GRT Section Hike

Service Description

In a Nutshell: A big, 3 day, 2 night guided pack goat trek from Caldwell, West Virginia to MM 22.5 on the GRT. This trek is designed for the hiker who wants to experience using goats as trail animals and get some miles in before the day's end. Details: Park at the GRT's southern trailhead at Caldwell. Our shuttle will return you here. Then unload your gear, meet our goats and fill their packs with your personal hammock, sleeping bag and extra clothes for the trip. You only carry your daypack! Once loaded we face north, put our heads down and find a pace that suits everyone. This well-maintained path of crushed limestone offers breathtaking vistas of the river valley. Travel is smooth and easy on this former rail bed. We wind up the trail surrounded by deep woods and towering rock cliffs that allow ample opportunities for breaks. We take them! The Greenbrier Goat introduces you to just how good trail life can be with pack goats. You feel the freedom to stretch your legs and explore your surroundings visually without a heavy load. NOW you are deep in nature and are only carrying your personal water bottle, snacks and rain gear. Highlights: * Goat Companionship: As you hike with our goats you will learn about pack goat trekking firsthand and have a chance to bond with these curious creatures. * Scenic Backcountry: See the river, the trail and the Loopmount, the most remote destination on WV's Waterfall Trail. * Dark Sky Night Walk: A guided flashlight-free experience that few have had. Night 1. Weather permitting. * Gourmet backpacking and cowboy cuisine: Savor 5 well planned, multi-course meals packed in by our goats! On night 1 we demonstrate how to prepare a gourmet backpacking dinner and then we'll have a bacon, egg and bagel breakfast served with cowboy coffee ready for you when you wake. A hot trail lunch keeps us going and we end our journey with a big steak dinner on night 2. Sleep-in and enjoy an old-fashioned oatmeal breakfast with seasonal fruit, maple syrup and butter served with coffee, sugar and cream on the morning of day 3. What to Expect: * A safely guided pack goat trek available from April through October * Scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape * Opportunities to spot wildlife * Hike 7.5 miles day 1 to MM 10 / Keister Station and 13 miles day 2 to MM 22.5 / Spring Creek * Water station and restroom access each night * Inconsistent cell phone coverage What to Bring: * Daypack * Full water bottle * Lightweight rain gear and hat