Embark on an exploration of Pisgah or Nantahala National Forest, a place of densely forested hills, cool mountain streams that cascade into waterfalls and unique rock formations. You’ll learn how to pack everything you need into your backpack, cook an excellent backcountry dinner and camp without leaving a trace of your presence. Acquire skills for rock climbing such as knot tying and belaying and put them to use over several days of progressively challenging climbs. You’ll find rock climbing fosters trust, confidence, courage and self-reliance…all the things you need to succeed on course and in life.

The Southern Appalachians (which includes the Blue Ridge & Great Smoky mountain ranges) are some of the oldest mountains in the world. The lush, dense forests feature an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna. Our courses here foster an appreciation of nature and environmental stewardship and often include an environmental service project. Amidst these highest mountains east of the Mississippi, rocky crags and granite outcroppings provide exceptional climbing opportunities. Creeks, streams and rivers criss-cross the region and cascade into waterfalls and whitewater rapids that offer challenging runs for all skill levels.

The Outward Bound Difference…
On this course run by North Carolina Outward Bound School, students develop leadership, independence, decision-making and responsibility. Through challenge and adventure, you discover you are capable of more than you thought possible.

You’ll develop teamwork while working together to find your way through rhododendron thickets, set up camp, cook your own meals over a camp stove and learn Leave No Trace techniques to minimize your impact on the land. You will also participate in a service project to give back to the community or the land. And solo is a time for reflection and rest at an individual campsite.

Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. No experience is necessary. You’ll leave course with newfound strength that can help you through everyday situations as well as the unknown challenges to come.

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