Beginning Backpacking Trip

Beginner Backpacking Trip - Worthington State Forest/ Delaware Water Gap Natural Recreation Area

Have you been thinking about backpacking for the first time, yet did not want to go by yourself? Did you join us for our "Backpacking Gear Orientation" and are inspired to try backpacking for the first time? Well, here is your chance to join us on a beginner two-day, one-night trip.

Cost is $50 per person - Everyone will start off on the WAITLIST. Please hit "Join Waitlist". We want to make sure people have the opportunity to participate in this event. See "Registration" for additional information.

Backpacking trip details:
Location: Kittatinny Point Visitor Parking lot
When: Saturday May 9th at 10 am- Sun May 10th at 4pm (ish)
Distance: approximately 10 miles round trip

Location & Trail: The trail is Dunnfield Loop to Sunfish pond in Worthington State Forest - Delaware Water GapNRA. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-jersey/sunfish-pond-via-appalachian-and-dunnfield-creek-trails-loop?u=i . It is about 10 miles total, but will be split over the two days. It is about a 4.5 mile hike the first day to the camp site where we can put down packs. Then there is another 0.5-3 miles of optional trail around a lake to explore that day. Sunday we will complete the loop for a return trip of about 6 miles. WorthingtonAreaMapFinalDraft (nj.gov)

This hike is a moderate climb to Sunfish Pond, following the Appalachian Trail (white) heading north. The trail is well maintained and well used by day hikers and overnighters alike. The hike has a few strenuous climbs, but mostly evenly graded climbs with a few level areas in between. We will follow the Dunnfield Hollow Trail down from Sunfish Pond to make it a loop. This trail does have some rather steep sections. The Sankofa way is to leave no one behind and to travel at a speed that accommodates everyone.

The campsite is on the Appalachian Trail. No permit is needed. Groups are limited to 10 per site. There is an outhouse and a stream on the premises.

You may use your own equipment! But, you don't have to. If you have attended a Backpacking Gear Orientation, you are able rent a backpacking gear setup from Philly Gear Library. Equipment included in our backpacking setups is bolded below.

Required equipment list:

- Backpack to carry all your gear*

- 1- or 2-person tent with footprint or tarp to go underneath
- sleeping pad
- sleeping bag
- headlamp
- water filter
- water bottles or bladder to carry 2-3 liters of water. There is water from a nearby creek. Bring two, full 32 oz water bottles at a minimum.
- backpacking stove and fuel if you plan on cooking food (include a lighter if needed for the stove)
- pot to boil water for your food or cook your food in
- eating utensils
- clothing layers for the weather conditions. Rain gear, jacket, socks, boots, pants, shirt, fleece, something to sleep in
- at least three meals plus snacks (lunch, dinner, breakfast, maybe lunch for Sunday)
- food bag
- a toilet kit: trowel, biodegradable paper/ bidet, hand sanitizer
- any toiletries you will need: lip balm, hand soap, toothpaste/brush

-personal first aid kit
- great attitude :~)

Optional equipment
- pillow
- camera
- cup to drink from. If you want to make a hot beverage you will need this.
- chaffing cream
- bug repellant
- knife or multi tool
- cards
- trekking pole
- headphones to listen to audio
- book

REGISTRATION

Please READ

Everyone will start off on the WAITLIST. After we have reviewed your completed waiver, we will send you the registration link to reserve and pay for the event. After I receive confirmation that you have registered and paid, we will update your status to "Going". To be fair to others that are interested, you will have 48 hours from when we send the link to complete the purchase. If you miss this deadline, we will move on to others on the waitlist.

THE TRIP IS NON-Refundable unless canceled by organizers. You certainly can use the waiting list to find a replacement if you are unable to attend however, that is not guaranteed.

Please note: If you sign up for this event, you will be required to attend an online event meeting and equipment shakedown. We'll post the exact meeting time for the shakedown closer to the date in this event post. You must bring the required gear listed below. This is to ensure you are ready equipment-wise for this event.

Reference Items:
https://www.rei.com/learn/c/backpacking

RSVP's will close May 1st
Please make sure you review a copy of the trip waiver:

Please No Ghosting 👻
This event has a limited number of openings. To help with planning and to make sure that as many people as possible are able to attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible (and at least 48 hours in advance) if you will no longer be able to attend. Anyone who has RSVPed and doesn’t attend or let us know about their absence ahead of time will be waitlisted for the next event.