Croatan Hiking

Nature:

Life's Next Great Adventure

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Policies and Frequently Asked Questions Croatan Hiking Camping and Hiking Policies. Cancellation Policy: RV or CABIN: If a cancellation is made prior to 10 days of the scheduled check-in date, a refund will be issued minus a $15 administrative fee. A refund will not be offered 10 days or less of the arrival date. There are no exceptions for weather. Rain checks are not available for RV or Cabin rentals TENT CAMPING: The cancellation period for tent camping is 5 days. If a cancellation is made more than 5 days of the scheduled arrival date, a refund will be issued, minus a $15 administrative fee. A refund will not be offered 5 days or less of the arrival date. There are no exceptions for weather. Private Day Hikes: If a cancellation is made prior to 3 days of the scheduled check-in date, a refund will be issued minus a $15 administrative fee. A refund will not be offered 3 days or less of the arrival date. MULI-DAY HIKING AND CAMPING: The cancellation policy for hiking and camping combo packages is 10 days and require a 50% non-refundable deposit. Firewood: Outside firewood cannot be brought onto Croatan Hiking property due to the spread of insects and disease. Firewood is available for purchase on site. Campfires are limited to the fire rings provided. Fires are not to be left unattended and must be extinguished before leaving the site. Only burn wood that will fit inside the fire ring. Please, No Trash in the fire ring. Leave No Trace: 1. Plan ahead and prepare. 2.Travel and camp on durable surfaces. 3.Dispose of waste properly. 4.Leave what you find. 5.Minimize campfire impact. 6.Respect wildlife. 7.Be considerate of other campers. Cutting, chopping or damage of any kind to trees and plants, large or small, is strictly forbidden. No removal of plants, trees or rocks. Digging is not allowed. Do not dismantle the rock fire rings. Stay on marked trails. Pick up your trash and dispose of properly. FINES FOR VIOLATIONS WILL BE IMPOSED. PETS: Pets on a leash are welcome. We ask that you clean up after your pet, do not leave them unattended and digging is not allowed. Pets are not allowed inside the bath house or on the furniture in the Cabins. Pets are not allowed on the guided hikes. CHECK IN/CHECK OUT TIMES: Check in for Cabin Rental is 3:00 pm. Check out is 11:00 am. Check in for Tent and RV camping is 1:00 pm. Check out is 11:00 am. All guests must check in at the camp office upon arrival. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended and often required during winter months. FAQs Is there a bathroom at the hike in sites: There are eco-friendly toilets located near all remote areas. The showers are located near the parking area. Do you offer a military discount: All military members with valid military ID will receive a free bundle of firewood upon arrival and a 10% discount. Do the tent sites have power: Power is available at the Bath House. All tent sites, except for the remote sites, have one power outlet. Quite Time Quite time is 11:00 pm to 8;00 am. Day Hikes What do I need to bring on a day hike? Please wear comfortable trail shoes (sneakers and running shoes are great; you do not have to wear boots). We ask that you bring a rain jacket and extra layers, as well as one liter of water per person for half day hikes and two liters of water per person for a full day hike. You are encouraged to bring a day pack if you have one. It is very important that you bring any personal medications that you might need on the trail, such as an inhaler or epi-pen. What if it's raining? We hike in all kinds of weather - including rain and snow. If Croatan Hiking deems the conditions unsafe for hiking or driving (e.g. flooding, lightning, ice) then we will cancel the trip and provide a full refund or allow you to reschedule the trip at your convenience. How long are the hikes? Half Day Hikes range in distance from 2 to 5 miles and range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Full Day Hikes range in distance from 5 to 10 miles and range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Backpacking Trips I don't have any gear. Is that a problem? Croatan Hiking can provide tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, and trekking poles. We also pack group gear such as water filters, camp stoves, cookware, rope, maps and a compass. What about food? Croatan Hiking provides ample food on our overnight trips. We offer a wide array of standard backpacking food including dehydrated dinners, dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, and oatmeal. We like to throw some fresh fruits and veggies in the pack for snacks and there is always a treat for after dinner. And yes, we pack instant coffee for breakfast. Please let us know of dietary restrictions and preferences in advance. We are happy to accommodate when possible. What happens if it rains? We hike rain or shine! Sometimes, thunderstorms, ice, snow, or extreme cold may be considered severe weather. In these circumstances, we may change trip itinerary or cancel the trip. Rental Gear What kinds of rental gear do you have available? We rent backpacks, sleeping bags with liners, sleeping pads, tents, trekking poles, cook sets (stove, pot, cups, utensils), and water filters. We do not rent maps, fuel, or first aid kits (all are available for sale at the Camp Store). We also have meal packages available for gear rentals with advanced reservations. What happens if gear is damaged while I'm using it? We expect some wear and tear on gear while its being used. If gear is damaged beyond normal wear and tear or not returned, a replacement charge may be issued. More information about replacement cost is available upon request. How heavy is the gear going to be? Depending on how much personal gear and clothing you have; your pack may weigh around 25-35 lbs. General Information PACKING LIST Gear: Comfortable pack 3-Season sleeping bag: If your sleeping bag is rated above 30 degrees, then consider bringing an extra jacket or sleeping bag liner for added warmth. Sleeping pad Tent or tarp Two- 32 oz Water bottles: Or a hydration system that can accommodate 2 liters of water Headlamp or flashlight First Aid and hygiene: Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and any personal medication. Clothes: Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes 2 pairs of wool or wicking socks Long johns, tights, or pants Shorts T-shirt or tank Long sleeve shirt Warm jacket Rain jacket Warm hat Gloves Optional Items: Bug spray Sunscreen Camera: Small digital cameras are recommended. Cell phone: A great safety tool! Please keep it on silent or airplane mode during the hike. Whistle Cash: For incidentals in town or Camp Store. Notes Avoid cotton clothing. It does not dry quickly and can cause irritation. Also, it’s heavy to carry when wet. Don’t brings extra clothes or items you don’t need. Extra socks and underwear are okay, because they don't take up much room. Ask your guide if you have any questions. We recommend storing all gear and clothing in plastic zip-lock bags or trash bags. Even if there is not rain in the forecast, weather can change quickly in the mountains and it is best to be prepared. Don’t feel like you need to buy new fancy gear for this trip. Comfortable athletic clothes are great to hike in.