In Pennsylvania’s historic eastern mountains lie hundreds of miles of trail systems winding amidst deep forest vegetation. As the snow melts during the early spring, the bears wake up from their winter naps and there are frequent baby bald eagle and white tail deer sightings. The forest is vibrant in the spring; the plants and trees are blooming with natural beauty and provide a perfect setting for off-trail navigation, group interaction and personal reflection – all possible on this unique Outward Bound expedition.
Course Area
Pennsylvania’s natural ecosystems include hemlock ravines with bountiful rhododendron and ridge tops with prickly pear cactus. Most of this hiking terrain is protected from logging and development and offers both pristine and established camping, rushing waterfalls, twisting streams and spectacular views from rocky summits. Steep trails, rocky ledges and exposed summits are common along hiking routes in the Michaux State Forest, and off-trail "bushwhacks" through trail-less area provide ample map and compass challenges leading to advanced navigation skills.
Course Description
This short course is expedition-style featuring backpacking and advanced navigation skills training in and around the Michaux State Forest and/or other wilderness trails in Pennsylvania state parks and forests. “Expedition-style” means that you will leave Outward Bound’s Philadelphia Center on the first day of your course and not return to the city until the end of the course.
You will travel with all the food and equipment you need to conduct your expedition: stoves, tents, food, etc. Your highly trained Outward Bound instructors will be with you during the entire expedition and will prepare the initial expedition plan, rock-climbing, and towards the end of the expedition, the planning will be up to you. Your group might occasionally sleep at the same campsite twice, but generally you will be moving to a new campsite every night as you move along your expedition route.
On expedition, we leave behind our modern lifestyles and learn to get by with less. You should come to your course prepared for, and excited about, devoting all of your time and energy to your expedition, your group, and your Outward Bound experience.
To apply for this course click the enroll button next to the course dates that work for you. Or better yet call one of our expert Admission Advisers at 866-467-7651.