Hot Springs, NC
October 23–25, 2026
KEY FACTS
- Departure: Friday, October 23, at 3:30 PM from the Scout hut – the bus departs promptly at 4:00 PM
- Return: Sunday, October 25, around 1:00 PM to the Scout hut
- Cost: $60 per person
ABOUT THE TRIP
Troop 1 is headed to North Carolina’s Hot Springs area for a fall backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail! Hot Springs is the only town on the nearly 2,200-mile-long AT where the trail runs right through the middle of town, so much of life there revolves around backpacking. Anyone who hikes the AT will find a place that inspires awe with its natural wonders. You’ll never experience the same mountain twice – one day you might come face-to-face with an owl, another you might find the ridges blazing with fall color. Nowhere else on Earth can you enjoy such a variety of mountain life in one amazing place.
FRIDAY – GARENFLO GAP TO DEER PARK MOUNTAIN SHELTER
Friday afternoon we’ll head to Garenflo Gap, where we’ll begin our trek, backpacking just over 3 miles to the Deer Park Mountain Shelter for the night.
SATURDAY MORNING – INTO HOT SPRINGS
After breakfast, we’ll wrap up the backpacking portion of the trip with another 3 miles into Hot Springs for lunch. We’ll then set up camp at the world-famous Hot Springs Resort and Spa!
SATURDAY AFTERNOON – MAX PATCH
After lunch, the next leg of the adventure is a visit to Max Patch, a grassy mountain bald on the AT and one of the world’s most beautiful spots. Then we head back to our campsite for a special afternoon surprise where you might want to pack a swimsuit! Bring a bag to carry your water and gear on Saturday’s afternoon day hike.
MEALS
The troop will provide dinner Friday (a Chick-fil-A bag supper on the bus, so you may want to bring a snack for later) and a brunch stop on the way home Sunday. Scouts need to provide their own breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday. For Saturday night, plan on bringing a freeze-dried meal along with a lightweight backpacking stove, fuel, and cookware to boil water – or make arrangements to share a stove with another Scout.
ADULTS
If you’re an adult interested in joining us, please reach out to Tim Satterfield.
WHAT TO PACK
- Good hiking boots and socks
- Backpack and pack cover
- Lightweight backpacking stove (or make arrangements to share)
- Cookware
- Rain gear
- Layered clothing – synthetics next to your skin to wick moisture
- Gloves and warm headgear
- Sleeping bag (plan for nights much cooler than Spartanburg)
- Sleeping pad (optional)
- Lightweight shelter (Scouts should share and plan in advance)
- Water bottles – at least 2 quarts of capacity (Gatorade bottles work)
- Water filter or purification tablets (may share – make arrangements in advance; be prepared for areas without suitable water by carrying at least 2 quarts with you)
- Food (Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Flashlight and headlamp
- Biodegradable soap (for cleaning dishes – available at Walmart)
- Toiletries and TP
- Compass
- Fire starter (not everyone needs this)
- Swimsuit and towel
- Book bag for the Saturday afternoon day hike
- Camera (optional)
REGISTRATION
Please register by the Monday, October 19, Scout meeting. Click here to register!