2010 trip lineup includes new 50+ lodge-to-hut adventures

Since the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) introduced its Guided Lodge-to-Hut Adventures three years ago, participation in these AMC naturalist-led hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trips has more than doubled—with especially strong interest among outdoor enthusiasts ages 50 and older. The AMC is further expanding its guided lodge-to-hut experiences in New Hampshire’s White Mountains this summer to offer hut overnight trips exclusively for hikers ages 50 and older, as part of the AMC’s 50+ Adventure Camps and shorter getaways.

In addition to 14 Guided Lodge-to-Hut Adventure trips in 2010, the AMC’s new 50+ Lodge-to-Hut Adventure Camp this June also features a lodge-to-hut hike. Guests stay overnight at the AMC’s Zealand Falls Hut, located in Zealand Notch near waterfalls and with outstanding views at the eastern edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Freshly prepared meals and bunkroom accommodations are provided, allowing hikers to carry lighter packs and making the backcountry more accessible and comfortable for all ages. For the best of both worlds, guests enjoy lodge amenities at the AMC’s Highland Lodge for the remainder of the camp.

Like the AMC’s other 5-night 50+ camps, the lodge-to-hut trip features a highly social mix of activities, including moderately challenging day hikes, nature walks, cultural talks, outdoor skills programs, and yoga. Guests can unwind in the evenings at pre-dinner socials with hors d’oeuvres and beverages, followed by a delicious meal and featured guest speakers. Guests also receive a complimentary 25-minute massage.

A shorter 50+ Lodge-to-Hut Adventure Getaway is also new this summer. Based at the AMC’s Joe Dodge Lodge, this three-night 50+ trip is moderately more challenging with a hike to the AMC’s higher elevation Mizpah Spring Hut, located just below tree-line.

In Maine, another new five-night AMC 50+ Adventure Camp experience this summer, “50+ Explore Maine Adventure Camp,” showcases some of the best paddling and hiking in the Maine Woods, including the Fourth and Third Roach Ponds on AMC’s newly conserved 66,500-acre property. Other highlights include climbing Mt. Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine, and hiking to the summit of Nesuntabunt Mountain for some of the best views of the Katahdin Range. Guests stay in private cabins at the AMC’s Medawisla Wilderness Lodge and enjoy home-cooked meals, nightly social hours, evening programs, and campfires under the starlit Maine Woods sky.

For the full schedule of the AMC’s Guided Lodge-to-Hut and 50+ Adventure Camps and Getaways, visit www.outdoors.org/lodging/summer-fifty-plus.cfm.

Rates and reservations
All-inclusive AMC “Guided Lodge-to-Hut Adventures” this summer start at $365 for non-members and include lodge and hut accommodations, meals, instruction, and guiding, plus free use of the L.L. Bean gear room for trips based at the AMC’s Highland Lodge.

All-inclusive, five-night AMC “50+ Adventure Camps” start at $711 for non-members and include lodging, meals, and guiding, plus gear at Highland Lodge camps.

The all-inclusive AMC lodge-to-hut “50+ Adventure Getaway” at Joe Dodge Lodge starts at $312 for non-members.

All rates are plus taxes. Discounted rates are available for AMC members. For reservations, call (603) 466-2727.

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America’s oldest conservation and recreation organization. With more than 100,000 members, advocates, and supporters in the Northeast and beyond, the nonprofit AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. The AMC supports natural resource conservation while encouraging responsible recreation, based on the philosophy that successful, long-term conservation depends upon first-hand enjoyment of the natural environment.