Lodge-to-hut hiking camps among most popular

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES – 17th March 2010 – This summer the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is offering 12 Family Adventure Camps throughout July and August, with half of these camps featuring an overnight at a full-service AMC hut, part of the oldest hut hiking system in the U.S. Lodge-to-hut hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains has proven to be one of the AMC’s most popular and unique family camp experiences. At the AMC’s Highland Lodge, a range of family camps, including several lodge-to-hut itineraries, will once again run almost weekly to provide a wide selection of dates.

Among the AMC’s different family camps are adventures that include remote canoeing and fly fishing on the AMC’s 66,500-acre Maine Woods conservation land, exploring the summit of Mt. Washington, rafting on the Androscoggin River, and hut hiking along the Appalachian Trail. All camps are a good fit for families with kids who are ages 5-12, and guided activities at every camp location include easy-to-moderate hikes and hands-on naturalist programs such as pond studies, forest ecology, and wildlife watching.

AMC Family Adventure Camps are based at four AMC lodges in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Maine’s Moosehead Lake Region that offer doorstep access to local trail networks and ponds.

In the White Mountains, this summer’s lodge-to-hut family camps are evenly split between the AMC’s Highland Lodge and Joe Dodge Lodge, with camps at both lodges spending an overnight at one of three different AMC huts. Families with younger kids can opt for lower-elevation Zealand Falls Hut or Lonesome Lake Hut, and older or more experienced families can take a moderately challenging hike to Mizpah Spring Hut, located just below tree-line.

For the full schedule of AMC’s Family Adventure Camps, visit www.outdoors.org/adventure_camps.

Rates and reservations
AMC’s Family Adventure Camp all-inclusive package rates vary by location and start at $590 for adult non-members and include five-nights' accommodation, all meals (dinner includes fresh baked bread, soup, salad, entree, and dessert), and guided programs and instruction. At Highland Lodge, guests also have free use of the L.L. Bean gear room. Child rates apply to ages 12 and under and start at $350 per child for non-members. All starting at rates at Highland Lodge and Joe Dodge Lodge include private bunkroom accommodations with shared bath for up to six people. Private rooms with private bath and family rooms are available for an additional charge. At the AMC's Maine Wilderness Lodges, family camp rates include private cabin accommodations.

All rates are plus taxes. AMC members receive discounted rates. 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.

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