VMO: Four State Challenge 2025 (44 miles)

Somehow I got conned into hosting this year's Four State Challenge, despite not yet having completed it myself! (False, Jen politely asked if I would host it, and I freely accepted.) Fortunately I have some help from Brian, who did it last year, and lots of other venerable DCULers adding their two cents.

The annual Four State Challenge is a DCUL rite of passage/feat of insanity that I'm told was an idea conceived when DCULers of old were drunk in a bar somewhere. Accordingly, it tests your mettle over 44 glorious miles. 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 Loudoun Heights (maybe 4ish miles). Set up camp near the Virginia/West Virginia border.
● On Saturday, wake up when you want (traditionally we do a 3 am 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 Park 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 agree to DC UL's liability waiver terms. (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver)