpacking events each year, specializing in high-mileage, lightweight backpacking trips throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Our membership structure helps backpackers gain or enhance their outdoor skills. In general, our trips are quite challenging but you’ll find a wealth of experienced backpackers who are eager to share advice. Visit our website (www.dculbackpacking.com) to learn more about our group and our membership and trip ranks, and to read our FAQs.
Our goal: To cultivate a community of independent outdoors men and women who want nothing more than to have a fulfilling backcountry experience–to wake early, to walk far, and to travel light.
Join us. We look forward to meeting you!
When applying to join our group, make sure to fill out our questionnaire fully. We also require that your profile photo is of yourself. If you have any questions prior to joining, please email organizer[at]dculbackpacking.com
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- MO: 5-Day South Shenandoah AT 57-Mile SectionVienna Metro (North Parking Lot), Vienna, VA
This is a five-day, 57-mile south-bound section hike of the southern half of Shenandoah National Park (SNP) along the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Bearfence to Rockfish Gap. We will average 11.3 miles per day (splits below) and aim to stay near AT huts.
Itinerary:
1. Meet at Vienna Metro NORTH park and ride at 7:00 am. Carpool 125 miles to Rockfish Gap to the welcome kiosk for the southern entrance to the Skyline Drive. Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Afton, VA 22920. GPS coordinates: 38.03191, -78.85847. Leave cars at end point and drive 50 miles to Bearfence Rock Scramble Trailhead Parking. GPS coordinates: 38.45236, -78.46692 Hike Bearfence to Hightop Hut 14 miles.
2. Hightop to Pinefield 8.2 miles.
3. Pinefield to Blackrock 13.25 miles.
4. Blackrock to Calf Mtn. 13.4 miles.
5. Calf Mtn. to Rockfish Gap 7.7 miles. Reverse the car shuttle. Return to Vienna Metro, probably stopping for lunch along the way.Difficulty Level: This trip is Members-Only (MO) because it is five days long, though the mileage per day is moderate by DCUL standards. If you are an Applicant for DCUL membership (never been on a DCUL trip or been promoted to full Member) but you have extensive prior backpacking experience, send me a MeetUp direct message. I'll consider Applicants on a case-by-case basis, but this should not be anyone's first backpacking trip.
Maps: DCUL'ers have maps -- even on the white-blazed AT. Resources:
-- PATC Map 11: AT and Other Trails in SNP - South District. https://snpbooks.org/shop/maps/patc-11-south-district-map/
-- Purple Lizard Maps SNP South. https://www.purplelizard.com/products/shenandoah-national-park-2-pack
-- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map 228 Shenandoah National Park. https://www.natgeomaps.com/ti-228-shenandoah-national-park
-- "Active" CalTopo GPX file to download to a GPS hiking app: https://caltopo.com/m/6RJ2C
-- The Far Out trail guide app is also useful on the AT: https://faroutguides.com/Organizational Points:
-- We need drivers to set up the car shuttle. If you've got a car and are willing to help, I would really appreciate it.
-- Carpool riders should plan to pay drivers $25.
-- While we plan to camp near AT huts, each participant must have their own tent or other shelter, in case the huts are full or we decide not to use them for other reasons.
-- I’m just a co-participant on this trip, not a guide or an expert. Each participant is responsible for their own safety.
-- If you sign up and can't come, please let me know and don't ghost. Please keep your RSVP up to date to be polite to anyone on the waitlist.Park Fees and Permits:
-- It costs $30 per vehicle to enter SNP unless someone in the car has a National Parks Pass (highly recommended.)
-- I will obtain the national park camping permit for the entire group.Dogs: I will probably bring my dog. Participants should therefore be comfortable with dogs. She will be leashed, in accordance with park rules. If you have concerns, send me a MeetUp direct message. If you would also like to bring a dog, send me a MeetUp message.
Dues: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues if you haven't yet. If you don't see the current year listed next to your name in your DC UL profile, please pay via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/DCULKaran/15 ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)
Liability: More information on the club's COVID-19 policy: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/.
By participating in this or any DCUL activity, you agree and abide by our Liability Waiver (https://dculbackpacking.wordpress.com/about/liability-waiver/) and Terms of Use (https://dculbackpacking.wordpress.com/about/terms-of-use/). - ONLINE (self-paced) Wilderness First Aid available ALL DAYS NOW until April 30thLink visible for attendees
In your own home, at your own leisure (anytime -- not just the date of this event): now you can learn a ton in the online portion of Disaster + Travel + Wilderness First Aid! COURSE TOPICS VIDEOS are almost exactly as MEDIC SOLO always presents them with the latest on disaster and wilderness medical science. Intermixed at several points we guide you to practice various skills.
Choose one of two ways to learn:
a) Take the self-guided course (no certification) $99.
b) Take the self-guided online course and attend a skills scenarios workshop (one day on-line) and get certified $249 (Early Bird).Register here: https://solowfa.com/register-online-SOLO-disaster-wilderness-first-aid-course.html
In order to get certified, you will start watching our highly-rated, self-paced videos one month prior to your Skills Scenarios Workshop date and:
- Practice skills at home before your Workshop date, send us photographs and our Instructors will provide you with kudos and constructive ideas.
- Pass the multiple-choice quiz and test is what verifies that you're ready for your workshop day with an instructor.
- Attend your online Skills Scenarios Workshop full day with a live instructor and a live human patient. Use a unique software which nearly replicates the in-person learning experience.
- Gain as much to more hands-on learning experience as compared to an in-person course.
- Instructors give individual live feedback to students while you perform hands-on skills in your own home.
- Graduates receive the internationally-renowned SOLO 2-year WFA Certification.
Upcoming online Skills Scenario Workshop dates:
April 28, 2024
May 11, 2024
June 2, 2024
June 15, 2024Sneak peek at the course:
https://www.solowfa.com/online-sample.htmEmail us at courses@solowfa.com with questions.
- ONLINE (self-paced) Wilderness First Aid available ALL DAYS NOW until April 30thLink visible for attendees
In your own home, at your own leisure (anytime -- not just the date of this event): now you can learn a ton in the online portion of Disaster + Travel + Wilderness First Aid! COURSE TOPICS VIDEOS are almost exactly as MEDIC SOLO always presents them with the latest on disaster and wilderness medical science. Intermixed at several points we guide you to practice various skills.
Choose one of two ways to learn:
a) Take the self-guided course (no certification) $99.
b) Take the self-guided online course and attend a skills scenarios workshop (one day on-line) and get certified $249 (Early Bird).Register here: https://solowfa.com/register-online-SOLO-disaster-wilderness-first-aid-course.html
In order to get certified, you will start watching our highly-rated, self-paced videos one month prior to your Skills Scenarios Workshop date and:
- Practice skills at home before your Workshop date, send us photographs and our Instructors will provide you with kudos and constructive ideas.
- Pass the multiple-choice quiz and test is what verifies that you're ready for your workshop day with an instructor.
- Attend your online Skills Scenarios Workshop full day with a live instructor and a live human patient. Use a unique software which nearly replicates the in-person learning experience.
- Gain as much to more hands-on learning experience as compared to an in-person course.
- Instructors give individual live feedback to students while you perform hands-on skills in your own home.
- Graduates receive the internationally-renowned SOLO 2-year WFA Certification.
Upcoming online Skills Scenario Workshop dates:
April 28, 2024
May 11, 2024
June 2, 2024
June 15, 2024Sneak peek at the course:
https://www.solowfa.com/online-sample.htmEmail us at courses@solowfa.com with questions.
