Hike / Bike Trip 2026
Details:
Troop 1865 is on the move! A new concept at the request of the PLC and Senior Troop Guide - we will be converging 2 different campouts on the same weekend - Hike and Bike. In both cases, we will be camping at Manidokan on Saturday night.
For both campouts:
Fees: $40, which includes food, camping, and any day use park fees for either hike or bike.
Sign Up / PERMED:
The sign up for this campout will close at the troop meeting on Monday, April 27.
https://forms.gle/ewBZ9f17AHQDoDsAA (or form below)
Payment:
Zelle - Send to treasurer1865@gmail.com from your Zelle enabled checking account. Please include scout name and event in the memo section of the Zelle payment.
Scout Account - Submit https://forms.gle/mV9wDH9y7sXBtY5K7 (or form below). Questions? Ask Mr Scattergood - troop1865sa@gmail.com
Hike
For new scouts, troop guides, and anyone not interested in biking, On Saturday, Scouts will complete a hike of about 5.3 miles, including the Maryland Heights trail (https://www.nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/maryland-heights-trail.htm) and a walk on the footbridge over the Potomac to historic Harpers Ferry for ice cream. Scouts will complete the following requirements:
- 2nd Class requirement 3b (maybe more)
- Camping merit badge requirement 9b1
Hike Meet: 6:00 PM on Friday May 1 in the lower parking lot at St. George's. Depart at 6:30 PM.
All Return: 11:00 AM on Sunday May 3 at the Giant in the University Mall Center parking lot.
Special Instructions:
- Bring a bag lunch to eat on the trail during the hike.
- Each Scout should bring money for ice cream in Harpers Ferry.
- Pack for cold and wet weather, but also bring sunblock to apply while hiking.
Adult Participation:
The hike trip will require adult leadership in a couple different and necessary ways beyond our typical camp over-watch.
1) Hiking supervision - Best size hiking group is ~5-7 with at least 2 adults each. Estimate need ~6 adults for hiking. Each group may hike a different pace or take a slightly different agenda (ie an additional loop with enough elevation to cover the camping merit badge requirement in place of going into town for ice cream).
2) Camp Shuttle - There is not a good parking option near the trail head. Parking in Harpers Ferry on a Saturday is difficult. However, there is a good drop off 0.5 miles from the trailhead where Harpers Ferry Rd meets the C&O Canal Tow Path. We will need drivers with high capacity vehicles (mini vans) to shuttle between camp and the road closure/trailhead in both directions (before and after camp). It is ~3 miles from camp to the trailhead, so you will be waiting in camp for the call to be picked up. Expect groups to finish at different times. Need about 2 adults for this position. As with the hiking scouts, bring your own lunch. You could also consider coordinating among yourselves to make a small camp lunch.
Bike:
For everyone else, bike 20 miles along the C&O Canal Trail, ending at Manidokan to meet the rest of the troop for camping. We will be leaving St George on Saturday morning and brining your bikes on a trailer. You must have:
- your own bike and helmet
- day pack with food, water, and personal first aid kit (while riding bike)
- capable of riding for 20 miles (3-5 hours) on a mostly flat trail (follows the Potomac River)
- otherwise standard camping gear while at Manidokan
Bike Meeting: 6:00AM on Saturday May 2 in the lower parking lot at St George's. Bring your bike to be loaded on a trailer provided by the troop.
All Return: 11:00 AM on Sunday May 3 at the Giant in the University Mall Center parking lot.
Special Instructions:
- Arrive Saturday morning having already eaten breakfast.
- Bring a day pack to wear while riding. Must contain snacks, water, and personal first aid kit
- Otherwise standard camping gear for Manidokan on Saturday night
Adult Participation: This campout will also require an elevated level of adult participation. In particular, we will need 3-5 adults available to bike, and a few more to shuttle vehicles.