What we’re about
HELLO!! We are a fun, eclectic group of people who appreciate all that life has to offer, with a twist of lime and some kick-ass hikes for good measure. What began as a group of backpackers looking for a walk in the woods has evolved and expanded to embrace variety – call it spice, call it cross-training, call it just plain good times. Backpack, hike, and paddle with us…or embrace the “MORE” of life and you might find us doing yoga, car camping or urban hikes. Bonus points if food is involved!
Why the twist of lime? Because despite our obsession with base weight, life is short and occasionally we enjoy ditching the spreadsheet. Because ‘boujee’ is not a bad thing…a 10-year cheddar makes everything better. Because we all need a little crazy in our lives and some good karma to survive.
Test the waters as a ‘newbie’, brush off some dust after a hiatus, or just enjoy doing what you already know well. We welcome all skill levels and aim to offer varying degrees of difficulty - our event listings will clue you in to the overall vibe and experience level required.
If you are interested in hosting events for our group, please reach out via private message to the group owner Pam G aka “Boujee” to discuss further :)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 3Ridges Winter Backpacking Overnighter!! Maupin's Field Shelter/CampsiteThe Priest Wilderness Parking Area, Tyro, VA
Choose your hike! Hike with the "main group" OR you can decide to hike a different [shorter] way on your own or with others that may be interested & meetup with the full group on Saturday afternoon! Either way, we will meetup with everyone at Maupin's Field in the PM. It's all about hiking the way you want, being safe on the trail, & finding your way camp for an evening camp get-together!
♤ We'll assume you are hiking with the "main group" unless you let us know otherwise in the comments or PM me.
♧ Ask me any questions!
LEADER'S EXPERIENCE: Overnighted the full loop several times in all seasons.
TRAIL INFO: 14.6 miles roundtrip; lariat loop (splits: 9.1|5.5); Rating: Very Strenuous; Elevation change: 3,625'. Trail: hike counter-clockwise on the 3Ridges loop starting at Priest Wilderness Parking Area (meet at 8:30AM) on route 56 > north on the AT > pass the Mau-Har trail intersection & continue north on the AT > overnight at Maupin's Field > south on Mau-Har Trail to intersect with the AT southbound > back to the cars Sun
OTHER HIKE OPTION / BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: The full loop, and winter overnights in-general, are not for 1st-time backpackers. However, for those confident in their winter setup, the hike is about 3.5 miles roundtrip if you might want to choose to park at Reid's Gap & hike south on the AT to Maupin's Field.
GEAR TO BRING: Bring your own gear for a winter overnight
FOOD TO BRING / ADULT BEVERAGES, ETC, OK?: Bring your own / yes!
PACE: The intention is this is supposed to be a "group experience", at least at camp on Sat night, but H.Y.O.Y. while on trail is understandable too, of course (i.e. no expectation of a certain pace when hiking, but there is a chance you'll hike by yourself if you're relatively fast or slow)
PLEASE ARRIVE BY: 8:30AM
HIT-THE-TRAIL TIME: 9AM
ESTIMATED HIKE END TIME: 1PM Sun not including food/brewery after hike
AFTER HIKE?: I'm going to Blue Mountain Brewery or similar venue – all are welcome!
PARKING: Park in or near the parking area for The Priest Wilderness, route 56, Tyro, VA. You will need to park along route 56 if the lot is full. Look for a grey-silver Kia Seltos compact-SUV. I may need to limit the # of vehicles or "get creative" if parking becomes a concern, but no issues over multiple years so far 🤞. Carpooling is a great thing too!
PHONE SERVICE LIKELIHOOD: Service is generally ok on the ridgelines and camp; Maupin's Field is at a relatively high elevation. Generally no service at The Priest parking area.
BAIL-OUT OPTION(S): Reid's Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway is 1-¾ miles from Maupin's Field, so it is a good bail-out point assuming the road is relatively snow/ice free
CAMPSITE INFO: Maupin's Field is a very large campsite with abundant space for all!
WATER SOURCES: Small stream next to the Maupin's Field shelter; Tye River at The Priest parking area; Harper's Creek about 2.5 miles northbound on the AT; Mau-Har Trail partially runs along a run with pools and small waterfalls
FIRE: Campfire Sat night! Please help collect firewood
PRIVY: Yes, privy at Maupin's Field and along the AT at Harper's Creek
SHELTER: Yes, Maupin's Field Shelter
BEAR PROTECTION: Bear pole at Maupin's Field Shelter
SHUTTLE: None planned, but some backpackers choosing their own hike may want one (The Priest parking <--> Reid's Gap parking)
GUESTS: Yes, assuming they have appropriate gear/experience
INCLEMENT WEATHER / CANCELLATION POLICY / COMMUNICATION / TIMING: I generally will not cancel unless the roads are impassable. I'm good down into the single temperature digits, but I realize most are not & that is 100% "A-ok"! If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the trip the decision will be made no later than the night before the event. A cancellation notice will be posted in the comment section. Steady precip or inclement weather with not much chance for clearing will call for postponing the hike.
PETS: Well behaved pets ok
CARPOOL OPTIONS: Please make own arrangements at your preference
CLOTHING / GEAR ESSENTIALS: Winter active layered clothing; cover all body parts; little-to-no cotton especially for base-layers. Sleeping bag & pad rated for about 15° colder than forecasted lowest temp is recommended. REI's checklist is great!: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html. Rain gear, yes, always!
