We are excited to provide teen girls, ages 13-19, with a hiking program right in their backyard! Our region has fantastic local hiking spots, State Park trail systems, and we are only a short distance from Shenandoah National Park with some of the best views in the state. This program will offer participants the opportunity to learn about nature, bond with peers, and experience hikes over varied terrain. Participants will have the opportunity to learn basic wilderness first aid, leave no trace principles, and various hiking skills. There will be plenty of sightseeing and fun while participants hike in forests, alongside rivers, and summit mountains!
Our group of skilled female hikers have decades of combined experience. They are AT-thru hikers, Master Naturalists, Nutritionists, and Leave No Trace Educators. Most importantly, they have a passion for outdoor adventures and want to spread their knowledge and love for hiking in Virginia.
*The exact location of each hike may change depending on weather or trail conditions. A welcome packet and gear list will be provided with each signup.
GirlsGO! Teen Hiking Program
PRICE: $375
DATES: June 19-23, 2023
AGES: 13-19
Monday, June 19th
Meet at FA at 9AM; Pick up at FA at 3PM
Caledon State Park
Approximately a 4-mile, moderate hike.
FOCUS: Meet and greet with participants. Discuss top 10 essentials of hiking and provide a gear check. We will discover Caledon State Park with a hike to the beach, through beautiful, wooded trails, with plenty of birds and small wildlife to see!
Tuesday, June 20th
Meet at FA at 9AM; Pick up at FA at 3PM
Germanna Foundation Red Trail
Approximately a 6-mile, easy hike.
FOCUS: Distance building, discussion on bugs and other trail nuisances, and practice a river crossing. Discovering this quiet trail system that follows along the beautiful Rapidan River.
Wednesday, June 21st
Meet at FA at 9AM; Pick up at FA at 3PM
Motts Run Reservoir
Approximately a 3-mile, easy hike.
FOCUS: Skills Development Day! Learning how to set up various camp scenarios (different tents and hammock options), filtering water, lighting camp stoves, and cooking a lunch using prepackaged hiker meals. Also, discuss leave no trace principles for trail hiking and campsites.
Thursday, June 22nd
Meet at FA at 9AM; Pick up at FA at 3PM
Crow’s Nest Nature Preserve
Approximately a 2-mile, easy hike.
FOCUS: “SEEing” the outdoors. Receiving a lesson on ways to be more engaged with nature while on trail. Learn basic nature journaling skills from a Virginia Master Naturalist and leave with your own nature journal. Take a mindful walk learning how to relax and enjoy every step on trail. Also, discuss nutrition on trail and learn fun things to pack to keep sustained energy while out on a long trail hike or camping trip.
Friday, June 23rd
Meet at FA at 8AM; Pick up at FA at 3PM
Mary’s Rock in Shenandoah State Park
Approximately 4 miles with a 1,210 ft elevation gain
FOCUS: Work hard to summit one of the most beautiful views in Shenandoah National Park. Celebrate a week full of learning in nature with a final surprise!
