OVERVIEW
Up to 75 Miles | 4 days
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Laurel Ridge State Park, PA
Oct 7-10, 2026
KEY DATES
May 31, 2026 - Deadline for registration
Jun 13, 2026 - Cohort Kickoff + Training, 8a - 1p
Jul 18, 2026 - Training #2, 7a - 1p
Aug 15, 2026 - Training #3, 7a - 1p
Sep 11-12, 2026 - Training #4, 7p Fri - 5p Sat (overnight)
Oct 4, 2026 - Virtual Gear Check, 3p - 4p
Oct 23 - Reunion Lunch, 12p - 2p
PARTICIPATION IN THE MAJORITY OF TRAINING IS CRITICAL TO ENSURE YOUR READINESS AND OUR COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE.
If your aim is to complete the entire 75-mile trip, you'll need a deep conviction towards fitness and a willingness to train 2-4 times per week. The full daily trip mileage will range from 16 to 22-miles with 20-30 additional pounds of gear carried. This focuses the experience on sustained physical output and recovery under load, making it well suited for those who feel called to test their physical limits and have the capacity to commit to that level of preparation.
For those choosing to participate but seeking less mileage, know that the trip will remain a demanding, formative experience. A distinction in mileage is less about intensity, and more about your capacity for preparation.
Regardless, the Baker Road crew is well acclimated to first-timers with no history backpacking. We’ll be ready to support you unconditionally alongside offering curated education opportunities and training protocols during the Cohort experiences.
Most training experiences will happen in Knox County, OH, roughly 60 minutes from Columbus and 90 minutes from Cleveland.
YOUR CREW
JOE DELOSS
Founder & Guide
CRAIG MORIN
Guide
ERIC MORIN
Guide
PETE BROWN
Guide
MATTHEW DAVIS
Guide
Your investment in this adventure includes all guidance, group gear, permit fees, and dinners on the trail. Participants will incur additional costs for their personal gear, trail nutrition, and transportation to the trainings and trip. For prior Cohorts, participants have invested between $400 - $1,000 additional dollars in equipment. This secondary spend will be based on your existing experience, gear, and patience navigating FB Marketplace. Baker Road has limited rental kits available, if helpful.
BackpackSleeping PadSleeping Bag3+ L WaterHiking ShoesHiking SocksFood (Breakfast, trail snacks)
BackpackSleeping PadSleeping Bag3+ L WaterHiking ShoesHiking SocksFood (Breakfast, trail snacks)