HIGH KNOLL TRAIL WEEKEND

Join us for a weekend of skill building and Scouting spirit!

March 13-15, 2026

Camp Ottari

2881 Simpkinstown Road Hiwassee, VA 24347

ARRIVAL & CHECK IN

• Check-in at the Camp Ottari Welcome Center on Friday evening, March 13, from 4:00 til 8:00 pm.
• Every participant must have a BSA Medical History Form (Parts A & B). A physician’s signature is not required.
• We recommend eating before arrival as no meal will be provided Friday evening.

CAMPING & TRAIL CONDITIONS

• You will camp at Camp Ottari on Friday night and hike on Saturday.
• Pit latrines are available.
• The hike to an outpost an Saturday can be made by way of several trails. Each requires challenging ascents. 

BACKPACKING CREW REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum crew size: 2 adults & 4 youth.
• Maximum crew size: 12 participants.
• If you don’t have a full crew, let us know—we may be able to place individuals into an existing crew.

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

• .50-caliber black powder rifle shooting
• Tomahawk throwing
• Rock climbing at Point Camp

MEALS & FOOD

• Saturday dinner is provided (a warm, cooked meal).
• You must bring your own non-perishable food for two breakfasts and one trail lunch.
• A guide to summer High Knoll trail meals is included for reference.
• Most crews prefer non-cook meals for breakfast and lunch. We recommend removing packaging and portioning food into 4-person packs for the trail.

PACKING LIST

• Backpack with a padded hip strap & waterproof cover (a tough plastic bag works)
• Stuff sacks or plastic bags for organizing gear
• Backpacking tent with a waterproof ground cloth
• Sleeping bag in a stuff sack (consider placing it inside a plastic bag for extra protection)
• Sleeping pad
• Sleep clothes (only for sleeping—keep them dry!)
• Hiking boots (well broken-in)
• Camp shoes or wading shoes
• Two pairs of socks/day (smooth inner liner + thicker outer sock), avoid cotton; merino wool preferred.
• Underwear
• Non-cotton T-shirts
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Lightweight hiking pants
• Fleece vest
• Waterproof jacket
• Gloves
• Deep bowl, spoon, and cup
• Canteens (at least two)
• Food for two breakfasts & one lunch
• Pocketknife
• Flashlight + extra batteries
• Compass
• Bandanas or handkerchiefs
• Lip balm
• Small towel
• Hand sanitizer
• Lighter or matches
• Some toilet paper and camp shovel or trowel
• Personal medications & hygiene products
• Water filter (or other purification method)

NOTE

• Sheath knives are not needed.
• Cell phone service is spotty, but phones can be used as cameras.