OVERVIEW
Up to 75 Miles | 4 days
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Laurel Ridge State Park, PA
May 19-22, 2027
KEY DATES
Jan 20, 2027 - Deadline for registration
Feb 21, 2027 - Cohort Kickoff + Training
Apr 30-May 1, 2027 - Training (overnight)
May 9, 2027 - Virtual Gear Check
June 4, 2027 - Reunion Lunch
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As cost are incurred beginning at registration, we’ve established the following refund policy - this protects the time and resources needed to accommodate canceled spots. Refunds and credits are offered based on your chosen price.
2 weeks after registration deadline > 50% refund or 100% credit
4 weeks after registration deadline > 25% refund or 50% credit
8 weeks (or more) after registration deadline > 0% refund or 50% credit
WHAT TO EXPECT
Kickoff Gathering
We’ll begin with an in-person kickoff to set the foundation for the adventure and months ahead. You’ll receive a clear logistics overview, conversation around gear, and a full pack demonstration so you can see how everything comes together. We’ll finish with a short hike to test pack fit and weight, ask questions, and make early adjustments together.
Training Hikes & Skill Building
At our second training, we’ll cover backpacking essentials that make a real difference on trail, including water purification, foot care, and blister prevention and treatment. These sessions are practical, hands-on, and designed to build confidence rather than overwhelm.
Optional Community Hike
This hike is open to current Cohort hikers and past Baker Road participants for a productive day on trail. We'll do this with flexible mileage options to fit into your training program and ambitions. It's also a great opportunity for connection, shared stories, and getting a feel for the growing Baker Road community.
Ongoing Support
Baker Road crew are deeply committed to your preparation and readiness. We’ll walk alongside you throughout the process, offering guidance, answering questions, and supporting you however you need as you train physically, mentally, and logistically.
Life at Camp
On trail, expect thoughtfully prepared meals, time to rest and recover, and mornings and evenings centered around sharing with one another. These moments create space for reflection, honest conversation, and the kind of community that tends to linger long after the hike ends.
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
ADDITIONAL INFO
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)