Appalachian and Dolly Sods Wilderness Backpacking and Rock Climbing
This classic extended wilderness expedition takes you deep into picturesque environments and teaches how to travel in the backcountry
This expedition begins on the historic Appalachian Trail (the AT) – a diverse and challenging trek that stretches over 2,200 miles from Maine to Georgia. You and your crew will pack the food and gear required to live on trail before leaving Outward Bound’s base in Baltimore. During your expedition, you’ll take turns sharing important roles for your crew such as cook, navigator and leader of the day. Your time on the AT includes a day of rock climbing and lessons in off-trail navigation before driving to the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia, where your crew’s backcountry and leadership skills will be tested by wild grassland and mountainous terrain, dramatically carved by wind and water. After 12 exhilarating days, return home with renewed appreciation of your abilities and an adventure story of a lifetime.
UPCOMING COURSES
Course # BBTE-2531
Age 16 - 18
Days 12
Cost $4,420
Dates 6/14/2025 - 6/25/2025
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This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # BBYE-2531
Age 14 - 16
Days 12
Cost $4,420
Dates 7/9/2025 - 7/20/2025
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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.
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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.
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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
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Students learn how to hike effectively and efficiently, as well as how to set up and manage trail campsites each night. As the team overcomes numerous expedition challenges, they develop a greater belief in themselves and trust in one another. Successful completion of this course requires more than the mastery of technical skills.
During the backpacking component of this expedition, students take a break from hiking and spend an afternoon rock climbing. This challenging activity pushes students out of their comfort zones and helps develop trust among course members. Students rely on one another for support and encouragement to reach the top of the cliff faces.
Appalachian Trail (MD / PA)
The Appalachian Trail in Maryland follows a 41-mile route along the backbone of South Mountain, a north-south ridge that extends from Pennsylvania to the Potomac River at the Border of West Virginia. The AT varies in elevation across the state from 230 feet to more than 1860 feet. The trail follows classic Mid-Atlantic deciduous forests with rocky lookouts. Along the trail, Outward Bound students will break from hiking to experience an afternoon of rock climbing at one of three sites along this section. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Massawomeck and Piscataway nations.
Dolly Sods Wilderness (WV)
The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in Grant, Randolph and Tucker Counties, West Virginia. The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. Elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Massawomeck nation.
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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.