I think we've now completed four full-troop backpacking trips to Duncan Knob Hollow. And each one has been a little better than the last one.
On the first trip (Dec 2016), we inexplicably walked past the best campsite, slept on some very dodgy terrain, and had an awful time getting food hung at night. The second time (Dec 2018), we camped at the best spot and employed a much better bear bag system (Marrison Haul technique). The third time (Dec 2019), we split into two groups and journeyed up the mountain in pretty good weather.
We met at the Pilot Travel Center (fancy name for a gas station), at Exit 291 off Interstate 81 South, at 8 am on Saturday, December 12th. The Pilot was about one hour from McLean. From there, we “caravaned” to the trailhead together -- about another hour's drive.
This year (due to covid signup limitations), we decided to stay as one group as we ventured up the familiar terrain.
We backpacked ~3 miles from the trailhead to a campsite in the valley, next to the stream. Saturday afternoon, we took a side hike to the top of Duncan Knob (side hike round trip ~2.5 miles including a 1,500-foot climb and a rock scramble to the summit) and returned to camp.
There had been some heavy rains lately, and the hike had several stream crossings. However, we were able to cross with our boots on. The weather had definitely improved during the trip; warm weather and no daytime rain (also no snow), but still, a slight chance of rain sprinkles, particularly overnight. We got to our campsites and unpacked from the hike, getting prepared for the quickly approaching darkness.
On Sunday morning, we hiked ~3 miles back to the cars. We got back at the trailhead's parking lot sometime between 11:00 and 12:00. Thanks to Bill Muntean and all of the parents who made this trip happen.
To see photos of the trip, click here.
- Sebastian Herbolsheimer