Flip Flopping the Trail

Most people who dream of hiking the entire 2,194 miles of the Appalachian Trail think of the hike as a "NoBo" (northbound) path leading from Georgia to Maine. It can be, but that's not the only way to complete a thru hike. Others approach the Trail as a "SoBo" hike from Maine to Georgia.

And, then, there's a third approach to a thru-hike: the Flip-Flop. Hike half the Trail in one direction, and hike the second section in the other direction. Having hikers tackle the Trail from different starting points, at different times, is good for hikers—and for the Trail itself.

The Flip Flop Festival, held in Harper's Ferry and Bolivar, WV, encourages this approach, as it sees off a group of "Flip-Floppers" and celebrates the A.T. in general.

On April 23rd, a series of free workshops appeals to thru-hikers, as well as hikers of all distances. Want to stay healthy on the Trail? Keep your feet happy? Treat the Trail with respect? Workshops held at the Harpers Ferry Center Outdoor Plaza have all this and more covered. Then, stay in town for talks and tunes at the Barns of Harper's Ferry.

Sunday, April 24, features the traditional Flip-Flop send-off pancake breakfast and a family hike.

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