If you’ve had enough of an overcrowded and weary world, then the Gulf Coast of Florida is the place for you.  On this 2-night, 2-day trip, we will explore the isolated rivers and coastal waters by kayak and get to know the gentle giant Manatee, that is prominent in this area, as we paddle and enjoy a one of a kind experience – swimming with them!   We will kayak through wetlands on the Chassahowitzka River, and also among scattered small islands in the open coastal waters of the Suncoast Keys.  A local naturalist will guide us and share their in depth knowledge of the flora and incredible bird and wildlife that are rich in this area.  Join us for a weekend of island hopping fun, sun, surf and stress-free living.   Price: $510   Difficulty Rating: All activities are suitable for beginners.  (Photo credit:  USFWS)

Reservations for this trip are due January 8th

This workshop is designed for the woman who is ready to spread her wings and live self-sufficiently on the trail.  Everything you need to know to get a pack on your back and on the trail will be covered:  What gear you need and where to buy it (inexpensively), how to carry the least amount of weight AND still be prepared, how to plan trips, first-aid and safety, hands-on practice using gear and equipment, food and nutrition, reading maps, and so much more!  PLUS, we will work in some time to hike.  This 2-night, 2-day workshop will be held near Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area in southwest Virginia.  You can put what you learn from this workshop into practice with one of the beginning backpacking trips scheduled for this year.   Price:  $220.
My experience at the workshop was just about perfect.  I had two visceral reactions during the weekend, both of them during the hike.  The first was when my heart skipped at beat at seeing my first white blaze on a tree.  The second was on the way back when I felt a lightness to my step and a smile break out on my face.  I felt like a little kid. - Ellen

Reservations for this trip are due February 26

Early spring is a great time to treat yourself to a weekend in the woods. The beauty of day hiking this time of year is views unobstructed by summer foliage, clear & fresh air, and no bugs.  Leave your spring-cleaning behind and join us for this 2-night, 2-day adventure as we explore DuPont State Forest in North Carolina.  DuPont is well known for its waterfalls, and it has as much falling water per square mile as any public land in the Southeast.  Best of all, we will be able to appreciate their beauty without the crowds that visit this very popular forest.  The landscape of Bridal Veil Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and others will take your breath away, as well as the vistas from Big Rock and Cedar Rock.  After an exhilarating day of hiking, we will enjoy the comfort of our cottage with a cozy fireplace to take the evening chill off.  We’ll bring the hot drinks and the marshmallows; you bring your hiking boots and sense of adventure!   Price: $250   Difficulty Rating: Moderate  

Reservations for this trip are due February 12th

MT. ROGERS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Backpacking
March 26-28

* BEGINNERS TRIP *

The Iron Mountain Trail was part of the Appalachian Trail until 1972 when the A.T. was relocated to the south.  The Iron Mountain Trail passes through luxuriant forest, generally following the mountain crest with superb views.  On this 2-night, 2-day backpacking trek through Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area in Virginia we will hike 14 miles over moderate terrain - a great hike to introduce you to the joys of backpacking.   Price: $285   Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Reservations for this trip are due February 28th

APPALACHIAN TRAIL THRU-HIKE
Backpacking
April 3-10

From Springer Mountain Georgia, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, we could walk 2,174 miles to Mt. Katahdin in Maine, but instead we will spend 6-nights and 6-days on the trail.  Our ongoing thru-hike will find us continuing our hike for 69 miles as we hike in northern Virginia and enjoy the beauty of spring.  It doesn’t matter that you haven’t done the previous section hikes with us – anyone who has a love of the A.T. is welcome to join us.  We will get a taste of what thousands of thru-hikers experience, and enjoy it in all its beauty without all of the crowds.   Price: $505   Difficulty Rating: Moderate to Difficult
Thanks for a terrific trip!!  I'm planning a 3 night AT backpacking trip with my daughter, Laura, for early May. Laura went on a Wildside trip to Dolly Sods & she is really excited about backpacking.  After your trip, I feel much more confident on how to plan a trip. - Rebecca

Reservations for this trip are due February 15th

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE, MD
Backcountry Kayaking
April 9-11

Assateague Island in Maryland is a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves, and life on the island has adapted to an existence on the move.  On this unique 2-night, 2-day trip we will explore, by kayak, a beautiful estuary and salt marshes; and by foot, sandy beaches, and maritime forests.  The flora and fauna are something you won’t soon forget and the wild horses are well known, even to many people who have never been to the island.  We will camp one night in the backcountry of the island and leave with a closer view of Assateague Island many never experience.   Price: $445   Difficulty Rating: Suitable for beginners

Reservations for this trip are due March 2nd

APPALACHIAN TRAIL - James River Face Wilderness Area
Backpacking
April 16-21

You probably think that there are very few secret places left on the Appalachian Trail, but we’ve found one stretch that somehow escaped notice.  The 8,900-acre James River Face Wilderness in central Virginia - one of the east’s first designated wilderness areas has remained so untrammeled it’s a near miracle given the slideshow-quality views of the Blue Ridge, Allegheny Mountains, Peaks of Otter, and James River Gorge (which is crossed by a 625-foot pedestrian bridge - the A.T.’s longest).  This 5-night, 5-day trip will introduce you to this area with highlights like: The Guillotine (a huge boulder suspended over the trail), The Devils Marbleyard (8 acres of fractured quartzite boulders).  Join us for a great spring hike with plenty of solitude just waiting for you.   Price:  $445   Difficulty Rating:  Moderate-Challenging
Many thanks for leading such a wonderful trip, and for providing such professional and caring support staff and friends. We did have a great group: I hope you have many more fine hikers join you on future trips. I plan to watch your posted itineraries, and find another trip - Joan S.

Reservations for this trip are due March 22nd

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Day Hiking, Wildflowers and More
April 23-25

We realize that the Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country, but few people take the time to see it the way it should be seen – outside of their car and off the beaten path!  We are pleased to be working with 2 of the most informative guides in the Smokies and they have hiked thousands of miles through these mountains – it is quite literally their backyard. This 2-night, 2-day trip will focus on the incredible wildflowers in this beautiful National Park, and along the way you'll learn about the natural and human history of the Smokies in a fun and delightful way.  You'll hear Cherokee lore and maybe an Appalachian tall tale.  You'll learn what the Native Americans and Settlers did for food and medicine before there were grocery stores and pharmacies.  These day hikes will go deeper into the forest, cover more terrain and take you into places those other visitors never see.  This unique trip is geared towards enjoying the journey, using all of your senses to explore nature in a new way, and experiencing some of the most magical places in North America.   Price:  $420   Difficulty Rating:  Moderate

Reservations for this trip are due March 22nd

It’s springtime in Virginia and that means two things - wildflowers and hiking.  This 2-night, 2-day backpacking trip will give you the opportunity to do both.  The Shenandoah Mountain Trail may well be one of the easiest rambles to be taken in the mountains of western Virginia.  That’s right - a nearly level ridgeline trail that will give us plenty of time to stop and smell the wildflowers (sorry, no roses this trip) and lose ourselves in the thousands of azalea in bloom.  This trek will also include hiking in Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness through vintage hemlocks and old growth forest with plenty of solitude.   Price:  $255   Difficulty Rating:  Moderate

Reservations for this trip are due March 31st

The mystical natural waterfalls of South Carolina's upcountry shimmer down smooth granite walls, flow over rugged rock ledges and drop hundreds of feet from scenic mountain cliffs.  On this 3-night, 3-day trip, we will hike to a few of South Carolina's amazing collection of magical falls including the highest waterfall east of the Rockies and have the incredible experience of getting an up-close and personal view of Laurel Falls from a boat on beautiful Lake Jocassee.  This time of year the falls are running at maximum capacity so you won’t want to miss out on these wonderful displays of nature.   Price: $555   Difficulty Rating: Mostly moderate terrain - two trails are considered strenuous

Reservations for this trip are due March 8th

Shenandoah National Park is the scenic mountain haven of the eastern seaboard.  The park is known for its panoramic views from overlooks scattered on lofty Skyline Drive.  But beyond this road is another Shenandoah where bears furtively roam the hollows, waterfalls are at maximum capacity from the spring rains, and nature in general is awakening after being dormant over the long winter.  On this 3-night, 3-day adventure, we will explore three different areas of the park to give you a taste of what this magnificent jewel of the east has to offer.   White Oak Canyon will be one of the highlights with more falls per mile than any other stream in the park, and containing the second highest at 86 feet.  Another must-see will be hiking over Pinnacle Mountain to Mary’s Rock on the Appalachian Trail.  This is the most spectacular section of the A.T. in the park with frequent and expansive views every step of the way.  This Wildside Adventure will take you to the highs and lows of the Shenandoah’s, and in general we will simply enjoy these beautiful mountains and all they have to offer.   Price: $360   Difficulty Rating: Mostly moderate terrain - two trails are considered strenuous

Reservations for this trip are due April 12th

* BEGINNERS TRIP *

Mt. Rogers is Virginia’s highest peak at 5,729 feet and this 2-night, 2-day beginners trip will take you to the summit as well as to Grayson Highlands State Park, which has been compared to the grasslands of Montana - speckled with magnificent rock outcroppings and blessed with plenty of sky.  The area is also home to several herds of feral ponies, which are wild but not shy!  Join us for this low mileage introduction to life on the Appalachian Trail in one of the most beautiful areas of southwest Virginia.  (You don’t want to miss the sunrise over the highlands - it’s incredible!)   Price: $260   Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Reservations for this trip are due May 1st

* BEGINNER’S TRIP *

As though we have stepped into a chapter of Lord Of The Rings - we will trek through forests full of high and thick canopies of trees that create a “cathedral-like” atmosphere, mosses and ferns of every variety, small waterfalls and cascades and boulder strewn pools along the Middle Fork River.  On this 2-night, 2-day trip through the Cranberry Wilderness area of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, we will experience all this plus wide easy trails.  Truly an ideal hike for beginners, as well as a magical experience for all!   Price: $220   Difficulty Rating: Easy - Moderate
The Monongehala trip I took with you changed me forever.  That weekend backpacking trip gave me the confidence to take on new adventure.  - Aileen

Reservations for this trip are due May 1st

Grandfather Mountain, located near Blowing Rock, North Carolina, creates a sense of wonder.  The base rock that pokes through to form cliffs and crags is over a billion years old, part of a mountain range that predates the Alps and the Himalayas.  Grandfather never fails to stir the soul with its boulder-strewn trails, mile-high bridge, ancient black cliffs, rare Azaleas, laddered trails, and astonishing views. This mountain offers more than just incredible hiking; it is one of the 482 Biosphere Reserves in the world and supports 66 rare and endangered species, including 25 that are globally imperiled.  As many as 200 species of birds have been found here, making Grandfather one of the most concentrated bird habitats in the southern Blue Ridge.  This 3-night, 3-day adventure will only scratch the surface of this remarkable mountain.  Famed naturalist John Muir was inspired to describe the view from Calloway Peak on Grandfather Mountain as “the face of all Heaven come to earth”.  Join us for this weekend and see for yourself what he was talking about!   Price: $475   Difficulty Rating: Hiking – Moderate-Challenging

Reservations for this trip are due April 30th

What in the world is Via Ferrata?  VIA stands for “very intense adventure.”  “Ferrata” is Italian for “iron road”.  A via ferrata is basically a long climbing route with permanently fixed cables for protection.  The Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata, located in West Virginia, is the first and only American designed and built via ferrata in the world.  It includes a 230’ long, 150’ high swinging footbridge (one of the longest such bridges in the country).  This 2-night, 2-day adventure (and we do mean adventure) will introduce you to this unique form of rock climbing.  Steel cables, metal rings and bridges will make areas accessible to those without technical rock climbing skills, providing exhilarating views and exposure.  If that isn’t enough excitement for one weekend, then just wait.  The second half of our adventurous weekend will find us hiking in Monongahela National Forest’s Dolly Sods Wilderness.  This area of high elevation wind-swept plains offers us sweeping vistas, flat rocky plains and upland bogs as well as fast-flowing mountain streams.  Wildside promises adventure, and this weekend we will deliver!   Price: $350   Difficulty Rating: Anyone who is fit enough to handle rugged trail hiking is capable of this climbing.  No prior rock climbing experience is needed.
It's hard to comprehend that I (we) actually climbed for that long etc. It was a challenge and I'm glad I made it. Thanks for your help. - Karen
 

Reservations for this trip are due May 3rd

The intercostal waterway on the southern Outer Banks of North Carolina is one of the premier sea kayaking destinations on the East Coast.  On this 2-night, 2-day trip, we will be exploring the pristine shores of Bear Island, one of the oldest and most beautiful of the Barrier Islands.  Along the way we will encounter diversity of sea birds and marine life such as the once endangered Osprey Hawk, the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle, and the magical presence of the Bottlenose Dolphin!  We will also paddle to Cape Lookout National Seashore – a paddlers’ paradise.  Cape Lookout is a playground for the migrating humpback whale and a seasonal nesting site for the endangered loggerhead turtle.  Feral ponies also call this island home, as do Egrets, Great Blue Herons and Brown Pelicans.  You will definitely leave this weekend with a sense of harmony with nature and with memories that will last a lifetime.   Price: $505   Difficulty Rating: Suitable for Beginners

Reservations for this trip are due May 3rd

The Laurel Highlands Trail in southwestern Pennsylvania is a premier long-distance trail that rolls 70 miles across Laurel Ridge.  It ranks as one of the best in the state—and the nation—for its natural offering.  The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail has won national recreation trail distinction and is part of the Potomac Heritage Trail.  On this 7-day, 7-night backpacking trip, we will enjoy: mixed woodlands, picturesque sandstone and limestone outcroppings, vistas, plant fossils, mountain laurel & rhododendron, meadow wildflowers, sparkling runs, and an abundance of wildlife.  At days end we will camp at Adirondack-style overnight shelters.  Join us as we hike this moderate trail end-to-end from the twisting Youghigheny River to the beautiful Conemaugh Valley and take home an incredible experience among the Laurel Highlands.   Price: $640   Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Reservations for this trip are due May 7th

Newfoundland is described as a place like no other – a wild and wonderful place, which is the ideal setting for this Wildside Adventure.  With its rare & scenic beauty, majestic whales, icebergs, and miles of stunning coastline we will have plenty of breathing room.  We will hike along ancient footpaths through inlets, coves, and bays all the while viewing cliffs that tower thousands of feet above landlocked fjords that will dwarf our very existence. 

These are only elements of what makes this place truly unforgettable.  And therein lies the magic of this mysterious land!  This wild and rugged kingdom sports a unique geological history going back 1.25 billion years and we will explore as much of it as we can on this 10-day, 10-night trip.  Around every corner, around every bend, we will find a little piece of heaven, whether we are exploring by foot, kayak, motorized boat, or simply watching the incredible wildlife.  We will leave having witnessed the beauty of all points north, south, east and west that won’t soon be forgotten.   Price: $1,950   Difficulty Rating: All activities are suitable for beginners that lead an active lifestyle. (Pictures courtesy of New FoundlandLabrador.com)

Reservations for this trip are due February 12th

From Springer Mountain Georgia, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, we could walk 2,174 miles to Mt. Katahdin in Maine, but instead we will spend 12-nights and 12-days on the trail.  The sixth section of our ongoing thru-hike will find us continuing our hike for 120 miles as we leave Tennessee and cross the state line into Virginia.  It doesn’t matter that you haven’t done the previous section hikes with us – anyone who has a love of the A.T. is welcome to join us.  We will get a taste of what thousands of thru-hikers experience, and enjoy it in all its beauty without all of the crowds.   Price:  $625   Difficulty Rating:  Moderate to Difficult

Reservations for this trip are due May 24th

SPRINGER MOUNTAIN
BENTON MACKAYE & APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Backpacking
August 8-12

The Benton MacKaye Trail is a footpath of nearly 300 miles through the Appalachian Mountains.  Running from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Davenport Gap on the northern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the BMT passes through some of the most remote backcountry in Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina.  And, of course, most everyone has heard of Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the 2,178-mile Appalachian Trail.  On this 4-night, 4-day backpacking trip through the beautiful mountains of northern Georgia, we will have plenty of solitude on the BMT and you will see first hand what thousands of thru-hikers experience as they begin their trek to Maine.   Price: $425   Difficulty Rating: Moderate-Difficult  

Reservations for this trip are due July 1st

Panthertown Valley in North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest is considered by many to be the Yosemite of the East.  California’s Yosemite Valley is spectacular, but its cliffs will need to be worn by eons of erosion for it to attain the venerable appearance of Panthertown.  In comparison to the ecologically young Yosemite, Panthertown is an ancient place.  The valley floor is composed of rock formed 750 million years ago and the walls range from steep to sheer.  What lies in between are quiet, meandering streams with white sandbars, rocky creeks with waterfalls up to 90 feet high, incredible views, and rare & endangered plants (but no panthers).  On this 2-night, 2-day trip we will base camp on the valley floor and day hike through this incredibly beautiful and diverse area.  Since there is no official trail system in Panthertown, this will be one of those weekends when we will get out the map, compass, and GPS and explore like you’ve never explored before – truly a walk on the wild side!   Price: $250   Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Reservations for this trip are due July 16th

The Seneca Creek Backcountry of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia is considered the “Crown Jewel of the Monongahela”.  Seneca Creek’s exceptional solitude, natural integrity, and endangered species (like Cheat Mountain salamanders) are key factors for a Wildside Adventure.  On this 3-night, 3-day trip we will explore beautiful hardwood forests, open meadows, fast-flowing mountain streams, waterfalls cascading into clear pools that invite you for a swim, and, best of all - plenty of solitude.   This pristine area is the ideal escape from the heat of the summer to cool and refresh both body and soul.   Price: $310   Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Reservations for this trip are due August 9th

ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS, NY
Kayaking/Camping
August 29-September 3

Located in northern New York State, the Adirondack Mountain Region is the Northeast’s last great wilderness.  The Adirondacks have long been recognized as an outdoorsmen’s paradise, and on this 5-night, 4-day kayaking/camping trip we will have a sampling of the lakes, ponds and rivers that connect to form a watery highway through the woods.  This spectacular wilderness area will offer us carefree days of paddling surrounded by majestic mountains as well as plentiful bird watching (loons and bald eagles).  We will also have some hiking on shore and camping at primitive campsites in the Bog River Flow Area and Lows Lake.  This is a great trip for all levels and for those who want to truly get way from it all.   Price: $705   Difficulty Rating: Suitable for beginners

Reservations for this trip are due July 15th

APPALACHIAN TRAIL, TN
Bird Migration Banding / Backpacking
September 5-9

This 4-night, 4-day trek on the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee is one of our unique backpacking trips.  Combining the beauty of the A.T. and the opportunity to observe and take part in a bird migration monitoring and research program is the basis for an incredible trip!  The Big Bald Banding Station is a volunteer program operating in the southern Appalachian mountains of NC and TN during the months of September and October.  Big Bald Banding Station is located high on Little Bald Mountain at 5,390 feet, and we will establish a base camp for two nights and two days while we take part in this program (assisting and observing during the day).  We will then continue our hike north on the A.T. along a beautiful section of trail with incredible views and inviting forests.   Price: $445   Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Every time I remember the sounds of snow on the tent and wind, and slogging one step at a time up that endless bald, I smugly smile. I feel like a larger, stronger, more rooted woman.  Again...I can't forget how really beautiful everything looked...and thanks! - Izzy

Reservations for this trip are due August 5th

APPALACHIAN TRAIL THRU-HIKE
Backpacking
September 10-19

From Springer Mountain Georgia, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, we could walk 2,174 miles to Mt. Katahdin in Maine, but instead we will spend 9-nights and 8-days on the trail.  The seventh section of our ongoing thru-hike will find us continuing our hike for 89 miles as we hike through Grayson Highlands State Park – one of the highlights on the trail in Virginia.  With the most miles of any state that the A.T. goes through (over 550), the diversity of this beautiful state will keep us motivated as we continue north.  It doesn’t matter that you haven’t done the previous section hikes with us – anyone who has a love of the A.T. is welcome to join us.  We will get a taste of what thousands of thru-hikers experience and enjoy it in all its beauty without all of the crowds.   Price: $530   Difficulty Rating: Moderate to Difficult

Reservations for this trip are due July 31st

CHESAPEAKE BAY
Kayaking
September 24-26

The Chesapeake Bay dominates the eastern coast of Virginia and on this 2-night, 2-day kayaking adventure we will paddle through some of its beautiful waterways.  By sea kayak we will explore secluded tidal areas teeming with wildlife and breathtaking beauty with plenty of serenity and solitude.  One of our tours will be to the oldest lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay and we can expect to see dolphins, marine birds, and more.  With an abundance of waterfowl, warm breezes and the soothing rhythm of the water, you will quickly leave all your cares behind.   Price: $490   Difficulty Rating: Suitable for beginners

Reservations for this trip are due August 6th

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS (BACKCOUNTRY)
Backpacking
September 30-October 4

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited National Parks in the country, but on this 4-night, 4-day trip, we will escape the park’s notorious crowds and explore the Cataloochee Valley and the northeast corner of the park.  The Cataloochee Valley will be the highlight of the trek combining remnants of historic Appalachia and, with some luck, viewing the reintroduced elk grazing in the meadows.  We will take two days to explore this area rich in history and beauty.  Rising from the valley we will explore additional historic sites as we make our way to Mt. Sterling, hiking through old growth and virgin forests, following meandering streams, and enjoying a beautiful ridge walk at 5,500 feet elevation.  Join us on this unique trip and enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountains as few people do.   Price: $450   Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Reservations for this trip are due August 25th

CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY
Kayaking / Bird Migration
October 8-11

If you are not familiar with Cape May, it is a peninsula located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay.  The Jersey Cape's thirty miles of pristine white, sandy beaches and its thousands of acres of rich, natural wetlands attract a wide variety of wildlife and feature an unusual blend of flora and fauna which makes it the ideal location for this 3-night, 3-day adventure.  The Jersey Cape is considered one of the top ten birding "hot spots" in the country with more than 400 species of birds spotted and we will have plenty of opportunities to see how many species we can see since October is the best time to see the greatest diversity of birds and monarch butterflies during their migration.  We will also take to the water in kayaks for a guided Eco-Tour of the back bays and tidal marshes.  So that you have a complete picture of Cape May, we will take part in a couple of programs that are conducted by the Cape May Bird Observatory and at Cape May Point State Park (raptor banding project), and enjoy a dolphin watch boat trip.  Of course, we will make some time to stroll through this historic center and view the Victorian Inns, climb the lighthouse at Cape May Point and enjoy the beaches.   Price: $540   Difficulty Rating: Kayaking is suitable for beginners

Reservations for this trip are due September 3rd

LONG DISTANCE HIKING
Workshop
October 15-17

This workshop is designed for the beginner or experienced backpacker who dreams of a long distance hike - be it 100 miles or all 2,168 miles of the Appalachian Trail.  Backpacking skills required for a long distance hike will be discussed and demonstrated by Melody Blaney, co-founder of Wildside Adventures for Women and a 1996 thru-hiker of the Appalachian Trail.  She will cover everything from purchasing gear to planning maildrops.  PLUS, we will work in some time to hike.  This 2-night, 2-day workshop will be held near Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area in southwest Virginia.   Price: $220
The workshop last weekend was really super.  The rapport among you all and Donna was fabulous and keep everyone engaged.  I am so glad I was able to be there. Thanks for being so helpful, always. - Lisa

ROAN HIGHLANDS & TREE CANOPY TOUR
Day Hiking / Zipline Adventure
October 21-24

To say that the Roan Highlands in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina is an adventurous place to visit is an understatement.  On this 3-night, 3-day (truly wild!) Wildside adventure we will day hike in one of the most beautiful sections of the Appalachian Trail and take part in a day of adventure and discovery with a Tree Canopy Tour and Zipline.  The “below the trees” part of this trip will be day hiking over the spectacular bald mountains of the Roans (as they are known locally) with incredible 360-degree views and open grasslands. During our two days of day hiking, the A.T. passes over five summits more than 5,400 feet.  Several of the finest remaining southern Appalachian balds, with their open and grassy summits, are found in this section.  The “above the trees” adventure will be more than just a three-hour zipline experience.  We will enjoy 11 zips (“flyers” are harnessed to a cable line that zips through the trees) and 4 sky bridges while learning about the trees, wildlife habitats, and local history.   Price: $450   Difficulty Rating: Day Hiking – moderate to difficult.  Zipline – suitable for beginners.
Thank you for providing these life-changing experiences for women. - Lydia
 

Reservations for this trip are due September 1st

Combine soft red sandstone, rushing mountain streams, and a few million years of erosion, and the result is the fantastic formations of Kentucky’s Red River Gorge Geologic Area.  Nestled within Daniel Boone National Forest, the area is decorated by more than 80 natural arches, hidden waterfalls, and rock “houses” (overhangs once used for shelter by the Shawnee tribe).  On this 3-night, 3-day trip we will day hike each day and explore Back Arch, Rock Bridge, Hell’s Kitchen, Creation Falls, Angel Windows, Hidden Arch, and Natural Bridge just to name a few of the natural wonders we will visit (and to tune your mind to daydream mode)!  This is a photographer’s paradise not to be missed.   Price: $345   Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Reservations for this trip are due September 20th

In contrast to theme parks and beaches lies a rural terrain defined by a river that flows through the cultural and physical landscape of legends and song that tell the story of Florida.  That river is the Suwannee which rises from the Okeefenokee Swamp in southeastern Georgia, curls through north Florida woodlands, and 170 miles later spills its spring-cooled waters into the Gulf of Mexico.  On this 4-night, 4-day trip, we will kayak the upper Suwannee, which is narrow and flows through towering pines and stately cypress that line the riverbanks and high bluffs.  Limestone cliffs & outcroppings and white sandbars make the upper Suwannee an incredible place to explore.  This trip will not be all about paddling, as we will use our legs as well to do some hiking along the Florida Trail, which parallels the river for 41 miles.  Nights will be spent camping at designated camps or on sandy beaches along the river.   Price: $575   Difficulty Rating: Suitable for beginners. 

Reservations for this trip are due September 3rd

CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE
Backpacking
November 6-10

Cumberland Island National Seashore is Georgia’s largest and southern-most barrier island.  It’s hard to imagine that on this 17 1/2 mile long island there are forests so quiet that you can hear yourself breathe; that you can hear the courting bellow of the alligator, and witness live oak forests.  There will also be fallow gardens and crumbling walls of mansions from bygone eras.  And you will enjoy herds of horses grazing openly on the marsh and in the forest areas.  Diversity rules on this island!  On the central and northern sections pine trees tower over hardwood forests; on the western side, saltwater marshes pulse with the tidal flow; and the Atlantic Ocean is on the eastern side.  On this 4-night, 4-day, backpacking trip we will explore the diverse trails and the white sand beaches of the island leaving no particle of sand unturned.   Price: $400   Difficulty Rating: Easy-Moderate   (Photos courtesy of NPS.gov)

Reservations for this trip are due October 6th

CHATTOOGA & FOOTHILLS TRAIL
Backpacking
November 11-14

Mention the name Chattooga and most people think of the world-famous whitewater river of that name in South Carolina.  But the Chattooga Trail is slowly gaining a legion of fans for equally impressive reasons: high, rocky bluffs; the peace of hardwood forest; plentiful waterfalls – and all of it serenaded by that wild river.  The Chattooga Trail crosses some of South Carolina’s finest wilderness and affords views of the river 600 feet below.  Side coves contain large hemlocks and white pines and numerous waterfalls.  The Foothills Trail will take us to pristine lakes and quiet glades.  This area also contains one of the most abundant black bear populations known in the southeast and one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern U.S.  Join us for this 3-night, 3-day trip and see the best hiking that South Carolina has to offer!   Price: $375   Difficulty Rating: Moderate

 Reservations for this trip are due October 7th

PRE-HOLIDAY / END OF SEASON RETREAT
November 19-21

Before the rush of the holidays descends upon you treat yourself to a weekend in the woods. The beauty of day hiking in late fall is:  unobstructed views by summer foliage, clear & fresh air, no bugs, and relaxing in front of a warm & cozy fire at the end of the day.  We will be exploring Grayson Highlands State Park in southwest Virginia, which has been compared to the grasslands of Montana - speckled with magnificent rock outcroppings and blessed with plenty of sky.  The area is also home to several herds of feral ponies, which are wild but not shy!  We will be day hiking on the Appalachian Trail, as well as state park trails, to some of the most scenic areas along the A.T. in Virginia.  This weekend is also Wildsides final trip of the year and we plan to close it out in grand style – grand by Wildside standards – a cabin with all of the amenities!  Pack your wool mittens and hat, leave the holiday to-do list behind, and join us for this 2-night, 2-day adventure.  We’ll bring the marshmallows!   Price: $255   Difficulty Rating: Moderate (depending on weather conditions).
It truly is a great thing that you're doing, taking women outdoors to enjoy nature and friendship.  For me, the hikes were fun and "de-stressing", but the fellowship with all of the girls is what I needed most I think.  I don't have a great group of women to laugh with.  I just wanted you to know how much it meant to me. - Janet

 Reservations are due October 11th

Parting Shot

Please Note:  Wildside Adventure trips and programs are updated on a continual basis.  If you don't see the kind of trip you're looking for, we'll be happy to set one up for you or your group!  Call us for rates and information.