Operation APPALACHIAN

Operation APPALACHIAN

June 07, 2025 | Mount Greylock, MA, USA

Distance: 9 / 16 +/- miles

Weight: 20 lbs dry

Elevation: 3,245 / 4,964 +/- elevation gain

Brief Start Time: Saturday, June 07, 2025 at 0700 hrs

Event Start Time: Saturday, June 07, 2025 at 0730 hrs

Start Location: Thunderbolt Lodge Trailhead Parking, Adams, Massachusetts

Event Finish Time: Saturday, June 07, 2025 at 1500 hrs

Finish Location: Thunderbolt Lodge Trailhead Parking, Adams, Massachusetts

Situation

Operation APPALACHIAN offers two distances, 9 and 16 miles, and starts and ends at Mount Greylock in Massachusetts. Mount Greylock State Reservation is home to the highest peak in Massachusetts, offering stunning panoramic views of five states from its summit. This event takes candidates on the world-famous Appalachian Trail, providing a challenging and scenic adventure through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.

Mission

Operation APPALACHIAN MINI. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 9 +/- mile route in under 4.5 hours to pass and under 3 hours to earn the GBF Operation APPALACHIAN MINI Dog Tag.

Operation APPALACHIAN. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 16 +/- mile route in under 7 hours to pass and under 5.5 hours to earn the GBF Operation APPALACHIAN Dog Tag.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the Thunderbolt Lodge Trailhead Parking. At 0700 hours, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 0730 hours.

Service Support

Mapping. GBF events use the AllTrails app for navigation. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS too.

Route. Ensure you download the map for offline use. Cell service is not guaranteed.

The route for Operation APPALACHIAN MINI is here.

The route for Operation APPALACHIAN is here.

Weight. Candidates must carry a minimum of 20 lbs dry (i.e. without food and water) in a backpack. Weight vests or sandbags are not permitted.

Equipment

Mandatory Equipment

• Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
• Phone (fully charged)
• Phone charger
• LifeStraw (or similar water filtration system)
• Head Torch (spare batteries)
• Hydration bladder(s)
• Whistle
• Compass
• Emergency rations (see below)
• Emergency shelter
• Personal First Aid Kit

Strongly Recommended

• Maps (waterproofed)
• GPS
• Blister kit
• Pocket knife
• Chem-light/Cyalume
• Hiking poles
• MRE(s)

Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice.

Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on this route. There may be an unmanned waterpoint on APPALACHIAN, depending on weather conditions.

Water. There will be bottled water at the finish point. Candidates should carry enough water to last the route distance plus 3 additional miles, in case they get lost.

Rations. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 energy bars and 0.5 liters of water as emergency rations.

Medical. Every candidate requires a personal medical kit. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions before starting the event.

Transportation. Transport to and from the event will be at the candidate's arrangement.

Command and Signal. GBF HQ: 941-993-9432

The Fine Print

Numbers. Maximum number of candidates 40. Minimum number of candidates 15.

Refunds. Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher to use towards future events. Refunds must be requested 30 days before the event start date.

Event Changes. Slight changes to any event including, but not limited to route changes, brief times, start locations, and other details are under the discretion of GBF Staff.