The Trail Home
Aug. 20-22, 2023
The Blue Ridge Mountains are some of the oldest in the world and are home to hundreds of waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna, over a million acres of national forest, park and public land, unique rock formations, and the highest peaks in the Eastern United States.
During this course, you will backpack through the mountains with ample breaks to enjoy the mountain views. This course will include backpacking through some of the best wilderness areas Virginia has to offer.
This course will help you challenge yourself and will give a whole new appreciation for the trust and communication skills that your crew is building. In addition to learning new skills in backcountry travel, you will also develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills while working together within the group to meet daily goals.
***This is a tentative schedule. Places and events may change to accommodate the environment, weather, logistics, and the overall safety of the group.***
Sunday, Aug. 20
We will meet at 1 p.m. at the Friendship Circle to start our adventure. We will begin our day by getting to know your crew and then taking on the challenge of the low-ropes course. After your time on the ropes course, you will travel to the first campsite to start your backcountry adventure.
Monday, Aug. 21
Today we will wake up in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. From this point, you and your crew will be self-supported. This day will primarily consist of getting to know your crew and learning the fundamentals of trail life and route planning. We will close out the day with a campfire on the mountaintop.
Tuesday, Aug. 22
Today is our last day on the trail. But the view will be second to none. We’ll be starting our descent towards the Cool waters of the James River. If we make the trek in time we will have time to swim before working our way back to campus.
Home on the James
Aug. 20-22, 2023
Camping
We will camp each night in the George Washington National Forest in backcountry tent sites. OLP will provide all necessary camping gear, however, if you have your own gear, you are more than welcome to use it.
Fishing Opportunities
The Upper James River, from its headwaters in Botetourt County into Rockbridge County, provides some of the finest freshwater fishing available in Virginia. Anglers visit from all across the country to fish the region.
The Upper James offers a wide range of angling opportunities and settings. Smallmouth bass is the dominant game species but spotted and largemouth bass can also be caught. Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish species. Participants will have the opportunity to fish throughout the trip. If participants would like to fish, they will be required to provide their own fishing equipment and license.
***This is a tentative schedule. Places and events may change to accommodate the environment, weather, logistics, and the overall safety of the group.***
Sunday, Aug. 20
We will meet at the Friendship Circle at 1 p.m. to start our adventure. We will begin our day by getting to know your crew and then taking on the challenge of the low-ropes course.
As soon as we are geared up we will leave to head north to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and the mighty James River. We will arrive at our campsite in time to have dinner and a riverside campfire.
Monday, Aug. 21
From this point on, our expedition will leave the vehicles behind and we’ll travel at the river’s pace. Today will focus on learning the basics of paddling a canoe and white water fundamentals during a 9.5-mile (5 hours) float with plenty of easy Class I and a few very easy Class II rapids.
The expedition crew members will take on the bulk of the responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the expedition with expert coaching by the Outdoor Leadership Program staff.
Tuesday, Aug. 22
This 5-mile (4-6 hours) section features numerous Class II rapids, stretches of calm water. Bordering the George Washington National Forest, this section offers excellent mountain views as the James River meanders along the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is the most scenic section of the Upper James River Water Trail. This section is also the most technical and will put your crew’s newfound paddling skills to the test.
