Blue Ridge Mountains Backpacking & Rock Climbing for Adults
Unplug and reconnect with nature in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Explore the misty, cool mountains of North Carolina on this backpacking and rock climbing expedition for adults. You and your crew will traverse some of the oldest mountains in the world, build campcraft and leadership skills, and work as a team to accomplish your daily goals. Break up days on the trail by climbing up or rappelling down rugged rock faces. You will learn how to cook in the backcountry and set up camp each night where you will sleep under the stars.
Our adult courses are thoughtfully designed to foster personal growth and connection. Led by experienced instructors, you'll engage in meaningful discussions and reflective activities that explore your past experiences, current journey, and future aspirations. These courses are perfect for those navigating a life transition, seeking a fresh perspective, or wanting to discover that they are capable of more than they thought possible.
UPCOMING COURSES
- All Ages
- Cost
- Duration
- Date
Course # NTAE-2521
Age 18 and up
Days 8
Cost $2,790
Dates 5/7/2025 - 5/14/2025
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # NCCE-2521
Age 18 - 25
Days 6
Cost $2,325
Dates 7/2/2025 - 7/7/2025
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This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # NCRE-2521
Age 30 and up
Days 8
Cost $2,790
Dates 10/5/2025 - 10/12/2025
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # NTAE-2621
Age 18 and up
Days 8
Cost $2,790
Dates 5/11/2026 - 5/18/2026
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
APPLY NOW – Almost Full
This means there are three or fewer currently available spots left on a course. To secure your spot click Apply Now to begin an application!
JOIN WAITLIST
Once a course has reached capacity, three waitlist positions become available. To join a course’s waitlist, click “Join Waitlist” to begin the application process. A $500 deposit is required. This $500 deposit includes a $150 non-refundable application fee and a $350 tuition payment. The $350 tuition payment is refundable only if you cancel your waitlist application or if an open position does not become available. If a position does become available, the applicant will be applied to the open position and the Application and Cancellation Policies of the Regional Outward Bound School will be followed, including forfeiture of the $500 deposit if you cancel 90 days or less prior to the course start date.
Waitlist applicants are encouraged to complete all required admissions documents while awaiting an open position. Positions may become available up to two weeks prior to the course start date. Applicants may only apply to one course. We recommend applying to a course with open positions instead of a course that is accepting waitlist applications. If you have questions, please call 866-467-7651 to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors.
CALL TO APPLY
This means a course is very close to its start date. Although it is unlikely to secure a spot this late, you can call the National Admissions office at 866-467-7651 to discuss your options.
COURSE IS FULL
When a course has reached maximum capacity, meaning all spots and the three waitlist spots are occupied, a course will read “Course Is Full.” This means applications are no longer being accepted.
CLOSED
As a course nears its start date, the availability status may read “Closed.” In this event, a course roster has been finalized and applications are no longer being accepted or processed.
In fielding a lot of questions along the lines of, ‘Why on Earth would you want to do something like that?’ I was able to answer easily … for the experience. While the brain craves order and finds comfort in patterns, it’s critical and healthy to throw ourselves for a loop every now and again, lest we find ourselves in a rut. These kinds of experiences provide time and space to see what’s working, what might need some tweaking and what needs eliminating.
We welcome students of all skill levels, whether they are an avid backpacker or trying something new. During backpacking days, students learn the different parts of camp craft, how to navigate with a map and compass, and Leave No Trace principles that minimize their impact on the land. Students feel a sense of freedom in carrying everything they need in their packs - food, shelter, clothing, and gear.
With a focus on safety, climbing instruction starts by teaching the basics, such as working with ropes and learning to tie knots. As students progress, they'll learn to climb up, or rappel down, a rock face. They may also have the opportunity to work through a high ropes obstacle course together. These uniquely structured activities provide opportunities for self-reliance, communication, and collaboration as participants confront and work through fears and challenges.
A little more than halfway through course, students will participate in a reflection period called Solo. During this time, Instructors assign students their own individual spaces within a designated area. These sites are both secluded and within hearing distance of other group members and Instructors for safety. Students will be given all necessary gear, food, water, and skills to complete this part of the course. Solo is a great opportunity for students to relax, recharge, and reflect on their course after having long days of strenuous group activities. They also know the location of their Instructors should they need to contact them for any reason. Instructors will be monitoring students closely during this experience.
Blue Ridge Mountains, NC
The Blue Ridge Mountains, or Southern Appalachians, is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. While the mountains formed over 250 million years ago, some rocks underlying the region are over a billion years old. The Southern Appalachians' long geologic and evolutionary history has created one of North America's most biologically diverse regions. Some even say it is “rainforest-like.”
This region is home to beautiful rushing rivers, hundreds of waterfalls, and some of the highest peaks in the Eastern United States—including Mt. Mitchell (elevation 6,684 feet), the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Its diverse landscapes have been featured in many motion pictures, including The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans.
Outward Bound students can expect to share the wilderness with over 700 kinds of trees, more than 50 types of mammals, 150 different types of birds, and over 50 species of amphibians. The huge numbers of trees and plants give these mountains their namesake. Trees put the ‘blue’ in the Blue Ridge Mountains from the organic chemicals they release into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to the distinctive color of these mountains. Temperatures in this area range from 50 to 85 degrees in the summer, 30 to 65 degrees in the spring and fall, and 10 to 50 degrees in the winter. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Cherokee.
Course Stories
In fielding a lot of questions along the lines of, ‘Why on Earth would you want to do something like that?’ I was able to answer easily … for the experience. While the brain craves order and finds comfort in patterns, it’s critical and healthy to throw ourselves for a loop every now and again, lest we find ourselves in a rut. These kinds of experiences provide time and space to see what’s working, what might need some tweaking and what needs eliminating.
Six months ago, I was feeling stuck and unsure what was next for me. Discovering Outward Bound as an option gave me new positive focus. The process of preparing and committing to this started a journey and this past week solidified and confirmed openings and possibilities. This trip is something I’ve wanted to do for 40 years and feared I had missed.
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Getting Started
If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.
To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee.