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Blue Ridge – Veterans – Backpack and Rock Climb
Embark on a unique backpacking expedition through some of the oldest mountains in the world, reach new heights with a day of rock climbing and rappelling, and grow bonds with fellow veterans.
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About This Course
Activity
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Backpacking -
Rock Climbing
Setting & Location
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Forest -
Mountains -
Course Start Location: Asheville, NC -
Course End Location: Asheville, NC
Session Details
4 sessions are available for this course
What You’ll Learn
Outward Bound Veterans courses have helped thousands of service members and veterans draw on the healing benefits of teamwork and challenge. Through adventurous wilderness expeditions, you’ll find the camaraderie, confidence, and clarity to thrive in civilian life.
What You'll Do
With the company of a supportive crew, you’ll brush up on your backcountry living and navigation skills, strengthen communication abilities, and have the opportunity to share stories and experiences.
Where You'll Be
Venture into the ancient and misty Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. With your crew by your side, you’ll discover rushing rivers, hidden waterfalls, and forests brimming with wildlife in one of North America’s most biodiverse regions.
Why It Matters
Life after Military service can feel disorienting. Our Veterans courses offer a supportive crew and purposeful challenge through adventurous wilderness expeditions—so you can reset, refocus, and return home with renewed confidence.
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Veterans Courses
What if you can find familiar connections in unfamiliar places?
Lead in New Ways
Tap into familiar leadership skills and learn new ways to engage with your crew to meet and navigate through unique challenges.
Connections That Last
Build connections that outlast the adventure as you and your crew learn to recognize each other’s strengths and celebrate success together.
Confidence Beyond the Uniform
Leaving the military can feel disorienting. Our Veterans courses offer a supportive crew and purposeful challenge—so you can reset, refocus, and return home with renewed confidence.
Life on Course
Experience backcountry living as part of a crew united by a shared mission. Navigate wild terrain, climb to new heights, and accomplish daily goals together.
This six-day course brings veterans together in the outdoors for purposeful challenge alongside others who understand the pace and responsibility of service. Together, you will embark on a backpacking expedition through Pisgah National Forest, set up campsites, prepare meals, and practice Leave No Trace stewardship. Rock climbing days will take your teamwork to the next level as you work with ropes, climb rugged rock faces, and build trust while belaying your crewmates. Through hands-on activity and shared responsibility, this course builds camaraderie, renews confidence, and strengthens direction for what comes next.
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Sample Itinerary
Here’s an example of what your course itinerary might look like. The actual plan will depend on permits, weather, group skills, and instructor evaluation.
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6-Day Course
| Day 1 | Course start, duffle shuffle, and camp craft |
| Day 2-3 | Backpacking training expedition: practice navigation and risk management |
| Day 4 | Rock climbing, belaying and repelling, and solo |
| Day 5 | Backpacking expedition |
| Day 6 | Personal challenge event, clean and de-issue gear, graduation ceremony, and banquet. Course end and transportation to airport. |
FAQs
Where does course start and end?
All Blue Ridge Mountains courses start and end at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). A North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) representative will meet participants at baggage claim for check-in. Transportation is provided between Asheville Regional Airport and the course area at course start and end.
Is there a maximum age limit for this course?
No, there is no maximum age limit. Ages vary widely on adult expeditions. Our Essential Eligibility Criteria shares what participants must be able to do during course. Full disclosure of all health and medication information is required during the admissions process.
What gear is provided? Can I bring my own?
All group gear, including shelter, backpacks, and climbing equipment, is provided. You will receive a detailed packing list upon enrollment outlining additional items to bring, including clothing layers, footwear, and other personal items.
What is solo?
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 secluded while remaining within hearing distance of other group members and Instructors for safety. Students will be given all the necessary gear, food, water, and skills to enjoy solo time. Solo is a great opportunity for students to relax, recharge, and reflect on their course after having long days of strenuous group activities. Instructors will be monitoring students closely during this experience.
