Backpacking Experience - October 10-12, 2026
Join other women over 40 for a three-day, two-night autumn backpacking journey. Hike 15 miles in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia and sleep on the banks of Seneca Creek. Whether you are an experienced backpacker or a novice checking an item on your bucket list, this moderate trek will help you leave behind your stress and escape into nature. You’ll challenge yourself and make new friends while enjoying near-peak fall color and crisp wilderness air within three hours of D.C.
To make sure you are physically ready for the best possible experience, our journey starts weeks before we hit the trail. Led by an experienced guide and certified wilderness first responder, our eight-week training program includes:
What to Expect
A training plan designed by Stephanie Mitchell a personal trainer, experienced fitness instructor, and the founder of the ChangeHER community, to train women in midlife for backpacking.
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Weekly hikes to build strength, get to know your guide and fellow travelers, and grow comfortable hiking with your backpack
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An outfitting trip to make sure you have the proper gear
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Expert Training on what to bring, how to pack your backpack, and more
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The full experience, from your first training hike through your last mile on the trail, is $799.
Three day two night itinerary
Day One- Saturday
Meet in the early afternoon at the trailhead and hike four miles to our first campsite, leaning into the experience without an exhausting first day. Forge friendships by the fire and fall asleep in your tent to the sounds of nature.
Day two - Sunday
Wake up and have a nice breakfast at our campsite. Pack up our gear and head out for our first full day of hiking. Cover six miles, crossing gorgeous streams and getting deep into the wilderness away from it all. We camp next to the Seneca Creek and fall asleep to the sounds of flowing water.
Day three - Monday
After breakfast we begin the steepest section of the hike, climbing back up Spruce Mountain with a panoramic view back toward Seneca Creek. Our packs are a little lighter since we have consumed most of our food. Our five-mile hike will take us back to our cars by mid-afternoon. Celebrate our journey before heading home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Reach out anytime at ngetz@betteroutsidetogether.com to ask about your specific situation. If you’re feeling ready, register for the trip.
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No, this trip is designed for new backpackers. As long as you commit to our weekly training, you’ll be ready.
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This trip is also for those with backpacking experience who are looking to find a group of like-minded women to hike with. But, if you are looking for a vigorous trip this one might not meet your needs as our maximum day of hiking will be 7 miles.
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Better Outside Together is built for active women over 40 navigating midlife, whether that's an empty nest, menopause, a career pivot, or caring for aging parents. Your guide has been hiking for 35 years and is a certified Wilderness First Responder. Beyond that, we fully prepare you: you get a training plan developed by Stephanie Mitchell, a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and founder of the ChangeHER community that walks you through a 4 day or 6 day training sequence per week. Gear guidance is provided so you show up prepared. Virtual meet ups with the other hikers so you get the chance to connect with your fellow hikers before the trip begins. We are with you from the first training session to the last mile.
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Yes, if you follow our training plan on your own you can join us at the trailhead the first day. We’ll have regular virtual check-ins to assess your training progress.
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Yes, if you follow our training plan on your own you can join us at the trailhead the first day. We’ll have regular virtual check-ins to assess your training progress.
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Yes, but how much depends on your overall physical fitness. Email me at ngetz@betteroutsidetogether.com to discuss the right training for you.