WV Fall Foliage Beginner Trip (Oct 2016): Pre-Trip Notes

For the autumn trip, we met on October 1st to discuss the upcoming backpacking trip in detail. Below are some of the topics discussed, as well as reminders for the trip. Please feel free to contact me directly (either via direct message or by text) with any questions or concerns.

Michael K. “El Cap” (216) 570-1211

Logistics:

  • We will be meeting at the trailhead at 3pm on Friday, October 21, 2016. We will have a large group, and I’d like to make sure there are no packing issues before we leave the trailhead…please try to be prompt. I would like us to be on the trail no later than 4pm.
  • There should be ample parking at the trailhead (see map for exact location). However, carpooling from NEOhio is always recommended. See the attached Carpool Sheet for the names and contact info of persons that are driving and have room for passengers. If you are part of a carpool, please respect the drivers and understand that fuel costs should be split amongst the carpool – please “chip in” for gas.
  • If for any reason you think you will be arriving later than 4 pm, or on Saturday morning – please contact me before the trip. I would like to have a head count for the trailhead, and also direct those late-arrivals to a different parking area and meeting time.
  • See attached Map for hiking itinerary, trailhead location and our planned route. Please print a copy, place it in a gallon-size ziplock bag and bring it with you – I will not be providing trail maps at the trailhead.

Clothing:

  • The current forecast (as of Oct 11th) for Elkins, WV doesn’t look great. Looks like highs in the 50’s, lows in the 30’s-40’s, and a chance of rain just about every day (I told you!). Now we all know that forecasts can change quickly, and we might end up with a completely different weather prediction. However, my best advice is to be prepared for the above forecast. This would mean the 3-layer system of clothing I described (wicking skin layer, midweight fleece middle layer, and outer weather-proof shell/rain jacket). Please access the link ( and click on “Fall Gear List w Links” for a full-featured gear/clothing list. Again, please make sure you have the appropriate clothing for the weather (no jeans!). If you are not sure, message me directly with questions PRIOR to the trip. We can always “thin” your clothing selection at the trailhead…bring more than less.
  • Please make sure you have appropriate footwear. Hiking boots are strongly recommended. And please make sure you “break in” boots prior to the trip if they are brand new.

Gear:

  • Remember, it is absolutely mandatory that you have the following gear:

backpack designed for outdoors/backpacking

sleep system including sleeping bag and sleeping pad (make sure sleeping bags are rated for appropriate autumn weather…ie. no “warmer” than 30 degrees. I’d advise a 0-20 degree bag for this trip.

a tent/hammock/shelter OR a spot in someone else’s tent (please have this established prior to the trip!)

  • For any gear questions, please check out the various Gear Guides in the Files section of our Meetup page (access via the link: They are located on page 2.
  • Our Assistant Organizer, Darwin McClellan, offers a gear rental service (for a fee). Please message him directly via the website if you need some (or all) gear for the trip. He has top-of-the-line gear, and might be a great alternative to buying if you’re new to this recreation.
  • Again, please contact me if you have questions regarding your gear

Food:

  • I will be providing a basic breakfast for everyone (various homemade oatmeal flavors, as well as coffee/tea).
  • You will be responsible for the following meals:

Friday dinner

Saturday lunch (on the trail) and dinner

snacks for the hike

  • Alcohol is permitted (21 and over) but must be enjoyed responsibly.

Important Reminders:

  • Please make sure you have downloaded, read, and signed the “Acknowledgement of Risk” prior to the trip. Please email me a copy () PRIOR to the trip. If you do not feel comfortable emailing me a copy, please print out the last page, sign and bring to the trailhead. You cannot hike with The Hopeless Wanderers if I do not have a copy of your waiver in my hand or on file!
  • Access the waiver with the following link:
  • Familiarize yourself with The Hopeless Wanderers Code of Conduct (also available from the above link)
  • Familiarize yourself with standard Leave No Trace policies (also available with the above link)
  • Please make sure you have a PHOTOCOPY of your ID/Driver’s License/Passport and a copy of your medical insurance card with you. I will not collect these, but it’s always good to have a copy of these articles in a ziplocked baggie in your pack. Hopefully you won’t need them!