New name, same celebration! The Flip-Flop Festival has changed its name to Flip-Flop Kickoff to more accurately feature the purpose of the event: promoting flip-flop thru-hikes and celebrating flip-flop thru-hikers! While the name may have changed, attendees can still expect informative hiking workshops led by Appalachian Trail experts on Saturday, April 22, and support for hikers starting in Harpers Ferry with a pancake breakfast and sendoff on Sunday, April 23. New for 2023: the town of Brunswick, Maryland, will host a Saturday night cookout, shuttles to the event and back to Harpers Ferry, and camping locations for attendees.
New for 2023
Register in advance for the workshops and events you would like to attend! All events are free, but reservations are recommended to ensure you have a spot.
Flip-Flop Hiker Meet & Greet
Saturday, April 22 at 9 a.m. EDT
Harpers Ferry Interpretive Design Center
Connect with hikers just beginning their adventures and former thru-hikers eager to give advice.
What the Funk?
Saturday, April 22 at 10 a.m. EDT
Curtis Freewill Baptist Church
Join Jim Fetig, President of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), as he breaks down how to stay clean and healthy on your hikes.
Pack Shakedowns
Saturday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. EDT
Harpers Ferry Interpretive Design Center
Let an Appalachian Trail ridgerunner shakedown your pack and give you advice on what to carry on your hike.
Flip-Flop 101
Saturday, April 22 at 11 a.m. EDT
Curtis Freewill Baptist Church
Join Deb Coleman as she discusses how to complete a safe and enjoyable Flip-Flop thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail.
The State of the Trail
Saturday, April 22 at Noon EDT
Curtis Freewill Baptist Church
Join the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s CEO, Sandi Marra, as she discusses the ATC’s efforts to protect, manage, and advocate for the A.T.
Ask the Flip-Floppers
Saturday, April 22 at 1:15 p.m. EDT
Curtis Freewill Baptist Church
Join a panel discussion with three freshly finished 2022 flip-flop thru-hikers.
Hiking with Your Dog
Saturday, April 22 at 3 p.m. EDT
Harpers Ferry Interpretive Design Center
Section hiker Maria Wishart and her dog, Boots, present this workshop on how to prepare your dog for hiking.
Flip-Flop Kickoff Shuttle
Saturday, April 22 – Beginning at 5 p.m. EDT
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters and Visitor Center
Reserve your spot for the shuttle to and from the campground in Brunswick, Maryland, for Flip-Flop Kickoff!
For additional information, visit flipflopfestival.org.
Venue
799 Washington St
Harpers Ferry,
WV
25425
United States
