PEAK PERFORMANCE
Women’s Adventure
Backpacking Virginia’s Appalachian Trail Triple Crown
Discover personal peaks while summiting three of the Appalachian Trail’s most popular mountains: Tinker Cliffs, McAfee Knob, and Dragon’s Tooth. This 3-day, 2-night backpacking experience covers the Virginia Triple Crown section of the A.T. With the guidance of our instructors, you can further develop your backpacking skills and reach your outdoor adventure goals during Peak Performance.
“Peak Performance for Women”: This empowering experience is designed for and facilitated by only women, which creates a confidence-boosting no-judgement zone where women can be themselves! Peak Performance for Women is a perfect opportunity to make new friends or to bring a friend or family member along for some adventurous bonding.
Join other adventurous women to discover the seven survival priorities (positive mental attitude, wilderness first aid, shelter, fire, signaling, water, and food) while you explore the nearby Appalachian Trail together. Trip preparation happens on Thursday at Mountain Shepherd and includes a review of the survival priorities and an introduction to the basics of backpacking, from finding water and using a stove to hiking with trek poles and fitting your pack. During the 3-day, 2-night trek, your own personal peaks will become apparent as you set goals, develop new skills, and form friendships. Accept this backcountry challenge and you’ll return to the “frontcountry” feeling confident and capable, having achieved your Peak Performance!
Have no fear, we’ve got all the gear! You do not need to purchase and/or bring any of your own gear other than footwear and clothing. On-trail snacks and meals are provided in addition to meals at Mountain Shepherd, with dietary accommodations made when necessary. A suggested packing list is available here.
This experience begins on Thursday afternoon and wraps up on Sunday in the late afternoon. The hike begins Friday morning at the trailhead in Daleville, VA, just off Rt. 220, and ends on Sunday at Dragon’s Tooth, near Rt. 621. Transportation is provided from Mountain Shepherd to the trailhead in Daleville, VA, and back to M.S. from Dragon’s Tooth. Personal vehicles will remain safely parked at Mountain Shepherd Adventure School during the trip.
*It is important to note that this trek covers approximately 30 miles of the Appalachian Trail, much of which is steep, rocky terrain. Each day of hiking covers roughly 10 miles, and many sections of this trail feature rapid elevation change in the form of challenging uphill climbs and tricky downhill descents. This Mountain Shepherd adventure is ideal for participants who have some backpacking experience or, at minimum, significant day-hiking experience over very difficult terrain.
- Who: Adults (18+), women only, limited to 10 participants per course
- What: Backpacking, survival skills, safety and planning skills
- Where: Mountain Shepherd, Appalachian Trail: Daleville to Dragon’s Tooth
- When: Thursday through Sunday – See schedule for specific dates.
With: Read more about our instructors on our Staff page.
May 21-24, 2020
October 29 - November 1, 2020
September 24-27, 2020
Course Price: $795
What else should I know?
What outdoor experience do I need to attend this course? Outdoor experience levels do not matter. We have students with no experience to weekend warriors. Everyone learns valuable information in this course. You will leave prepared to help yourself and others while on any adventure.
Do I get to eat bugs? You will learn which bugs are edible and how to find them. Eating them is optional!
What time does the course start and end? The course begins at 10:00 Saturday morning and finishes by 1:00 on Sunday. Plan to arrive by 9:30 on Saturday. If you prefer to travel on Friday, you can stay at the lodge. $50 includes a bunk and breakfast. $25 for each additional person in your group. Group, semi-private and private rooms are available on a first come first serve basis.
Do I sleep under the stars? This is your adventure! You can sleep in a tent, a shelter you improvise or stay in the lodge. The choice is yours.
What outdoor experience do I need to attend this course? Outdoor experience levels do not matter. We have students with no experience to weekend warriors. Everyone learns valuable information in this course. You will leave prepared to help yourself and others while on any adventure.
Do I get to eat bugs? You will learn which bugs are edible and how to find them. Eating them is optional!
What time does the course start and end? The course begins at 10:00 Saturday morning and finishes by 1:00 on Sunday. Plan to arrive by 9:30 on Saturday. If you prefer to travel on Friday, you can stay at the lodge. $50 includes a bunk and breakfast. $25 for each additional person in your group. Group, semi-private and private rooms are available on a first come first serve basis.
Do I sleep under the stars? This is your adventure! You can sleep in a tent, a shelter you improvise or stay in the lodge. The choice is yours.