Naval Run
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 hiking & 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 (preferably 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).Â
This trip is dedicated to empowering women in the outdoors.Â
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registration opens 1/13
About the ruck
Join us near Slate Run, PA for a day of hiking, learning and comradery! This route covers ~6 miles with 1,600+ ft of elevation gain, earning it the difficulty rating of “moderate-difficult”. Enjoy babbling streams, a challenging climb, and gorgeous views. Expect to spend some time getting to know your fellow hikers, a Leave No Trace Awareness lesson, and experience the trails on foot with your day-hiking or backpacking gear. Plan for up to 8Â hours between hiking and lessons.Â
This particular Ruck Day is best suited for those planning to attend the PA Waterfalls or PA Grand Canyon backpacking 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!
2023
Trip Gallery
Quick Facts
- When: Sunday March 30th, 2025
- 8 am start, ~4 pm end
- Where: Slate Run/Naval Run area of Tiadaghton SF
- Who: hikers looking for on trail comradery and to learn about hiking/backpacking best practicesÂ
- What: ~6 miles with 1,600+ ft of gain; A day of hiking and learning with like-minded folks. 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.Â
- 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 March 30th, 2025
- 8 am start, ~4 pm end
- Where: Slate Run/Naval Run area of Tiadaghton SF
- Who: women looking for on trail comradery and to learn about hiking/backpacking best practicesÂ
- What: ~6 miles with 1,600+ ft of gain; A day of hiking and learning with like-minded folks. 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.Â
- 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?
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
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!
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.
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!!
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.
Testimonials
what our hikers say
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"
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
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"
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
Testimonials
what our hikers say
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!
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.
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!!
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.
