Spy Rock Backpacking Overnighter
Signup Deadline: October 17, 2026
This trip is a great introduction to backpacking for newer scouts with shorter distances, just one night of camping, and beautiful 360 views from the top of Spy Rock. For older scouts, this will be a great opportunity to mentor the younger scouts, show them how to pack, and how to cook on the trail. Plus, who doesn’t love to watch a morning sunrise from the top of a mountain?
Advancement Opportunities
Earn one night of camping. This can also count toward your hiking log and is a great opportunity to practice using the EDGE method to teach newer scouts a skill like using a backpacking stove, how to clean up afterward, or how to build a fire.
Who Can Participate
This trip is open to all scouts and adults who are registered with the troop.
Camping Location
We will be camping just below the summit of Spy Rock. We will park at the Crabtree Falls parking lot and hike about 3 miles to the camping location.
Planned Activities
On Saturday afternoon we will begin hiking at 2:30pm and should reach the summit around 4:30-5:00pm. After setting up camp, we will have a leisurely evening of cooking and watching the sunset. We’ll get up early Sunday morning to watch the sunrise with beautiful 360 views of the fall foliage over the blue ridge. After that we will hike back to the Crabtree Falls parking lot and return home.
How Much It Costs
There is no cost to this trip other than purchasing your food.
Transportation
Depart: Saturday, October 24th at 1pm from Boonsboro Food Lion
Return: Sunday, October 25th at Noon to Boonsboro Food Lion
Drive Time: 1.25 hours to the Meadow Lane Crabtree Falls parking area. 4 wheel drive with clearance is highly recommended.
Drivers: Additional drivers may be needed depending on adult participation. 4 wheel drive with clearance is highly recommended.
Paperwork & Preparation
Scouts: No paperwork required. If you are a new scout, I highly recommend working with your patrol leader or older scout to get advice on what to pack and how to prepare for this trip.
Adults: If you are a new adult to the trip and want to participate, make sure to register a few weeks ahead of time so your background check is complete before departure! To register, please visit the volunteer page and follow the instructions on how to register as an adult leader.
Packing Information
Camping Style: Backpacking
Scout Meals: Scouts will plan their own backpacking meals in pairs (experienced scouts paired with new scouts)
Adult Meals: Bring your own backpacking meals, or pair up with another adult if you’d like.
Tents: Bring a light 1-2 person backpacking tent. If you don’t have one, please see the Quartermaster or Scoutmaster to borrow a tent from the gear closet.
Trailer: No trailer.
Water: IMPORTANT: There is no water source on this trip. Every scout should bring 4 liters of water. Scoutmaster Manley will bring additional 1 liter bottles as a backup if you forget to bring enough. It is also recommended to pre-hydrate Saturday morning prior to departure.
Weather: Be prepared for cold weather. Since we’re camping at the top of a mountain it’s going to be much colder than it feels when we leave. Dress in layers, bring gloves and a beanie, and a warm sleeping bag. It’s pretty normal for it to reach freezing temperatures at the top of the mountain this time of year, so prepare accordingly. Bring rain gear as usual.
Safety:
Tripping Hazards — While it will be tempting to run on the bare rock top of the mountain, let’s plan on walking since there are many tripping hazards, and we don’t want to have an injury and have to hike back 3+ miles for help.
Dehydration — Due to lack of water sources, we will want to make sure we bring enough water to stay hydrated the whole trip.
Cold Weather — Make sure to dress for cold weather and bring a warm sleeping bag (recommended rated at least 10 degrees colder than the forecast for the top of the mountain). Bring a liner if you have one, and plan to wear your long sleeved clothing and extra socks to sleep if needed.