Potomac River Canoeing and Appalachian Backpacking
Explore river, rock and trail wilderness across the outlands of Maryland.
This 12-day course is designed to challenge you at every turn as you and your crew travel together, canoeing and backpacking. Your crew will learn what it’s like to live off what’s in your pack for nearly two weeks – on foot and by boat. If you’re looking to level up your leadership skills for the next school year, this course will help prepare you for what’s next. Connect with new friends, and make memories that will last a lifetime on this epic course across Maryland’s wilderness.
UPCOMING COURSES
Course # BBT7-2531
Age 16 - 18
Days 12
Cost $4,420
Dates 6/24/2025 - 7/5/2025
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # BBY7-2531
Age 14 - 16
Days 12
Cost $4,420
Dates 7/19/2025 - 7/30/2025
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # BBM7-2532
Age 12 - 14
Days 12
Cost $4,420
Dates 7/19/2025 - 7/30/2025
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.
Students must work as a crew to navigate the river, while transporting all their gear from one campsite to the next each day. Instructors will provide instruction on paddling technique, reading the river and other technical canoe skills as they progress through this section of the course.
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. It also requires adaptability, decision making and teamwork.
Service to others and to the environment are core values of Outward Bound and they are integrated into each course. Participants follow Recreate Responsibly ethics as part of their service to the environment. Students develop an ingrained appreciation of service, seeing the impact of their actions firsthand, by multiple small acts of service with and for their crewmates while leading and supporting each other throughout the journey.
Savage River State Forest
Home to over 55,000 acres of mountainous terrain and mixed hardwood forest, Savage River State Forest is located in the western panhandle of Maryland. The Appalachia in Maryland vary in elevation from 230 feet to more than 1860 feet. The region is lush with streams and deciduous forests with rocky lookouts. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Massawomeck and Piscataway nations.
Western Potomac River
The Potomac River is located along the mid-Atlantic Ocean coast of the United States and flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The river (main stem and North Branch) is approximately 405 miles (652 km) long, with a drainage area of about 14,700 square miles (38,000 km²). In terms of area, this makes the Potomac River the fourth largest river along the Atlantic coast of the United States and the 21st largest in the country. Over 5 million people live within the Potomac watershed. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Massawomeck nation.
OTHER COURSES YOU MAY LIKE
Boundary Waters Canoeing
Courses: 14 dates available Ages: 14-16 , 16-18 , 18-25 Length: 8 - 22 Days Cost: $2,790 - $6,790 Details & Dates
Potomac River Canoeing
Courses: 4 dates available Ages: 12-14 , 14-16 Length: 8 Days Cost: $3,200 Details & Dates
Blue Ridge Mountains Backpacking & Roc...
Courses: 10 dates available Ages: 14-16 , 16-18 Length: 6 - 14 Days Cost: $2,325 - $5,105 Details & Dates
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.