Backpacking on the Horseshoe Trail and Camping at Warwick County Park

Nov 9-10, 2024

Depart from St. John's on Saturday Nov 9th at 8AM

Return to St. John's on Sunday Nov 10th at Noon

Backpackers: we're taking the trail in the opposite direction this time!

We will arrive at Warwick County Park and set up camp, then immediately compete in an orienteering meet (See below for what an orienteering meet is). After that, backpackers will set off on the Horseshoe Trail, hiking all the way to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (next to French Creek State Park). On the way we'll hike through the cool town of St. Peters (which has an Arcade of antique games; check them out HERE and bring some spending money!). We'll be driven back to the campsite late in the day. Total backpacking distance 

Non-backpackers will hike up to St. Peters, then hike back to the campsite.  

See pictures from this trip HERE and HERE.

Drivers pickup Sunday at 10:45AM at Warwick County Park.  The park is about 50 minutes away from Blue Bell.  Directions to campsite here: WARWICK DIRECTIONS.

If we backpack on Sunday we may ask drivers to pick us up at this ALTERNATE PICKUP LOCATION.

BACKPACKING Option

If you want to go backpacking and need to borrow a backpack let us know on the RSVP form or email the Scoutmaster.
You should only backpack if you have the appropriate gear.  If you're not sure, please discuss with a Scout leader at any Friday meeting.  You should also come to the shakedown meeting on Friday 8th November.

Planning and Packing:

You should bring your fully packed backpack to the Troop meeting on Friday November 8th for a "shakedown" where an experienced backpacker Scout checks you out.

Drink a lot of water before leaving and you must carry at least one quart of water (in a durable water bottle).

Philmont Scouts: we may add a Friday night campout at St. John's to this trip, as soon as we have approval from St. John's.

What to do on Saturday morning:

Crew/Patrol Gear (discuss at the Troop Meeting):

CAMPING Option

Campers depart at the same time from St. John's: 8AM on Saturday 9 November.

Planning and Packing:

Patrol Gear (discuss with your Patrol Leader or Troop Guide)

Drivers pickup Sunday at 10:45AM at Warwick County Park.  The park is about 50 minutes away from Blue Bell.  

Directions here: DIRECTIONS.

What is an Orienteering meet?  

It's a timed hide-and-seek contest in the woods using a map and compass.  Here's a decent description ==> OMEET2. But the most important thing to know is that it's a really fun sport, that's easy to participate in, and there are meets held all over the world.  If you've never done this, don't worry.  It's pretty easy to learn and there will be time for instruction before you start competing.

Why you should go orienteering: