Welcome to Upstate Warrior Solutions Family Services Sole Sisters 2026!
Sole Sisters is a 9-month training to hike & camp a section of the Appalachian Trail. This training is designed for easy to moderate level hikers. Sole to Soul (co-ed) is designed for the more advanced hiker Sole Sisters is an all female group made up of spouses, partners, caregivers (of veterans, first responders, and active military), female Gold Star Family Members, Blue Star Moms and female veterans, too!
This is a 9-month committment with a financial investment. Your investment goes to cover program expenses, practice hike and camp, and the AT. There are only 30 slots available. Here is what you need to know so that you may make the decision that is best for you.
January 31, 2026 / 2P - 5P / Orientation and Sign-up
- Introduction to Sole Sisters
- Program outline
- Trail style lunch
- Gear review
- Sign-ups
February - August / The terrain, distance, and pack weight will increase for each monthly hike. We will hike at least once in a storm. We will hike at least once in the freezing cold. The goal is to prepare for all possibilities when on the AT.
September - Practice hike and camp
October (Columbus Weekend) - Appalachian Trail Trip
We will have bi-monthly in-person classes. For example, fire starting, survivor skills, hammocking, and more. The dates are TBD.
Each Sole Sister is required to practice independently outside of our monthly Sole Sisters trainings. You have an opportunity to sign-up for a B2L gym membership at a discounted rated that is included in one of the package options.
Fees for the program are as follows.
$215.00 per person with no B2L gym / $250.00 with open B2L gym ***THIS IS A $35.00 PER MONTH GYM MEMBERSHIP
Your open B2L Gym Membership includes: A gym membership effective February 2, 2026 - December 16, 2026. A key fob for 24/7 access, but no AM Warrior Classes. You are welcome to take Matt St. Clairs 5:30PM Yoga class on Wednesday evenings.
Each monthly practice hike is scheduled for the 2nd OR 3rd Saturday of each month starting in February. We will decide as a group! Each month you will receive a communication sharing details of each monthly hike.
I will be your fascilatotor for 2026! If you are interested in volunteering as a co-fascilitator, please let me know.
Again, this is designed for BEGINNERS unless you are an avid hiker that is looking for a slower pace. If you are looking for a monthly hike that will challenge you to your core, please let me know! I will happily introduce you to Matt St. Clair with Sole to Soul. Sole to Soul does not presently offer an AT prep program, but that can change if you decide as a group that you are dedicated to the same mission as Sole Sisters.
Are you ready to step outside of your comfort zone? Are you ready to test your endurance? We are ready to hike alongside of you!
Hikes for 2026 TBD as a collaborative.
For additional details contact Virginia Barnes at 631.506.9669.
With gratitude and peace,
Virginia R. Barnes, 631.506.9669