CB32 Program Banner

Adults

Blue Ridge – Veterans – Backpack & Whitewater Canoe

Embark on a unique backpacking expedition through some of the oldest mountains in the world, navigate rushing rivers by canoe, and grow bonds with fellow veterans.

Schedule a Call
See Available Dates & Apply

North Carolina

CB20 Course Overview

About This Course

Activity

  • The image shows a blue outline of a hiking backpack against a black background. The backpack is fully packed, with a sleeping bag or similar item strapped to the top. It has multiple compartments and straps, suggesting it's designed for carrying a substantial amount of gear. The style is simple and graphic, resembling an icon or a line drawing. Backpacking
  • The image shows a simple, stylized drawing of a canoe in blue against a black background. The canoe is depicted with curved lines outlining its shape, and there are horizontal lines inside the canoe to suggest its structure or design. The style is reminiscent of a basic illustration or icon, with a focus on clear, recognizable shapes rather than detailed realism. Canoeing

Setting & Location

  • The image shows a simple, hand-drawn style illustration of three evergreen trees, possibly pine or fir trees. They are depicted in a solid blue color against a white background. The trees are stylized with jagged edges to represent the needles and branches, giving them a whimsical and slightly abstract appearance. The trunks are simple vertical lines. Forest
  • The image shows a simple, cartoon-style drawing of two mountains. The mountains are depicted with triangular shapes and jagged peaks, suggesting a rugged terrain. Dashed lines adorn the sides of the mountains, possibly representing snow or rocky textures. The drawing is done in a single color, giving it a minimalist and somewhat childlike appearance. The overall impression is one of a basic, almost iconic representation of mountains. Mountains
  • The image shows a stylized, pixelated scene of nature. Two tall, slender pine trees frame a view of distant mountains. A body of water, possibly a lake or river, is visible in the foreground, reflecting the scenery. The color palette is limited, with a dominant dark blue against a black background, giving the image a retro, digital aesthetic. River
  • airplane Course Start Location: Asheville NC
  • airplane Course End Location: Asheville NC

Session Details

5 sessions are available for this course

Chat with the Customer Success Team

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 tackle whitewater rapids by canoe.

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.

/

CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Veterans Courses

What if you can find familiar connections in unfamiliar places?

View Our Educational Approach

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.

CB31 Media Gallery

Life on Course

Backpack rugged mountain trails and paddle whitewater rapids as part of a crew with a shared mission.

Spend six days in the Blue Ridge Mountains traveling on foot and by river alongside fellow veterans. Begin with a backpacking expedition through Pisgah National Forest, navigating varied terrain, preparing meals, and practicing Leave No Trace stewardship. Then, take to the water to learn basic water safety skills and synchronized strokes to maneuver Class I-III rapids as a crew. Along the way, you will reflect, sharpen skills, and build connections forged through shared challenge.

/

CB39 Table Feature

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.

Swipe on table below to view more.

6-Day Course

+ -
Day 1 Course start, duffle shuffle, and camp craft
Day 2 Backpacking training expedition: practice navigation and risk management
Day 3 Whitewater canoeing: paddle strokes, boat maneuvers, rapid scouting, and self-rescue
Day 4 Backpacking: summit prominent peak and solo
Day 5 Personal challenge event, clean and de-issue gear, and graduation ceremony
Day 6 Course end and transportation to the airport
CB27 Pull Quotes

This course reminded me of the strength I get out of being in nature and reminded me of how important it is to have personal relationships with vets.

Ian

Throughout my 13 years of service to the United States Air Force I have never been a part of a more rewarding six days. Meeting other veterans, sharing our stories and experiences with no contact to the outside world has actually been fun. Giving others like myself the chance to still work and be a part of a team to accomplish a common goal is what any service member past or present thrives for.

Tim

CB17 FAQs

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 whitewater gear, 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.

THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE.
Back to Top

Sign Up for Updates from Outward Bound

+ -