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High knob

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). 

About the ruck

Join us on Sunday, July 13th near Hillsgrove, PA for a day of hiking, learning and comradery! This route covers nearly 8 miles with 1,800+ ft of elevation gain, earning it the difficulty rating of “moderate-difficult”. We will enjoy babbling streams, a challenging climb, and a breathe-taking view of the of nearly 90,000 acres of Loyalsock State Forest at the iconic High Knob Vista. Expect to spend some time getting to know your fellow hikers, learning about Leave No Trace through an interactive lesson, 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 particular Ruck Day is best suited for those planning to attend the PA Hidden Gem backpacking trip in August or the Tiadaghton Forest Foliage backpacking trip in October, but 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!

Register Now

Quick Facts

  • When: Sunday July 13th, 2025
    • 9 am to ~6 pm
  • Where: Hillsgrove, PA
  • Who: women looking for on trail comradery and to learn about hiking/backpacking best practices 
  • What: ~8 miles with 1,800+ 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 July 13th, 2025
    • 9 am to ~6 pm
  • Where: Hillsgrove, PA
  • Who: women looking for on trail comradery and to learn about hiking/backpacking best practices 
  • What: ~8 miles with 1,800+ 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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Hope to see you at the next one!

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Past Events

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Hope to see you at the next one!

Past Events

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Car81
Car191
Car301

Hope to see you at the next one!

Past Events

car1
Car3
Car4
Car5
Car6
Car7
Car8
Car
Car9
Car12
Car13
car2
Car14
Car15
Car11
Car16
Car10
Car17
Car18
Car19
Car20
Car22
Car21
Car23
Car24
Car25
Car27
Car28
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Car33
Car39
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Car43
Car44
Car46
Car48
Car49
Car50
Car81
Car191
Car301

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
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
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Testimonials

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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"
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
Katey

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
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

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