COH Bible & Hike 2026!
Join us for an adventure! On Monday, July 6 - Friday, July 10 we are taking a group from COH backpacking through the Roan Highlands, along the North Carolina and Tennessee border. This stretch of the Appalachian Trail is considered to be one of the most beautiful sections of the entire AT. Backpacking trips are an awesome way to get away from the daily grind, enjoy God’s creation, stretch physical and mental limits, bond with one another, and grow in faith.
This year's hike is an extremely moderate 15 mile hike, with three days and two nights spent on the trail. The mileage is short, but this should not be mistaken for an easy walk. There are at least three steep climbs and a fast downhill at the end. You should expect long days, sore legs, incredible views, and lots of fun. When we're done hiking, we'll end our trip with dinner out and a hotel night, (real showers and beds!). Since the miles are short and the scenery amazing, we will take our time, especially focusing on relationships with each other and God.
Basic Info:
Who can go?
This trip is open to anyone 14 years or older. Because of group limits on the trail, we only have 9 spots left on this trip, so register now to secure your spot. You don't need to be an experienced outdoor enthusiast to go, but you should be able to hike 8 miles per day while carrying a loaded backpack. The first four miles of the trail are a steep uphill climb. We will take it slow, but it is still not a walk in the park. ;)
When is the Trip?
Monday, July 6 - Friday, July 10
Sunday, April 12 at 12:30 PM following the 2nd Sunday Service we will have a Bible & Bike INFO MEETING to get any questions you have answered and help you know how to prep for this trip!
What is the Itinerary?
Monday, 7/6:
We’ll meet at Community of Hope early on Monday morning, do a final gear check, then drive to a hotel where we will stay for the first night. We will have dinner, go over our maps, hiking plan, Bible study, and then bedtime. Dinner plans to be determined.
Tuesday, 7/7:
We will start with a short prayer time and breakfast at the hotel. Then we will hike a short, but steep 5-6 miles to a shelter along the AT where we’ll set up camp, have dinner, Bible study, enjoy the views, and head to bed.
Wednesday, 7/8:
We will hike about 6-7 miles and end at another backcountry campsite along the AT, where we’ll set up camp, have dinner, Bible study, enjoy the views, and head to bed. This day will be long and hot–no shade and limited water, so we will be carrying quite a bit.
Thursday, 7/9:
We will begin this day with a beautiful sunrise right from our campsite. We will have breakfast, break down camp, then spend the day hiking a super short 3 miles downhill to our cars. We will grab a quick lunch to take back to the hotel, shower, swim, group dinner and Bible study and group discussion.
Friday, 7/10:
We’ll have breakfast at our hotel and head back to Community of Hope.
How much will it cost?
The cost of this trip is approximately $50 plus two hotel nights (see below for total cost based upon rooming preference) which includes transportation, parking fees, and two nights at a hotel. Checks can be made out to Community of Hope. If this cost is prohibitive to you, contact us (eikhoffj@gmail.com) and we can explore scholarship opportunities!
1/room - $400
2/room - $200
3/room - $100
4/room - $50
*Fast-food meals on the drive down and back, and dinner out on first and last night are not included in the trip cost.
How does the food work?
Food on this trip breaks down into three parts:
On the way down/Back:
We will stop for a fast-food breakfast/lunch on our drive down and on our drive back. These meals are not included in the trip cost.
WHILE BACKPACKING:
Each person is responsible for their own food. Please let me know if you need help planning your food. This is not included in the trip cost.
Day 1: Breakfast at hotel (not included in trip cost), bring backpacking meals: lunch, dinner, and snacks
Day 2: Bring food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
Day 3. Bring backpacking breakfast and snacks.
Post-BACKPACKING:
We will have a fast food lunch and eat one dinner out on our last hotel night, and stop for fast food breakfast/lunch on the drive back. These meals are not included in the trip cost.
Here are some packable breakfast and lunch ideas:
Chicken, Tuna, and Salmon Packets
dried meats like salami, summer sausage, and various types of jerky
Hard cheeses shelf-stable, like individually packed String cheese, individual cream cheese packets
Pop Tarts, Granola, Energy, and Meal Bars,
Trail Mix, Nuts, and Dried Fruit
Peanut and Almond Butter
Tortillas/bagels are perfect vessel for peanut butter, cheese and meats, and other protein
Dark Chocolate
Instant Coffee and Tea Bags
Small packets of salt, pepper, olive oil, hot sauce, and fast food condiment packets (mayo, mustard, etc.) can really elevate your backcountry grub
Powdered electrolytes, IE Gatorade
How do I Register?
To register, please fill out the form below along with a $100 deposit which can be paid at the church, mailed, or paid online. Checks should be made out to Community of Hope Church. Please indicate on the memo line that this is designated for the Bible & Hike Trip. If paying online you can write Bible & Hike in the envelope # line on the second page. The mailing address is 1435 West Royalton Road, Broadview Heights, OH 44147. The deadline to register is June 1.
Note: Because we have to cap our group at 10 people, we will honor first-come, first-serve registrations. If you are thinking about registering but have a question you'd like answered first, feel free to use the form below.
What Will I Need to Bring?
CLICK HERE to review a comprehensive list of what to pack. Once you register, we will contact you to talk about gear. You don’t need to personally own a lot of this stuff, as we know several people willing to lend out backpacking items.