Women's Backpacking - Hot Springs to Max Patch

Please join me for a one night backpacking trip from Hot Springs, NC to the iconic Max Patch.

** In order to make this trip work logistically I need at least two people or one with a 3rd row seating capacity vehicle to agree to meet me at the termination point on Saturday at 8am to drop car(s) (Max Patch Parking). We will drop one or two cars at the end of our trail and then go to Hot Springs to to meet the other backpackers. **

We will meet at the Appalachian Trail South Trailhead Parking in Hot Springs Saturday morning, hike 13 miles and camp at the Walnut Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail (AT). Sundays hike will be around 7 miles. Expected elevation gain 6,161. Here is a link to the route on AllTrails.

• Regarding RSVPs - Everyone will be initially go to "waitlist". This trip is only open to those that have gone on a backpacking trip with me in the past. Maximum attendance is 13 (including myself)
• This is cross posted with another meetup. If you are on the waitlist and not getting moved although there appear to be spots left this may be why, but feel free to ask 😊
• Dogs are not expressly prohibited, however, I do ask that if you plan to bring your fur baby you post to the group for everyone's awareness.
• NO COTTON - Please do not wear any cotton or cotton blend clothing. Cotton does not dry. Damp or wet cotton clothing can accelerate the onset of hypothermia, even in Summer. Look for merino wool, wool blends, or synthetic materials.

I expect average pace for this hike to be around 2 mph. **If you know that you cannot currently hike with a full pack at this pace please reach out to me for ideas on how to condition yourself to prepare**.

Here is a link to my suggested packing checklist I hope it works but if not please let me know and I’ll see what I can do: Backpacking Checklist

Standard Notice, Disclaimer:
Meetup organizers/ leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for this and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possible death. The organizers of this group and current and former members can not be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant-including you- at ant event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of a claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.