“I don’t know of any company who provides such a high level of comfort for the parents and the children. It’s like sending your child to visit a close family friend.”
- Nancy Crawford
Louisville, KY
Backpack in the Appalachian Mountains and enjoy breathtaking views and lush scenery. Observe pods of dolphins beneath your sea kayak and marine birds overhead. Explore the underground world of a cave in Eastern Tennessee. Your overnight rafting trip on the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River will be an experience you will remember forever. It’s all here in the Blue Ridge! The Blue Ridge trips are a great transition from summer camp to a wilderness program, as several nights are spent at our North Carolina Basecamp.
Nothing is more satisfying than the amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the Shining Rock Wilderness Area at sunset. Learn the basics of backpacking. Most students say this is a highlight of the trip because they make such close friends in their small groups.
Choose your level of challenge when you climb the 250 million year old granite that’s literally in our own backyard! We will set up climbs for all abilities so you can enjoy the view from the top.
Again, choose your level of challenge in world-renowned Dupont State Forest. Coast along a wide path or pick up the pace as you peddle down a steeper single-track. Enjoy a cool swim at one of many waterfalls along the trail.
Grab your headlamp - we are heading deep underground to explore a new world beneath your feet. Climb, slither, and crawl through a maze of passages and tunnels. Experience complete darkness and silence (if you can stop laughing at your mud-covered friends!). Learn about the unique ecology of caves.
Learn to paddle your tandem kayak as you and your partner explore marine life on the coast. Look for dolphins, crabs, great blue herons and other marine life and sleep on the beach at night.
A great trip for first-timers, the French Broad offers class II-III rapids. Defend your boat from splash wars, take a break for a swim, and enjoy a great day on the river.
Get soaked shooting the roaring rapids of the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. Our friends from Wildwater, the very first outfitter on the river, will help you perfect your paddling skills on this exciting and scenic trip.
See the most incredible scenery that North Carolina has to offer as you hike a section of this famous 2,175 mile trail that extends from Georgia to Maine. You’ll get great views from high mountain peaks, and maybe even visit an old ghost town!
Space is Limited. Call 888-954-5555 for more information about this trip and to check availability. Apply early to ensure the trip of your choice.
Arrive in Charlotte (CLT) by 1 pm opening day. You can also drive to CLT airport or to our North Carolina Basecamp - address below.
Depart Charlotte (CLT) by 2 pm closing day. You can also pick up your child at the CLT airport or at our North Carolina Basecamp - address below.
Already enrolled? Log in to the Registered Students Page for your equipment lists, paperwork, and more!
Monday, July 12: Day hike to the top of Looking Glass Rock for incredible views of Pisgah National Forest
Tuesday, July 13 – Thursday July 15: 3-day backpack in Pisgah National Forest. Nothing is more satisfying than being above 6,000 ft with incredible views of mountain ranges extending over four states.
Friday, July 16: Mountain bike in Dupont State Forest. Coast along a wide path or pick up the pace on steeper downhill single-track. Peddle by huge and famous waterfalls.
Saturday, July 17: Climb at Gilbert’s rock. We will set up ropes for all abilities so you can find just the right handholds and footholds, and enjoy the view from the top.
Sunday, July 18: Whitewater rafting on the French Broad River. Learn to paddle and defend your boat from splash wars on class II – III rapids on one of the world’s geologically oldest rivers.
Monday, July 19- Thursday, July 22: 4-day backpack in the Appalachian Mountains followed by caving on the last day. Climb, slither, and crawl through a maze of passages and tunnels. Experience complete darkness and silence while you learn about the unique ecology of caves.
Friday, July 23: Logistics Day.
Saturday, July 24 – Monday, July 26: 3-Day sea kayak trip to Capers Island, a South Carolina barrier island near Charleston. Look for dolphins, crabs, great blue herons, and other marine life as you enjoy three days on the water. Return to North Carolina base camp.
Tuesday, July 27 – Wednesday, July 28: Overnight rafting trip in the Chattooga River. Get soaked shooting the rolling rapids for two days on this Wild and Scenic River.
Thursday, July 29: Blue Ridge Parkway Day! See great views, picnic, take a short hike then enjoy a fun ride down Sliding Rock, a natural waterslide in the Pisgah National Forest.
Friday, July 30: Students depart Charlotte, NC or the Adventure Treks Flat Rock, NC office by 2pm.
We reserve the right to alter the itinerary prior to and throughout the trip as we constantly improve the Adventure Treks experience. Itineraries may change due to: Severe weather, student ability, motivation and conditioning, high or low rivers, high or low snow pack, unpredictable natural disasters and acts of God, vehicle breakdowns, road closures, volcanic activity, forest fires, illness, ever changing permit regulations, any potential threat to safety, or even a brilliant idea from an instructor or student. In the event of a schedule change, comparable activities will be substituted when possible and you will be notified by e-mail of significant changes.
Is this the best trip for me?
The Blue Ridge Experience is a perfect trip for students age 12-14 who are currently in 6th-8th grade. With 24 students in the group, you will be challenged appropriately because we break up into small groups for each activity based on your interest and ability. Students spend time at our basecamp between activities, so this is a great trip for students who want the next step beyond summer camp.
What other trips might be right for me?
Where is the basecamp located?
Our office address is:
1899 Berea Church Road
Hendersonville, NC 28739
If you’re planning on driving, please call or email us for directions, as we’ve found that GPS is often unreliable.
Will I need cold-weather clothing on this trip?
Temperatures in the NC mountains are usually moderate, but we also want you to be prepared for cooler evenings and mornings around camp. A fleece, hat and gloves are recommended as part of your equipment list so you’ll be comfortable in any weather. For more information about packing, please check your equipment list at your Log In Page.
For more answers, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or call us at 888-954-5555. We’re always happy to help you out!
*We will be adding at least one more instructor to your team. Instructors may change prior to your trip – we’ll let you know if this happens.
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Alex Stigliano – Alex began working with Adventure Treks in 2005 and is returning for his fifth year as Trip Leader. He is a graduate of Carson Newman College, where he put his writing skills to work creating, publishing, and distributing The Tail Feather, an independent student newspaper. Alex also worked as a freelance writer for the Metro Pulse in Knoxville, TN. Between writing assignments, Alex has led educational trips with the American Youth Foundation, Inside Out, and Camp High Rocks. Alex has also taught ninth grade English in Chesapeake, Virginia. Alex is an active climber, backpacker, Wilderness First Responder and all-around bon vivant. He is currently working as a sea kayak guide in the US Virgin Islands.
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Elspeth Hamilton – Elspeth earned a degree in Environmental Studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She has worked at SUWS of the Carolinas and for the Outdoor Academy, both located in the Appalachian mountains in Western North Carolina. She has led backpacking and climbing trips in the Sierra Nevadas in California for Summit Adventure, taught environmental science in the Redwoods in Santa Cruz and currently works as a field instructor for the Yosemite Institute teaching science and life skills in a wilderness setting. In her spare time Elspeth enjoys rock-climbing, running, biking, reading, and playing the fiddle.
Carolyn Jackson – A 4-year A.T. student, Carolyn spent the winter interning for NBC’s TODAY Show at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, she is back in Corvallis, Oregon completing on her degree in Geography from Oregon State University. Carolyn is an avid hiker and runner, finishing two half marathons this past year. She is also a Wilderness First Responder.
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Bob Bailey - Bob hails from rural Waldo, Ohio and joins A.T. for his second year as an instructor. Bob has been a Program Director for Inside Out, in Flat Rock, NC, for three years, and has been working with students all across the country for the past thirteen years. His most recent adventure was capturing virtual reality footage for science centers, zoos and aquariums all across the U.S. and processing it for MapQuest. When not on the trail, Bob can be found cooking, dancing, disc golfing or searching for the perfect swimming hole. Bob is a Wilderness First Responder and will begin his studies in Radiology this next fall in Asheville, NC.
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Talley Kayser - Talley has worked as a youth outdoor educator over the past three years – most recently in Zermatt, Switzerland, where she taught high school English and led daily hiking and climbing excursions in the Alps. Her educational background includes a B.A. in English from Furman University, a minor in environmental science, and a Wilderness First Responder certification. Talley is an avid reader, an experienced traveler, and a very enthusiastic swing dancer. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Literature and the Environment at the University of Nevada, Reno.
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Spencer Fields -
After spending four summers with Adventure Treks, Spencer joins A.T. from Providence RI, where he attends Brown University. With degrees in Hispanic Studies and Environmental Studies, Spencer spends his free time backpacking through South America and the backcountry of New England. He also enjoys Ultimate Frisbee, performing with his band, and camping whenever he can. Spencer is an Eagle Scout and a Wilderness First Responder.
Reviewed by: Ali Hamlin
Date: April 23, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
This was my first wilderness trip like this, and it was amazing! I had the summer of my life here. Everyone was so great and the adventures were incredible. I loved how everyone was really a part of one big community, and the food was great! I loved this trip. Anyone thinking about it should really go. =)
Reviewed by: Kathryn Waller
Date: March 25, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
This was my first trip and I thought it was awesome! You're constantly doing somthing new, you never get boerd. You get to see amazing scenery and make great friends. I loved this trip and highly recommend it.
Reviewed by: Tyree Cowell
Date: February 22, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
this was my first adventure treks trip. it was a great starter-up and it made me want to come back for more. Everyday is a new challenge and everyone was so nice. we had amazing views that i will never forget and amazing feelings that i will never forget either. Nothing beats climbing a huge mountain and getting to see the view from the top, or kayaking for hours to get to a beautiful beach and spend the night on the shore. and getting to do it all with great friends was definately the icing on the cake
Reviewed by:
Allie Krichmar
Date: February 11, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
Blue Ridge Adventure was the best start to my future life at A.T! I met so many new people and became best friends with all of them. The white water rafting on this trip is amazing and the scenery when you are backpacking if unreal! This was my very first and best Adventure Treks trip ever!
Adventure Treks is a program for teenagers, so we don’t allow any inappropriate language or content in our reviews. We do screen reviews for spam and legitimacy, and we will post all appropriate comments in full.
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Thanks for interest in Adventure Treks!
Fill out an online application or apply by phone by calling 888-954-5555 Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm EST.
Our core office staff, consisting of Dock, Kyndra, Dmac, Holly and Alice, welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions and help you choose the best summer experience for your child.
1. Apply online and submit an $800 deposit by check or Visa/MC to hold your place on the Adventure of your choice. As a smaller, more personal company, enrollment is limited, so please send in your application early.
2. You will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to complete your student essay, medical form, and 2 references (phone calls or e-mails to our office) from a teacher and another non-related adult who knows your child well. We may also arrange a brief phone interview to get to know your child better. Our acceptance process ensures a great peer group for your child.
3. Your remaining paperwork and information about your trip is available on the Registered Students' Page and will be mailed to you upon acceptance. Adventure Treks is selective. Applications will be carefully reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
All deposits are refundable prior to March 1, less a $200 processing fee, for cancellation for any reason. For cancellations after March 1st, tuition is non-refundable. We recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance for your protection. If a participant withdraws voluntarily or is sent home as a consequence of unacceptable behavior, no refund of any kind will be granted. It is the parents’ responsibility to cover any additional travel expenses.
Click map to enlarge
| Duration: | 20 days |
| Dates: | July 11-July 30 |
| Ages: | 13-15 |
| Activities: | Whitewater Rafting Caving Rock Climbing Sea Kayaking Backpacking Mountain Biking |
| States: |
North Carolina |
| Airport: | Charlotte, NC (CLT) |
| Price: | US $3,195.00 |
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