Alonzo Stagg Hike

Option 1: HIKE

Our Scouts can choose from 10-mile, 20-mile, 25-mile and 50-mile hikes. Scouts must prepare for the hikes by practicing at least half the distance. Two registered adults are needed to hike with our Scouts.

Start Times - 25 and 50 milers at 5:30 am; 20 milers at 7 am; and 10 milers at 8:30 am.

Why hike? Complete rank requirements, make Hiking Merit Badge progress (specifically, this is the easiest and safest way to complete the 20-mile hike), and get great exercise along the beautiful C&O Canal towpath. Have you ever crossed Key Bridge on foot? This is a unique opportunity to do a supported hike, meaning you will encounter a rest station with great food, first aid supplies and encouragement about every 5 miles. The trail is well marked and with many hikers on the trail, we're all looking out for each other. Finally, a "Tail-End Charlie" is an Adult Leader on a mountain bike who brings up the rear to make sure no hikers are left behind.

Option 2: SUPPORT

Adults and Scouts are needed to help with set up starting at 7 am. Troop 2535 will pass out food and first aid supplies at the Great Falls Tavern support station as hikers pass through from about 8 am - 10 am. We may help transport backpacks and injured hikers as well. Note: our station supports the 25 and 50-mile hikers only. Our own Scouts usually do the 10- or 20-mile hikes and do not pass through Great Falls Tavern. Once the last hiker has passed through our support station, we pack supplies into cars and head home. We're done by about 11 am.

Why support? Scouts may bring handbooks to take advantage of down time with adult leaders for advancement opportunities. Earn service hours. Cheer on the inspiring 25- and 50-mile hikers to pause only briefly at our support station. Many of them do this every year! Get an idea how the whole thing works and maybe you'll want to hike next year.

General info including maps can be found HERE.

Online registration for 2026 - link coming soon. 

Online registration for 2025 hikers and support volunteers: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/2026-alonzo-stagg-hike-march-21/items

EVERYONE participating in the hike (BOTH HIKERS AND STAFFERS) needs to complete the online registration including the necessary waivers and permission slips. Registration closes the Sunday before the hike. This is necessary for permit finalization and food and beverage purchases.