This two or three week course is a multi-expedition featuring a backpacking portion on or around the northern section of the Appalachian Trail and a canoeing portion in the Rangeley lakes. This course is ideal for rising junior and seniors that are looking for challenge and skills that will offer the lifelong benefits and perspective that only wilderness travel with Outward Bound can offer.

Course Area
Your wilderness classroom will encompass a journey through Maine’s beautiful North Woods.  While you are canoeing, you will be paddling the lakes, rivers, and streams within the Kennebec, Penobscot, Allagash, or Androscoggin watersheds. The Native Penobscot people lived along the banks of these rivers during the winter, planted crops in the spring and then traveled downstream by canoe to coastal summer homes. 

Backpacking on your course will take you to sections of the Appalachian Trail—in the 100-Mile Wilderness area, the mountain ranges near the Kennebec River, the Bigelow Range, or the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness Area. Many spectacular North Woods summits do not have trails leading up them, so you may find yourself using a map and compass to “bag a peak.”  Cross-country travel—sometimes known as “bushwacking”— is common on North Woods courses as a means of linking canoeing and hiking routes.

Course Description
Part of your course will be focused on learning basic wilderness travel skills on a backpacking expedition.  Learn cooking, navigation, map reading, how to pack and adjust you pack, foot care, hydration, knots and most importantly teamwork. Backpacking is a great combination of team and individual elements.  The terrain is rugged, wooded and will at times be muddy or steep. You will likely reach mountain peaks where (if the weather cooperates) you will be rewarded with spectacular views.

You will paddle, portage (carry the 75 pound canoe on your shoulders), and line (guiding the canoe down un-runnable rapids), your way through lakes and rivers, learning paddle strokes such as the draw, the pry, and the J-stroke. You may also, depending on course itinerary, learn the Northwoods art of poling (propelling your canoe upstream using a setting pole). At some point on course you will also have an opportunity to paddle one of the many whitewater sections of river in the Northwoods. Some of these are Seboomook, the East Outlet of the Kennebec, the Moose, and the Lower West Branch of the Penobscot. Paddling whitewater is exciting, requiring focus and communication between you and your boat partner.

To apply for this course click the apply button next to the course dates that work for you. Or better yet call one of our expert Admission Advisers at 866-467-7651. Course tuitions listed below do not include our Application Fee or Transportation Fee.