The worst part of backpacking in the hills of North Georgia is the fact that you must eventually return home. The second worst part is not knowing what gear or skills you’ll need to camp out overnight. Our friends at Mountain Crossings Outfitters on Blood Mountain are offering you the deal of a lifetime: their soon-to-be-famous Backpacking Class.
Not only will a few fortunate newbie hikers get to meet and hang out with friendly and skilled former Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, they’ll also learn to happily hit trails anywhere.
My guess is the folks at Mountain Crossings could fill an auditorium with interested prospects. Their courses are limited to EIGHT people. They’re only holding two more backpacking classes between now and September 2018. If you have any desire to learn about spending time in the woods, call them soon.
Yes, I attended one of the Friday evening sessions in the past. It’s not trivia night or “let me talk about the time I saw a bear” time. Friendly folks, like Pretzel, walk you through what you’ll need — and more importantly, what you will not need — to carry on your hike. The right gear can save your hike … or your life.
Even after I spent years writing about the Appalachian Trail, I personally found the presentation and information simply fascinating. Backpacking is an art. This backpacking course is taught by experienced artists.
Backpacking Class Info
Friday Night
- Classes begin at Mountain Crossings Outfitters on Route 129 atop Blood Mountain at 6 PM on Friday evening.
- You’ll hear just about everything you’ll need to know … to begin a lifetime of learning.
- Yes, there will be a question & answer time.
- You will get a free night’s rest at the on-site hiker hostel. No, it’s not like your dream vacation on Maui, but it’s way nicer than anyplace on any trail you’ll ever hike. Do it!
Saturday
- Each participant will get one-on-one attention from someone who has hiked from here to everywhere, almost. The staff who won’t judge you for noob questions or snicker at you. (Unless you ask for bear-proof peanut butter, obviously.)
- Afterward, you are free to hike the Appalachian Trail — which runs right between the hostel and the outfitters shop. Honest.
- Ladies who hike have “lady questions” about backpacking. Georganna, the owner of Mountain Crossings, is both a lady an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. She is a precious friend with the right answers. She has solutions for all your issues.
The Cost
- From my perspective, there is no cost.
- Yes, you must pay $50 per person to attend.
- That gives you a free night at the hostel.
- You get to learn about backpacking until your brain explodes.
- You get to hang out with fabulous people.
- Then — ready? — you can apply your $50 toward gear at Mountain Crossing Outfitters!
- That’s better than free.
- Food is not included, but there’s nothing as tasty as their frozen pizzas on the overlook, if you want to purchase one.
Dates of Backpacking Classes
- Friday & Saturday, August 10th and 11th.
- Class begins at 6 PM Friday night & ends sometime on Saturday afternoon.
- Friday & Saturday, September 14th and 15th.
Remember, the class is only $50 and that goes towards gear in the shop and includes a free night in the hostel! We look forward to helping you with all your backpacking questions whether you have experience or not.
Contact Information
- Mountain Crossings Backpacking Class Website
- Mountain Crossings Facebook Page
- If you have further questions, email [email protected].
- Just go there. It’s one of the coolest places on the 2,190 mile Appalachian Trail.
Please tell George that I said “Thanks!”
