Featured Destinations
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Kentucky
Backpacking Trip
March 29-April 1 or Sept. 4-7, 2012
or reserve your own dates for 2012!
Explore mixing history with natural beauty makes the best adventure. Cumberland Gap tucked in where Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee meet offers both. Follow the Wilderness Road as Daniel Boone did in 1775 and hike along forested ridges with spectacular panoramic views. A great trip for all but especially suited for families and youth groups.
Upcoming Events
- March 29-April 1, 2012, Cumberland Gap NHP, KY
- April 20, 2012, CPR/AED Course
- April 21-22, 2012, Wilderness First Aid Course
- April 27-29, 2012, Leave No Trace Trainer Course
- May 9-13, 2012, Leave No Trace Master Educator Course
- June 10-15, 2012, West Virginia Highlands, WV FULL
- June 10-16, 2012, Mt. Rogers NRA / AT, VA FULL
- August 11-19, 2012, Boundary Waters Canoe Area - Aldo Leopold Center, MN/WI
- September 4-7, 2012, Cumberland Gap NHP, KY
- September 17-22, 2012, Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, MI
- October 16-21, 2012, Knobstone Trail, IN
- November 2-4, 2012, Leave No Trace Trainer Course
- November 16, 2012, CPR/AED Course
- November 17-18, 2012, Wilderness First Aid Course
Canoeing Trips
Few adventures are as family friendly and accommodating than a wilderness canoe trip. With the ability to carry additional supplies, and the ability to add middle seats for children or a third passenger, canoeing is a great way to enjoy the natural world with family or friends. To paddle along a placid lake or along the ripples of a stream or river water, moving you and your equipment on your from creates a unique connection with the outdoors. All of our canoe adventures include basic canoe instruction and are a great choice for beginners, families with younger children and groups.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota
Is a backpacking or multi-sport trip more your style? Check out these other options:
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Kentucky
Mt. Rogers/Appalachian Trail, Virginia
Pictured Rock National Lakeshore, Michigan
Knobstone Trail, Indiana
West Virginia Highlands, West Virginia
Hoosier Heartland Adventure, Indiana
Canoeing Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have prior experience to go canoeing?
As long as you have reasonable fitness, are comfortable around water and sitting in a canoe for a portion of the day, and sleeping in a tent, you should do just fine. On all of our day trips, we review safety precautions and go over and practice basic canoe strokes to help you maneuver more effortlessly. We are prepared to discuss specific trips and how they may relate to your individual level of readiness.
What equipment is needed for the canoeing trips?
No special equipment is needed. For each trip, all canoes, paddles, PFD’s, dry bags, group equipment, food, and tents are provided. Upon confirming your participation in a trip, you will receive a detailed list of what to bring, but generally it is just suitable footwear, clothing and personal items.
What many miles will we paddle each day?
Daily mileage will vary per trip. See specific trip descriptions for details. Generally, the pace and distance covered is flexible to accommodate varying water conditions, weather, and the ability of the group. In some cases, we are required to stay at designated campsites which may require us to travel the necessary distance to the next campsite. Consideration is giving to campsites that are a reasonable distance from one another and typically suited for beginner or intermediate canoeist.
What kind of foods will we eat?
Canoe camping allows for more flexibility in the foods we bring. But because we are traveling with all our necessities in our packs and canoes, foods are typically dry, dehydrated or freeze-dried; however, fresh options are generally included early in the trip where possible. Breakfasts are typically hot and hearty, lunches are typically non-cook and snack foods and dinner generally includes soups, tasty entrées and sometimes dessert. Canoeing requires plenty of energy so meals are designed to provide the necessary calories and nutrients to maintain healthy energy levels. Each registered participant is polled so we can best accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.

