Troop 1 is headed to the mountains of Western North Carolina for a fall weekend that will include a 10-mile hike to Graybeard Mountain which will begin in Montreat and lead us to the top of Graybeard Mountain. You can read all about this hike at https://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/montreat/graybeard-mountain 

We will be camping at the Hidden Creek Campground near Marion. Check it out at : https://campathiddencreek.com/  This facility is owned by a company named Spacious Skies for which recent Troop 1 Eagle Scout Jackson Pye is employed at their headquarters.  Jackson is making all of our arrangements, so we are sure to have the best time ever!  On Saturday morning after Jackson goes over the classroom portion of the Hiking Merit Badge we will take the short trip to the neat town of Montreat and find the trailhead to begin our trek on the Graybeard Trail.  We will have a picnic lunch on top of the Graybeard Mountain and take in the beautiful views.

We will be totally “car camping” at Hidden Creek with all of the troop cooking equipment at your disposal.  You will be responsible for bringing your own food for all meals from Friday Dinner – Sunday Breakfast.  Your Saturday lunch should be packable in a day pack to take on the hike.  Remember that synthetic clothing is always better than cotton on a Fall Backpacking trip.

You will also need a day pack (book bag type) for the hike on Saturday to carry your lunch, water, and clothing layers.  You will need to carry two liters of water on the hike.

We will plan to leave the scout hut Friday at 4:00 traveling by church bus.  We should return to the scout hut on Sunday about noon. Please register for this trip by the September 19th scout meeting.  There will be a $25 fee for everyone.

Packing List:

  • Good hiking shoes and socks
  • Rain gear
  • Day Pack for the hike to hold your lunch, water, raingear, etc.
  • Layer your outer ware
  • Gloves and warm head gear (depending on weather forecast)
  • Camera (optional)
  • Warm sleeping bag
  • Water Bottle (Two 1 liter bottles)
  • Tents, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pads, etc
  • Water filter or tablets (may share, make arrangements in advance)
  • Cookware
  • Food
  • Flash light
  • Toiletries
  • Compass
  • Bathing suit (just in case the pool is still open!)