Blue Ridge Explorer

Overview

The Blue Ridge Mountains—tall and inviting—look down on deep valleys with rushing rivers, secluded backwoods and majestic old-growth forests. In this area of unlimited outdoor opportunities, we’ll hike, raft and kayak, 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 Pisgah National Forest. From here, we’ll set out on a five-day backcountry hike through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. We’ll hike past mountain streams and over forested ridges—along the way we’ll visit Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, an amazing natural waterslide.

Next, we’ll take a break from the trail and head to the Nantahala Outdoor Center to challenge ourselves on their Alpine Tower, a large climbing structure where, with instruction from N.O.C. guides, we’ll climb and rappel. In the afternoon, our guides will join us as we plunge into the Nantahala River in inflatable kayaks and navigate through Class II and III rapids. We’ll also enjoy a day of guided rafting on the scenic Chattooga River along the border of Georgia and South Carolina.

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 River. Here we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Blue Ridge before returning to Charlotte to celebrate our accomplishments and time together.

“It was just amazing!” Sam Adams, Chicago, Illinois

Highlights

• Backpack the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains
• Climb & rappel at the Nantahala Outdoor Center
• Kayak the exciting Nantahala River
• Raft the Chattooga River
• Summit Mount Mitchell (6,684 feet), the highest point in the East

Grade

For students who will finish grades 7-9 in June 2010.

Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

3 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Charlotte, North Carolina

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.

Dates and Fees

Sunday, June 27 to Friday, July 9
Sunday, July 11 to Friday, July 23
Sunday, July 25 to Friday, August 6

$2795 (airfare not included)

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

Itinerary

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.

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, we'll visit Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, a natural waterslide. 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.

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. In the afternoon, our guides will join us as we plunge into the Nantahala River in inflatable kayaks and navigate through Class II and III rapids.

White Water Rafting

We’ll also head down to the scenic Chattooga River along the border of Georgia and South Carolina 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 on the Chattooga.

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!

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 five-day backcountry was challenging, but it brought our group together right from the get-go. Our day of rafting on the Chattooga River 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 in Asheville 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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Videos

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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.

Weeks Before Your Trip	Recommended Preparation
FOUR	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	Take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.
TWO	Take three 45-minute hikes or walks in your boots.
ONE	Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots.

Packing For Your Trip

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while hiking and camping this summer. Keep in mind, however, that there are a wide range of products available in terms of clothing and equipment. Overland programs are relatively short, and, although you want your clothing and equipment to be durable, this does not mean it has to be top of the line. Oftentimes more basic and less expensive options perform just as well. Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and L.L.Bean.

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.  Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack and daypack. 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.

Please bring only the clothes listed below. Do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. By layering you will stay cool on warm days, dry on rainy days and warm on cool nights. You will have the chance to do laundry periodically. You will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, but please stick to the packing list. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Specialized Gear

Overland will rent specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (e.g., kayaking and rafting), and this is included in your trip fee.

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. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.


• Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom
  Synthetic material will keep you warm in varying weather and is a comfortable layer to wear while hiking or in camp.


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


• Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket
  Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable as they are difficult to hike in and don't provide the same protection that a rain jacket does.


• Shorts To Hike In
  Three pairs of synthetic (no cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.


• T-Shirts
  Three. Please bring at least one synthetic shirt for inclement weather. A synthetic shirt will keep you warm even when wet and will dry faster than cotton. Cotton shirts are fine for hiking in nice weather and for at night in camp.


• Underwear
  Five.


• Socks
  Three pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks made for hiking. Synthetic socks dry faster after a day on the trail and help protect your feet better than a cotton sock.


• Pajamas
  One pair only. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.


• Bathing Suit
  One only.


• Sport Sandals
  With a heel strap for water activities and around camp. No flip-flops or Crocs as these are not be acceptable for water activites like kayaking or rafting. If you do not have sport sandals, your sneakers will work fine for all water activites and around camp.


• 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 and for rafting and kayaking if you don't have sport sandals.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

• Hiking Boots
  Waterproof backpacking boots (recommended price range $125 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack. Boots may be high top or low top depending on what is comfortable for you. Your boots should have a durable leather upper that can be treated with waterproofing wax or liquid, or have a waterproof fabric/leather combination. If the boots you like have a GoreTex liner, that is great but your boots do not need to have GoreTex liners to be waterproof; good quality leather when treated properly is waterproof. Follow the waterproofing instructions from the boots' manufacturer prior to the start of your trip; typically you must wear the boots for at least a week before they will accept waterproofing treatment.


• Backpack
  When choosing a backpack, look for a weekend/overnight pack, which has somewhere between 1,800-3,000 cubic inches of space. Junior packs are also available in this size range. Most packs of this type range in price from $70-$150. 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. Please keep in mind that a larger backpack (4,000-5,000 cubic inches of space) is required if you plan to do a hiking trip with a longer backcountry experience (Yellowstone Teton Explorer, Alaska Explorer, Alaska Leadership Course, High Sierra Explorer, European Explorer or Alpine Challenge) in the future and are buying a new backpack now.
  When buying a backpack, choose a backpack that fits you appropriately (see information below about how to fit a backpack) and has dimensions that will accommodate all of your gear. You will carry a sleeping bag and sleeping pad, clothes for 3 days, rain gear, extra warm layers, toiletries and personal items, water, and some group gear including food and cooking and camping gear. These items need to fit either inside or strapped onto the outside of the pack.
  Follow REI's guidelines on how to find your backpack size:
  Measure Your Torso Length.  This is key: Your torso length, not your height, determines your pack size.  Here's how to measure it: 1.With the help of a friend, locate the bony bump at the base of your neck.  This is where the slope of your shoulder meets your neck, also known as the seventh vertebra. Tilt your head forward to locate it more easily. 2. Using a flexible tape measure, have your friend start measuring at that spot down your spine, following the curves of your back. 3. Place your hands on your hips to feel your iliac crest, the twin pointy protrusions on the front of your hips. Position your hands so your thumbs are reaching behind you. 4. Finish measuring at the point where the tape crosses an imaginary line between your thumbs.  This distance is your torso length.  
  Measure Your Hips. While less critical than torso length, this is helpful if you're considering a pack that offers mulitiple sizes of interchangeable hipbelts. To measure, take your tape measure and wrap it around the tops of your hips. This is the "latitude line" where you can feel your iliac crest, the two pointy bones on the front of your hips. A properly positioned hipbelt will straddle your iliac crest at this line.


• Waterproof Pack Cover
  That fits your pack (including extra room for items that will be strapped to the outside of your pack).


• 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
  We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag either synthetic or down that is warm to 30 degrees or less. Your sleeping bag should compress enough to fit into your backpack and still leave enough space for the rest of your gear and some group gear. Some sleeping bags come with a stuff sack which is a small bag that you can stuff your sleeping bag into and then cinch down to make it compact. If your bag does not have one, you can purchase one at most outdoors stores. A stuff sack that compresses your bag to 12" to 20" is recommended. Carry your sleeping bag on the plane with you.


• Sleeping Pad
  Either a full length or 3/4 length pad that is inflatable like a ThermaRest or a closed cell foam (thin and firm) like a Therma Ridge Rest is appropriate. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside. Carry your sleeping pad on the plane with you.


• Utensils
  For meals you will need a 6" to 8" dish or bowl with a lid and a spoon. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks. These do not need to be special camping utensils, a plastic Rubbermaid dish (or similar) and regular spoon and plastic mug are fine.


• Headlamp
  Small and lightweight to be used in camp when it's dark. A headlamp works better than a flashlight because it provides light but keeps both hands free.


• 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, if you have one already and would like to use it.

• 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 ziplocks (1-2 gallon) and 4 large trash bags. The trash bags will be used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad in. The ziplocks will be used to organize and waterproof the rest of your gear.


• Toiletries
  All travel size (in a plastic bag).  If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.


• Moleskin or Molefoam
  One full package for blister protection.


• Sunglasses & Hat
  Hat with a visor - like a baseball cap or visor - to keep the sun off your face.

• Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent


• Paperback Book and/or Journal
  Optional. Your group will collectively keep a group journal, and you will receive a copy of the journal after your trip. If you would like to keep your own journal, you should bring one.


• Camera/Batteries/Memory Card

Optional. Interested in seeing your photographs or videos on Overland's website next year? Bring a camera with lots of pixels (10 or more) and lots of memory (4GB or more). Buying a new camera? One of our favorites is the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS digital camera.

• Spending Money
  $50/week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out or envelopes to mail letters).

Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).

We do not permit personal electronics on our programs (e.g., cellphones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones for the duration of the program and return them for flights home. Perhaps, a better option would be to bring a pre-paid phone card so that the leaders do not have to carry cell phones for the duration of the program.

Admissions

Below is the Admissions Material packet and other information for Blue Ridge Explorer.

Admission Material 2010

Flight & Travel Information 2010

Program Start & End Information 2010

Blue Ridge Explorer Release Form 2010

Apply

We welcome your interest in joining Overland this summer!

To apply, please complete and sign the application on page 47 of the Overland catalog or download an application. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the application).

Please refer to page 46 of our catalog for important information you should know before signing the application.

Send your application and $795 deposit 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

Sorry, we are unable to accept applications by fax, and we do not take credit cards. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

To learn about our admissions process, please click here.