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Golden Eagle

The primary purpose of the ruck is to prepare you for future backpacking trips, but it is also a great opportunity to meet others, or “dip your toes” into the world of backpacking. We go over many useful tips such as how to pack a balanced backpack, safety in the outdoors, and much, much more. We typically hike at a leisurely pace, taking time to enjoy the outdoors or pause to go over any questions the group might have.

Wild Roots finds the Ruck Days so important to preparing for an overnight trip, that anyone who signs up for a Wild Roots Backpacking trip will earn free registration to 1 Ruck Day prior to their trip. If you aren’t yet ready to commit to a backpacking trip, but would like to “dip your toes in” with a Ruck Day, you can apply the $50 registration fee of your ruck towards a future backpacking trip (within 1 year of the ruck date). 

This trip is dedicated to empowering women in the outdoors. 

registration open 1/13!

About the ruck

New for 2025 – Join us between Slate Run and Camel, PA  for a day of hiking, learning and comradery. Following the Golden Eagle Trail (GET), this route features the iconic vista at Raven Rock, cascading waters of Wolf Run, and so much more. Come enjoy the sounds of babbling creeks and wild spaces. BYOS (By Your Own Snacks) for an extended break/lunch along the trail. Expect to spend some time getting to know your fellow hikers and of course experience the trails on foot with your day-hiking or backpacking gear. Plan for up to 8 hours between hiking and lessons. 

 

This guided hike stands out from the rest in a number of ways! Covering ~9.5 miles with 2,400+ ft of elevation gain, this route is the perfect opportunity to train time-on-feet for longer hikes or backpacking trips. Unlike other ruck day routes that only covers one climb, the GET route includes one challenging climb and one more long, gradual climb, which will be great training all around! Prior to beginning the hike, your guide will offer pack “shake-downs” for those that want help dialing in their overnight or day-hike gear. With the longer mileage and shakedowns, we will not be providing an in depth LNT awareness course provided at other rucks (although it will certainly be discussed!). Considering all the above –  this trip earns the rating of “difficult“.

 

This particular Ruck Day is perfectly suited for those planning to attend the PA Grand Canyon backpacking trip in June, or for anyone looking to train “time on feet” for another backpacking trip later in the year, including PA Waterfalls, PA Hidden Gem, And Tiadaghton Fall Foliage Trips. Wild Roots welcomes all skill levels to attend, whether you are signed up for a backpacking trip or just looking for a day hike.

Sign up and/or share with a friend via links below!

Apply Now

Golden Eagle photos

Quick Facts

  • When: Sunday April 28th, 2024
    • 9 am start, ~5 pm end
  • Where: Asaph Run picnic area, Tioga SF
  • Who: women looking for on trail comradery and to learn about hiking/backpacking best practices – in particular time-on-feet training
  • What: ~9.5 miles with 1,400+ ft of gain; A day of hiking and learning with like-minded women. Learn about backpacking basics while enjoying some lovely views!
  • Why: through individual experience & community, cultivate a sense of confidence and competence while enjoying Mother Nature and the lessons she provides. 
  • Registration: $50/person

What you'll learn

  • Mental & physical preparing for overnight backpacking trips
  • Leave no trace principles
  • How to store food in the backcountry (PCT food-hang – and other options)
  • Basic navigation with topographic maps
  • Respecting, appreciating, and staying safe amongst wildlife
  • Packing a balanced backpack, and choosing gear that is right for you
  • How to complete your own shakedown – what to bring, what not to bring
  • Your own strength!

Quick Facts

What you'll learn

  • When: Sunday April 20th, 2024
    • 8 am start, ~5 pm end
  • Where: Near Slate Run, Tiadaghton SF
  • Who: women looking for on trail comradery and to learn about hiking/backpacking best practices – in particular time-on-feet training
  • What: ~9.5 miles hiking with 2,400+ ft of gain; A day of hiking and learning with like-minded women. Learn about backpacking basics while enjoying some lovely views!
  • Why: through individual experience & community, cultivate a sense of confidence and competence while enjoying Mother Nature and the lessons she provides. 
  • Registration: $50/person
  • Mental & physical preparing for overnight backpacking trips
  • Leave No Trace principles
  • How to store food in the backcountry (PCT food-hang – and other options)
  • Basic navigation with topographic maps
  • Respecting, appreciating, and staying safe amongst wildlife
  • Packing a balanced backpack, and choosing gear that is right for you
  • How to complete your own shakedown – what to bring, what not to bring
  • Your own strength!

Have more questions?

FAQ Page
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Past Events

Hope to see you at the next one!

Past Events

Hope to see you at the next one!

Past Events

Testimonials

what our hikers say

I used Wild Roots for a private consultation, ruck day, and 3-day backpacking trip in the beautiful PA Wilds. Erica is a skilled outdoorswoman and has empowered me to continue exploring with a new skillset. I recommend Wild Roots to anyone interested in learning more about backpacking, and supporting a female-owned small business.
Natasha
Natasha
Expect meticulous attention to detail during consultations. Erica is thorough in the packing list she shares and highlights the importance of "leave no trace." During the backpacking trip itself, Erica takes on the role of ambassador to the sport. She shows care for her fellow adventurers, shares her expertise, while teaching them how to be confident and competent in the wild. Her energy and love for adventure are contagious!
Elizabeth
Elizabeth aka "Snail Sweeper"
I attended a ruck day and also had an initial consult with Erica. She is extremely knowledgeable and provided a great experience during the ruck day. I look forward to learning more from her in an upcoming backpacking trip. This trip was empowering and so enjoyable. If you are interested in backpacking or increasing your knowledge set, this is the place to be.
Tracy
Tracy
Erica of Wild Roots is just tremendous! I would highly recommend her! My experience was fantastic and I left with better confidence in my abilities (thanks to great pre-ruck conversations and pre docs), an amazing day of experiences with new friends (magical conversations and sharing), and better understanding of what others do in their own experiences (all shared how they pack, favorite tools and items, learned the [PCT] bear bag method, etc). Thank you so much Erica- I'm looking forward to more miles together for sure!!
Katey
Katey
I used Wild Roots for a private consultation, ruck day, and 3-day backpacking trip in the beautiful PA Wilds. Erica is a skilled outdoorswoman and has empowered me to continue exploring with a new skillset. I recommend Wild Roots to anyone interested in learning more about backpacking, and supporting a female-owned small business.
Natasha
Natasha
Expect meticulous attention to detail during consultations. Erica is thorough in the packing list she shares and highlights the importance of "leave no trace." During the backpacking trip itself, Erica takes on the role of ambassador to the sport. She shows care for her fellow adventurers, shares her expertise, while teaching them how to be confident and competent in the wild. Her energy and love for adventure are contagious!
Elizabeth
Elizabeth aka "Snail Sweeper"
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Testimonials

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what our hikers say

I used Wild Roots for a private consultation, ruck day, and 3-day backpacking trip in the beautiful PA Wilds. Erica is a skilled outdoorswoman and has empowered me to continue exploring with a new skillset. I recommend Wild Roots to anyone interested in learning more about backpacking, and supporting a female-owned small business.
Natasha
Natasha
Expect meticulous attention to detail during consultations. Erica is thorough in the packing list she shares and highlights the importance of "leave no trace." During the backpacking trip itself, Erica takes on the role of ambassador to the sport. She shows care for her fellow adventurers, shares her expertise, while teaching them how to be confident and competent in the wild. Her energy and love for adventure are contagious!
Elizabeth aka "Snail Sweeper"
Elizabeth
I attended a ruck day and also had an initial consult with Erica. She is extremely knowledgeable and provided a great experience during the ruck day. I look forward to learning more from her in an upcoming backpacking trip. This trip was empowering and so enjoyable. If you are interested in backpacking or increasing your knowledge set, this is the place to be.
Tracy
Tracy
Erica of Wild Roots is just tremendous! I would highly recommend her! My experience was fantastic and I left with better confidence in my abilities (thanks to great pre-ruck conversations and pre docs), an amazing day of experiences with new friends (magical conversations and sharing), and better understanding of what others do in their own experiences (all shared how they pack, favorite tools and items, learned the [PCT] bear bag method, etc). Thank you so much Erica- I'm looking forward to more miles together for sure!!
Katey aka "GuruHy-ya"
Katey
I used Wild Roots for a private consultation, ruck day, and 3-day backpacking trip in the beautiful PA Wilds. Erica is a skilled outdoorswoman and has empowered me to continue exploring with a new skillset. I recommend Wild Roots to anyone interested in learning more about backpacking, and supporting a female-owned small business.
Natasha
Natasha
Expect meticulous attention to detail during consultations. Erica is thorough in the packing list she shares and highlights the importance of "leave no trace." During the backpacking trip itself, Erica takes on the role of ambassador to the sport. She shows care for her fellow adventurers, shares her expertise, while teaching them how to be confident and competent in the wild. Her energy and love for adventure are contagious!
Elizabeth aka "Snail Sweeper"
Elizabeth

Testimonials

what our hikers say

I used Wild Roots for a private consultation, ruck day, and 3-day backpacking trip in the beautiful PA Wilds. Erica is a skilled outdoorswoman and has empowered me to continue exploring with a new skillset. I recommend Wild Roots to anyone interested in learning more about backpacking, and supporting a female-owned small business.
Natasha
Natasha
Expect meticulous attention to detail during consultations. Erica is thorough in the packing list she shares and highlights the importance of "leave no trace." During the backpacking trip itself, Erica takes on the role of ambassador to the sport. She shows care for her fellow adventurers, shares her expertise, while teaching them how to be confident and competent in the wild. Her energy and love for adventure are contagious!
Elizabeth
Elizabeth aka "Snail Sweeper"
I attended a ruck day and also had an initial consult with Erica. She is extremely knowledgeable and provided a great experience during the ruck day. I look forward to learning more from her in an upcoming backpacking trip. This trip was empowering and so enjoyable. If you are interested in backpacking or increasing your knowledge set, this is the place to be.
Tracy
Tracy
Erica of Wild Roots is just tremendous! I would highly recommend her! My experience was fantastic and I left with better confidence in my abilities (thanks to great pre-ruck conversations and pre docs), an amazing day of experiences with new friends (magical conversations and sharing), and better understanding of what others do in their own experiences (all shared how they pack, favorite tools and items, learned the [PCT] bear bag method, etc). Thank you so much Erica- I'm looking forward to more miles together for sure!!
Katey
Katey
I used Wild Roots for a private consultation, ruck day, and 3-day backpacking trip in the beautiful PA Wilds. Erica is a skilled outdoorswoman and has empowered me to continue exploring with a new skillset. I recommend Wild Roots to anyone interested in learning more about backpacking, and supporting a female-owned small business.
Natasha
Natasha
Expect meticulous attention to detail during consultations. Erica is thorough in the packing list she shares and highlights the importance of "leave no trace." During the backpacking trip itself, Erica takes on the role of ambassador to the sport. She shows care for her fellow adventurers, shares her expertise, while teaching them how to be confident and competent in the wild. Her energy and love for adventure are contagious!
Elizabeth
Elizabeth aka "Snail Sweeper"

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Guided backpacking and hiking trips in Pennsylvania.

Wild Roots Guides (WRG) is devoted to empowering those who wish to explore wild spaces. We hope to offer affordable services, guidance and opportunities that will allow Wild Roots hikers to gain experiences necessary to safely enjoy and feel confident in nature. WRG believes in the importance of both a supportive community and individual experience to foster capabilities and self-assuredness. Wild Roots will meet you at your level of experience and begin building from there.

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wildrootsguides@gmail.com
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