Appalachian Mountains Backpacking & Whitewater Canoeing

Travel on foot over some of the oldest mountains in the world, accessing areas rarely seen by average visitors and developing navigation, backcountry cooking and other campcraft skills. Work with your crewmates to translate a 2D topographic map into the 3D rugged terrain of laurel and rhododendron thickets, wooded slopes and grassy balds. You’ll feel a rush of adrenaline on churning whitewater rapids like “Rooster Tail” and “Galloping Sluice.” The rock-strewn rivers create a maze that requires strong teamwork to read the water, scout rapids and coordinate paddle strokes. All along, you’ll develop skills and qualities that will serve you well in the wilderness and beyond.

The Southern Appalachians (which includes the Blue Ridge & Great Smoky mountain ranges) are some of the oldest mountains in the world. The lush, dense forests feature an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna. Our courses here foster an appreciation of nature and environmental stewardship and often include an environmental service project. Amidst these highest mountains east of the Mississippi, rocky crags and granite outcroppings provide exceptional climbing opportunities. Creeks, streams and rivers criss-cross the region and cascade into waterfalls and whitewater rapids that offer challenging runs for all skill levels.

The Outward Bound Difference… On this course run by North Carolina Outward Bound School, students develop leadership, independence, decision-making and responsibility. Through challenge and adventure, you discover you are capable of more than you thought possible.

You’ll develop teamwork while working together to find your way through rhododendron thickets, set up camp, cook your own meals over a camp stove and learn Leave No Trace techniques to minimize your impact on the land. You will also participate in a service project to give back to the community or the land. And solo is a time for reflection and rest at an individual campsite.

Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. No experience is necessary. You’ll leave course with newfound strength that can help you through everyday situations as well as the unknown challenges to come.

Sharing the Outward Bound experience with peers, adults participating in the 18+ course will revel in the spirit of camaraderie from a group expedition and go away with a renewed awareness of their inner strengths.

Region: North Carolina

Activities: backpacking, whitewater canoeing, Leave No Trace, solo, service project, personal challenge event

Additional Information:
Application Fee
Transportation Fee

Dates	Days	Age	Focus	Location	Tuition	Course	Enroll
05/17/08 to 05/24/08	8	18+	Adults 18+, 23+	Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, Chattooga or French Broad River	$1395.00	NDO821
06/12/08 to 06/25/08	14	16-18	N/A	Southern Appalachians, Pisgah National Forest	$2445.00	NDN841
07/16/08 to 07/29/08	14	16-18	N/A		$2445.00	NDN842
08/04/08 to 08/17/08	14	16-18	N/A	Appalachian Mountains	$2445.00	NDN843
08/06/08 to 08/13/08	8	16-18	N/A	Appalachian Mountains	$1395.00	NDN821
08/30/08 to 09/06/08	8	18+	Adults 18+, 23+		$1395.00	NDO822