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Family Adventure Weekend

Family, Food, Campfire and Fun! Enjoy a weekend in the great outdoors, and let us do all the work so you can maximize family time. On Saturday, we’ll explore the Mountain Shepherd trail system on a family-friendly nature hike, have some splashy fun in the creek, and end our day with a cookout, campfire, s’mores, and story time. Choose your level of adventure with the option to tent out under the stars, or reserve a bunkroom for your family in the lodge. Sunday morning we’ll fuel up with Mountain Shepherd’s famous pancakes before learning survival skills to stay safe while playing outside. Lodging, camping gear, and all meals provided.

Trail Mix – Coed Adventure

Here’s a little taste of everything you need to hit the trails with confidence! This energizing course is your chance to push yourself on challenging day hikes with big rewards, while learning key outdoor skills in a supportive environment. Create your own custom blend of experiences: try out hammock, tarp or tent camping; or enjoy the comfort of our lodge at the end of the day. Let the breathtaking views and campfire camaraderie fuel your hunger for adventure!

Day Pack Courses

Interested in getting a taste for Mountain Shepherd’s courses and adventures, but don’t have the time to take a multi-day course? Or are you having trouble deciding which course to take? Have no fear, the Day Pack Courses are here! Sample one of our many adventures, each lasting between a half-day and a full-day. 

If you see an adventure (or adventures!) that interests you, but there are no dates available, contact us for a custom itinerary!

Peak Performance – Coed Adventure

Take your backcountry skills to new heights as you summit three of the most popular peaks on the Appalachian Trail – McAfee Knob, Dragons Tooth, and Tinker Cliffs. This 3-day, 2-night adventure traverses the famous Virginia Triple Crown, a 30-mile section of the A.T that is packed with scenic beauty and opportunities to develop your backpacking skills. Our skilled instructors will help you embrace the challenge and reach your personal peak performance!

Backpacking Essentials

Is the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail calling your name? Do you want to try out backpacking but don’t know where to start? Do you have experience backpacking, but are looking to lighten your load? Either way, this overnight backpacking course is designed to meet your needs.

With 100-acres of secluded wilderness to explore, you will spend two days and one night, learning all the basics of backpacking, with the 7 Survival Priorities in mind.  Topics include how to properly select, fit, and pack a backpack, campsite selection, camp cooking, water treatment systems, and how to stay safe and comfortable while you hike, all the while keeping an ultralight focus.

You’ll also learn about Leave No Trace guidelines the importance of minimum-impact camping. Our instructor has personally completed a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail (and several other trails!), so this is a great course for those considering and overnight trip or a long-distance hike!

Winter Backpacking Essentials

Spending time outdoors in winter can be an incredible experience, but also can be a little bit daunting. In this 2-day, 1-night course, you’ll gain the knowledge and the confidence to recreate safely outside this winter. We’ll cover gear, clothing layering systems, information, safety, cold weather nutrition, winter footwear and traction devices, and some of our tried and trued strategies for staying warm and happy while winter backpacking.