Weekend Hikes Overview
These family-oriented weekend hikes take place each October and May. They are a great time for spiritual reflection, wilderness adventure, and enjoying the bright green of spring in good Christian fellowship.
Each backpacking event begins with an evening at our Property in Troutdale, VA. Participants arrive between 6 and 8pm to fellowship, prepare for the weekend's activities, and worship together. Everyone wakes up early Saturday morning and heads for the trail around 8:30am in small hiking groups. The rest of the weekend is spent walking through the woods and camping out. Hikers may choose routes that are "Easy," "Moderate," or "Strenuous." On Sunday/Monday morning our hikers return between 8 and 10:30am. We have an informal chapel service around 11am before everyone heads for home around noon.
Our Day Event Weekend also begins with an evening at our Property in Troutdale, VA. Participants arrive between 6 and 8pm to get settled, fellowship, and worship together. Everyone wakes up early Saturday morning to eat breakfast together before spending the day biking the Virginia Creeper or day hiking. That evening we share a meal together back at the Property and enjoy some evening devotions. On Sunday morning we eat breakfast together before a closing worship at our outdoor chapel. Participants head for home by 11am.
The weekend Wilderness Trail experience is characterized by campfire devotions, morning quiet times, beautiful scenery, shared meals, good fellowship... and some relaxing free-time, too.
Who can participate?
- Ages 5 and up, although all ages can participate as "Base Camp Participants"
- Individuals and families
- Groups with at least 1 adult chaperone for every 4-5 youth participants
- NOTE: Youth who have not graduated high school must have an adult chaperone
Registration fees include...
- Staffing and programming
- Use of a pack and tent, if needed
- Group trail equipment like camp stoves and water filters
- Snacks on the first night at the Property, breakfast at the Property before hiking, and dinner(s) on trail
- A souvenir t-shirt for each participant
Leadership for our Spring and Fall Events are provided by our Servant Leaders. These are experienced hikers ages 19 and older who have met the experience and training requirements, or who have served as Summer Staff. They are trained to handle the medical, practical, and spiritual demands of leading a hiking group.
If you would like to participate in a Fall or Spring Event, or would like to register a group, you may print and fill out a registration form and send it to the Waynesville Office.