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Spring Hiking Elderhostel
April 13 - 18, 2009

Discover the beauty of spring in the most rugged mountains in Appalachia! Led by our education staff, daily hikes will explore the cultural and natural history of this region with its unique traditions and rich biodiversity. Start each day with a hot breakfast then pack a lunch, grab your daypack and head out on the trail. 

Daily hikes of 5 to 13 miles bring you into contact with the varied plant life, sparkling mountain streams and breathtaking mountain vistas of this ancient mountain chain. Wildflowers, rushing water, and the misty green of spring all combine to make this an unforgettable experience. In the evenings, enjoy a fine meal at the Institute followed by Appalachian music and stories or educational sessions. Program lasts from Sunday supper through Friday breakfast.

2009 Cost: $476
Information and registration materials may be obtained through Elderhostel:

Elderhostel Web site

Elderhostel
75 Federal St.
Boston, MA 02110-1941
(877) 426-8056

Sample Schedule

Sunday
PM 3:00 - 5:00 Arrival, registration and move into the dorms
6:00 Supper
EVE 7:15 Welcome & Orientation, Sign Ups for Hikes
8:00 Social--Get to know your hiking buddies!

Monday
AM 8:00 Breakfast, Pack a sack lunch
9:00 Departures for day hikes:

Jakes Creek, Cucumber Gap, Little River Loop easy, 5.1 miles

Spruce Flats/Lumber Ridge, moderate, 8 miles

Ramsey Cascade, strenuous, 8 miles

4:30 Return to Tremont
EVE 6:00 Supper
7:15 Evening Program, Snacks

Tuesday
AM 6:30 Early “Grab-A-Bite” Breakfast for Gregory Bald Group
7:00 Departure:

Gregory Bald/Gregory Ridge Trail, strenuous, 10.8 miles

8:00 Breakfast, Pack a sack lunch
9:00 Departures for day hikes:

Green Camp Gap, moderate, 6 miles

Roundtop Trail, moderate, 7.5 miles

4:30 Return to Tremont
EVE 6:00 Supper
7:15 Evening Program, Snacks

Wednesday
AM 8:00 Breakfast, Pack a sack lunch
9:00 Departures for day hikes:

Rich Mountain Loop, strenuous, 7.5 miles

Charlie’s Bunion, moderate, 8 miles

Abrams Falls, easy to moderate, 5 miles

4:30 Return to Tremont
EVE 6:00 Supper
7:15 Evening Program, Snacks

Thursday
AM 6:30 Early “Grab-A-Bite” Breakfast for Boulevard/LeConte Group
7:00 Departure:

Boulevard/LeConte/Alum Cave, strenuous, 13 miles

8:00 Breakfast, Pack a sack lunch
9:00 Departures for day hikes:

Andrew's Bald, easy-moderate, 3.6 miles

Turkeypen Ridge/Schoolhouse Gap/Bote Mountain/West Prong, moderate (due to length), 8.4 miles

4:30 Return to Tremont
EVE 6:00 Supper
8:00 Evening Program, Snacks

Friday
8:00 AM Breakfast, Departure