What To Expect: Hocking Hills 5- Day Teen Adventure
In our 20+ years guiding teens in the outdoors, we’ve been fortunate to travel to some of the most beautiful and remote places in the U.S. Some of these journeys include 10 or more days exploring coastal islands, climbing 14,000’ peaks, and getting lost in a labyrinth of southwestern canyons.
But for travelers who are new to outdoor adventures, especially those that involve more than a night or two away from home, these trips can be daunting. Every summer we are sure to offer a travel program tailored to those who would prefer an introductory level of challenge, or for whom a week is more suitable to their schedule and/ or comfort zone.
This year, we’ll be headed to Hocking Hills, OH.
Wait, Ohio?
Yep, Ohio.
This is Ohio?
While it may come as a surprise to many, Hocking Hills State Park and its surrounding attractions draw more than 3 million visitors each year. The unique sandstone geology creates an environment full of waterfalls, soaring cliffs, caves, and serene rivers. In fact, the state park was one of the top 10 most popular in the country according to google searches last year.
Our program will start with a day of guided rock climbing. As anyone who has been to Red River Gorge can attest, sandstone creates fantastic features in the rock, making for interesting formations in the rock. This type of surface is forgiving for new climbers, but varied enough for all levels of experience.
Cruising along the bike path
Next, we’ll spend time biking the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, a 21 mile path between Athens and Nelsonville. This route is named after the first inhabitants of this southeastern Ohio region. “Hockhocking,” which means “bottleneck” or “twisted,” was the native Shawnee name for the Hocking River; “Adena” reflects the history of the Adena Indians who lived in the Hocking Valley more than 2,000 years ago.
Any trip to Hocking Hills would be lacking without a hike among the deep cliff walls and waterfalls of the state park. The combination of waterfalls, caves, and open vistas make it easy to forget you are in the central midwest. It’s no wonder people come from all over the world to visit the area!
“There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats” -Kenneth Grahame
Lastly, we’ll spend a day canoeing the Hocking River. Over the course of the week, we will have grown as individuals and team members. This part of the trip puts those communication skills to the test as we play our way down the river with canoe tag, “rock the boat,” and make our attempts playing gondolier!
As with all Crooked Trail teen adventures, group gear is provided, including tents, kitchen equipment, and specialized gear for climbing and paddling. Meals- prepared by campers- are provided on the course, and travelers are encouraged to bring a minimum amount of cash for snacks on travel days and/or souvenirs as mementos of their week out.
If you or someone you know would be interested in joining us this year, check out the details on our main trip page, or book directly at this link.
Hocking Hills 5- Day AdventureJune 24-28, 2024Recommended for ages 12-15$1100We’ll see you on the trail!
