VMO: Four State Challenge 2024 (44 miles)

It will be time soon for our annual Four State Challenge--a DC UL Right of Passage that typically tests your mettle over 44 glorious miles. I am planning to stick to posting the 44 miler version, but hey, if you are interesting in pushing your limits further and earning that elusive "#" sign, there could be a 50 miler version that we did two years ago (see this trip from last year: https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/events/288595543/ )
Join us if you want to undertake this challenge - or if you want to do trail magic and enjoy watching the challengers suffer :) Trail Angels - We would love to have you support us!
How the normal 44 mile version works:
● Start in Harper's Ferry on Friday, and hike up to Loudon Heights (maybe 4ish miles). Set up camp near the Virginia/West Virginia border. Note: PATC is working on a trail reroute in this section, so we will keep track of that in case that affects us.
● Wake up when you want (traditionally we do a 3am start, but that's up to you). Walk north on the AT, cross into Maryland, and keep going until you hit Pennsylvania. Regroup with your fellow backpackers at Pen Mar for a pizza celebration, and camp at a spot about one mile past the park.
● Enjoy a victory breakfast on Sunday. Receive your (@) symbol for walking a 40 mile day.
Before saying “Yes, I’m in!” there are a few caveats and challenges to note.
● If you haven't been doing regular 20+ mile days recently, consider your ability to do this mileage. Like any other event, training will go a long way to make sure you can do this safely and successfully. We do this every year--better to wait and prepare for next year’s event, than to rush in and injure yourself.
● This is a LONG day. 16 hours is a solid time. 20 hours isn't uncommon.
● There is no shame whatsoever in bailing. Even making it to I-70 is a big day. Better to end early than to finish with an injury.
● Water is not plentiful along this route. Maintaining good hydration and nutrition is paramount.
● It is the AT, but navigation can be a challenge in the dark. Be confident in your ability to follow a trail. There’s a chance you could hike all day without seeing another DCUL'er so be mentally ready to go the whole 44 solo if needed.
● This is a backpacking challenge. You must sleep out Friday and Saturday night, and carry all your gear to be self-sufficient just like any other DCUL backpacking weekend.
The logistics are also...complex. Traditionally we have emergency bail-out vehicles stationed at I-70 (27mi) and Wolfsville Road (34ish mi). You must check-in at those points to be listed on the DCUL Hall of Fame (https://dculbackpacking.wordpress.com/hall-of-fame/ ) for a successful completion--we do this as a safety precaution so we know where you’ve been and at what time.
We will need quite a few people who are willing to drive to help us set-up the shuttle and all those bailout wagons.

By RSVPing for this trip, you acknowledge that you’ve read our COVID-19 guidelines and that you agree to DC UL's liability waiver terms. (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver)
Please note the COVID-19 club policies:
For more on DC UL’s COVID-19 policy, click this link: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/