Blue Ridge Explorer

2 weeks

open to grades 7-9

Overview

The Blue Ridge Mountains look down on deep valleys with rushing rivers and majestic old-growth forests. In this area of unlimited outdoor opportunities, we’ll hike, climb and raft as we explore the beauty of the Blue Ridge.

Our trip starts in Charlotte, North Carolina, where we’ll meet and then van to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From here, we’ll day hike for two days to beautiful waterfalls and along scenic vistas. Next, we'll head out on a four-day backcountry hike past mountain streams and over forested ridges.

We'll take a break from the trail and head to the Nantahala Outdoor Center where professional guides will help us to challenge ourselves on their Alpine Tower, a large climbing structure where we'll learn how to climb and rappel with professional guides. We'll also spend a day rafting a scenic river.

After our fun on the water, we’ll head to the mountains for a challenging hike to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. We'll enjoy spectacular views of the Blue Ridge before returning to Charlotte to celebrate our accomplishments and time together.

“Vishali returned a physically stronger, confident and independent person. Thank you, Overland!” Anupa Patel, West Windsor, New Jersey

Highlights

Backpack the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains
Climb & rappel at the Nantahala Outdoor Center
Raft a scenic river
Hike Mount Mitchell (6,684 feet), the highest point east of the Mississippi River

Grade

For students completing grades 7-9 in June 2012

Multiple sections are grouped by grades

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability

Challenge Level

3 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Charlotte, North Carolina

Accommodations

We'll spend the duration of the trip sleeping in tents at beautiful and scenic campgrounds. For ten nights we'll stay at front country campsites with access to flush toilets and indoor bathrooms. These campgrounds will also give us an opportunity to take hot showers and utilize laundry facilities. The other three nights will be spent at established backcountry campsites.

Dates and Fees

2 Weeks

Sunday, June 24 to Friday, July 6
Sunday, July 8 to Friday, July 20
Sunday, July 22 to Friday, August 3

$2795 (airfare not included)

“The leaders were amazing, and I made a lot of friends.” Teddy Williamson, Wellesley, Massachusetts

Itinerary

Day 1 Trip Start

We will meet in Charlotte, North Carolina, and then van to the Pisgah National Forest in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We’ll spend our first day checking over our gear, learning how to properly pack our backpacks, shopping for food for our backcountry hike and getting to know one another before heading out into the mountains.

Days 2-8 Hiking in the Pisgah National Forest

We’ll spend two days doing day hikes to explore the area and to build up strength before strapping on full packs. On our day hikes, averaging 6 miles, we'll visit Looking Glass Falls and Graveyard Fields Overlook. Next, we'll set out on an extended four-day backcountry hike in Pisgah National Forest that will take us past mountain streams and over forested ridges. On the trail we’ll practice our backcountry skills, focus on Leave No Trace principals and learn to set up camp in the backcountry. We’ll get into a good daily routine: waking early, eating breakfast, getting packed up and hitting the trail early to enjoy the morning’s cool temperatures and good weather. We’ll average about 5 miles a day, arriving at our backcountry destination in the afternoon in time to set up camp and relax in our beautiful surroundings before preparing dinner. During our hike, we will be operating under permit by the Pisgah National Forest.

Days 9-10 Nantahala Outdoor Center

Next we’ll take a break from the trail and head to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. The N.O.C. has offered group programs for over 30 years and our days with our N.O.C. guides are often a highlight of the trip! We’ll spend half a day challenging ourselves on their Alpine Tower, a large climbing structure where, with instruction from N.O.C. guides, we’ll climb and rappel. Next we'll head down to a scenic river for a day of whitewater rafting. Our N.O.C. guides will take us down an exciting stretch of river where we will paddle through Class II and Class III rapids. We'll enjoy the beautiful scenery and hope to catch a glimpse of some wildlife. We’ll stop for lunch on a sandy beach and have a chance to swim before jumping back in our rafts for the final leg.

Day 11 Mount Mitchell

After our fun in the water, we’ll head to the mountains for a day hike to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet. Our previous hikes and four-day backcountry trip will have prepared us for this challenging climb. We’ll start off early in the morning and hope to reach the summit before mid-day. Our efforts will be rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and spectacular views of North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Days 12-13 Trip End

After our triumphant summit of Mount Mitchell, we’ll head back to Charlotte for our last night together to celebrate our two weeks in the Blue Ridge of North Carolina.

“Christie enjoyed trying lots of new, challenging activities.” Elizabeth Samios, Princeton, New Jersey

Trip Details

Here's how a former Blue Ridge Explorer leader described this trip:

“A great beginner hiking trip. The mixture of hiking as well as rafting and a day at the N.O.C. provides plenty of variety and excitement for a two-week trip. The backcountry was challenging, but it brought our group together right from the get-go. Our day of rafting was a highlight of the trip! Our guides were fantastic, the food was terrific and the rapids were thrilling! Hiking Mount Mitchell was a perfect ending to our two weeks in North Carolina. During our final night we reminisced about beautiful sunsets, laughing in the rain, swimming in remote lakes and all the adventures we had together as a part of an amazing and fun team!”

“Michael's words: 'Mom and Dad, I hope you won't be hurt by this, but it was the best two weeks of my life.'” Robin Brienza, Charlotte, North Carolina

“This was my third summer with Overland, and it keeps getting better and better. My leaders were fun and always there to help.” Emma Rosenthal, Hopewell, New Jersey

Photos

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Enrollment Forms

Enrollment Forms 2012

Blue Ridge Explorer Release Form

Prepare & Pack

Preparing For The Hiking

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken-in boots. We cannot overemphasize the importance of well-broken-in boots. There have been students who have had to leave their trips because of blisters from boots that were not well broken in. The training table below is designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

Pre-Trip Training

Four weeks before your trip: Wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day to walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots will begin to conform to your feet.

Three weeks before your trip: Take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Two weeks before your trip: Take three 45-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

One week before your trip start: Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots.

Packing For Your Trip

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack. Participants can bring one additional set of travel clothes (e.g. jeans and a t-shirt) to wear on the plane. These will be left in the van.
If you are flying to your trip start, you should wear your hiking boots on the plane and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.
You will have the chance to do laundry periodically and you will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, so please stick to the packing list and bring only the clothes and items listed below.
Overland will rent or provide any specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (for example, rock climbing, rafting, mountaineering, or kayaking) and that gear is included in your trip fee.
Check out some of our favorite brands and retailers to purchase items on this list.
Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at 413-458-9672.

Clothing

Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants.

Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom
One or two tops and one bottom.

Winter Hat & Gloves/Mittens
For cool nights in camp.

Insulated vest
An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest.

Waterproof Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Hiking Shorts
Two or three pairs of synthetic (not cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.

T-Shirts
Three synthetic t-shirts.

Underwear
Five pairs.

Socks
Three pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks made for hiking. Sock liners are optional.

Sport Sandals
These must have a heel strap for kayaking, swimming and around camp. Flip-flops or Crocs are not acceptable for water activities such as rafting or kayaking.

Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and in camp when your hiking boots are not necessary.

Pajamas
Optional.

Bathing Suit
Optional.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

Hiking Boots
Waterproof hiking boots that are mid to high cut (recommended price range $100 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack.

Backpack
2,500-3,600 cubic inches. Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips. We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs.

Waterproof Pack Cover
If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.

Day Pack
Your day pack can be used as a carry-on for your flight and will be necessary for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack, maybe even just your school backpack. You should be able to carry it over both shoulders (i.e., NOT a satchel) and it should be big enough to hold your lunch, 2 water bottles, snacks and some extra warm layers and rain jacket.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag (synthetic or down) that is rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack which can then be cinched down to 12-20” in length.

Sleeping Pad
A full or ¾ length mattress pad that is inflatable or made of closed-cell foam. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside.

Bowl, Mug & Utensils
For meals you will need a 6-8” plastic dish or bowl with a lid. The bowl can be a rigid Tupperware-like material or collapsible. A spoon is all you need but you can bring a spork or a set of lightweight silverware if you’d like. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Water Bottle
One 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries
A small flashlight is OK but headlamps are great because your hands are freed up for other tasks. Rocky Mountain Explorer students must have a headlamp for their summit climb.

Small Safety Whistle
Plastic or metal with a string or lanyard attached. This is for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.

Miscellaneous Gear

Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.

Plastic Bags
Ten large 1-gallon ziplock bags and four large trash bags. The ziplock bags are used to organize and waterproof your gear and small items. The trash bags are used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad.

Toiletries
All items should be travel size. If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.

Moleskin or Molefoam
One full package for blister protection.

Sunglasses & Hat with Visor

Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Please bring ample amounts of sunscreen.

Insect Repellent
Please bring ample amounts of bug spray.

Personal Journal or Book
Optional.

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Spending Money
$25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive phone card that your son or daughter can use at any airport pay phone.

If you feel that it is necessary to send your son or daughter with a phone, please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. Send an inexpensive prepaid cell phone instead. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone (better yet, bring an inexpensive prepaid calling card).

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Travel Information

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from Charlotte, North Carolina. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the airport to provide supervision and assistance at trip start and end.

DROP OFF: Charlotte Douglas Intl Airport (CLT) Baggage Claim at 11:00 a.m. Sunday
PICK UP: Charlotte Douglas Intl Airport (CLT) at US Airways Check-In Area 10:00 a.m. Friday
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: Charlotte Douglas Intl Airport (CLT) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: Charlotte Douglas Intl Airport (CLT) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday

Any other special cases, please call Overland to coordinate, if you have not done so already.

Flight & Travel Information 2012

Program Start & End Information 2012

Mail Stops

Students have the chance to receive mail midway through the trip. Please follow the instructions below to properly address mail to your student's BRX section. Please send mail well in advance to ensure delivery to the group.

All BRX groups will receive mail at the following address:

Student's Name

GAP - Overland BRX __ (fill in student's section number here)

c/o Nantahala Outdoor Center

13077 Highway 19 West

Bryson City, NC 28713-9114

Please write the student's name and section number clearly on the envelope/package and be sure it arrives prior to the dates listed below to ensure delivery to the group:

BRX 1 - mail must arrive prior to June 30th

BRX 2 - mail must arrive prior to July 14th

BRX 3 - mail must arrive prior to July 28th

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2011

Apply Now

HOW TO APPLY

You have two choices. You can apply online with a credit card by clicking the link below.

Apply Online

Or you can download the 2012 Overland Application as a PDF (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Then mail your completed one-page application and $795 deposit check to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

Learn about our admissions process.

Carolyn Lucey

Hometown: Bristol, Rhode Island
School: Columbia University
Leadership: Blue Ridge Explorer, Mountains & Sea Adventure
More about Carolyn »

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Carolyn Lucey is from Bristol, Rhode Island, and is a junior at Columbia University where she works as the Youth Programs Assistant for Columbia's Community Outreach, helping to rebuild the Big SIBs program and assist the student coordinators for the other mentoring and tutoring programs. She is also a member of the women's Ultimate Frisbee team. At Columbia, Carolyn found her niche working as an Associate Editor in the layout and design section of the daily newspaper. In her free time, she enjoys prowling the city for free music, attending food and art events, playing Frisbee on the campus lawns or getting out of the city to go adventuring in the woods. She led Mountains & Sea Adventure in 2010 and Blue Ridge Explorer in 2011. Carolyn writes, "The highlight of my summer was very early on, during our first trip, when I realized that my Overland students were eager and willing to rise to the highest expectations. My co-leader had to stay behind during our first full-day hike with an injured camper, and I was left to take our group to the top of the mountain alone. We hadn't been together for very long, but before we left for the hike, we explained to our group how important it was going to be to work together as a team and help each other out. There were two boys on the trip who had adjusted very quickly to being away from home, and had already proved themselves enthusiastic and speedy hikers. I asked them if, instead of leading the group, they would be willing to stay at the back and be the anchors, making sure that no one got left behind. To my surprise, they not only agreed, they decided that being an anchor was the most fun part of the hike. They even came up with a team name and call-and-response to make sure everyone was staying together. By the end of the day, they had inspired the whole group to see themselves as a team, and to focus more on helping their friends get over the steep parts than on being the speediest hikers themselves. Their team spirit set the tone for the rest of the trip and inspired me for the rest of the summer."

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