Map and Compass Skills Workshop

April 16, 2021 - FULL
May 2, 2021 - FULL
June 5, 2021
June 19, 2021

This workshop will help you understand the information provided on a map, the proper use of a compass, and how to put the two together.  You'll learn about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination).  After covering these fundamentals, you'll get time to practice taking a bearing and putting the skills into action on a hike.  This interactive workshop is a great introduction to outdoor navigation and map reading!

"Very informative, well worth the time!" - G.A., Appalachian Trail Workshop, February 2021

Cost:

$90 per person
Scholarships and Sliding Scale Fees are available for this trip.  Please reach out to us at trips@blueridgehikingco.com for more information.

This trip will run if there are a minimum of 2 participants signed up.  If the minimum has not yet been met, we'll contact participants two weeks before the trip to discuss options.  The maximum group size is 4 participants.  If you are traveling in a party of 4 or more hikers, we encourage you to consider a private workshop.  You can find more information about our private trip offerings by sending us an email.

In addition to your guide, this price includes transportation between the meetup location and the trailhead, snacks, a compass for you to keep, and a map to use during the workshop.  It does not include gratuity for your guide.

Sign-Up Details:

In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our trip calendar and select the trip date.  You will find the trip listed there. 

Itinerary:

You will meet your guide in Black Mountain, NC at 9 am, then ride in our vehicle to the trailhead in Montreat.  You'll spend around 30 minutes learning the fundamentals of map and compass navigation, then start on your hike!  At several locations during your hike, the guide will have you practice your new map and compass skills.  Total hike distance is around 2.25 miles over moderate terrain.

Itinerary and hike location are subject to change based on weather and trail conditions.

Guide:

Your guide for this trip will be Melissa Watkins.  Melissa grew up in Florida where she spent many hours watching wildlife and guiding kayak tours.  She has also guided many backpacking, canoeing, and rafting trips in western North Carolina and loves nothing more than sharing the outdoors with new friends.  A former college professor, she is an educator at heart.  When not at work, she loves to paddle, bake, teach her young son about the outdoors, and bask in the sunshine.

What we Provide:

BRHC will provide snacks, a compass, and transportation between the meetup location and the trailhead, as well as a map to use during your workshop.  Day packs and trekking poles are available for use at no additional charge; please let us know ahead of time if you'll need these items.

What to Bring:

Participants are responsible for bringing their own water (we recommend 1-2L per person).  Participants should wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  We do not recommend wearing any cotton; activewear is a great option!  Low cut hiking or running shoes are often more comfortable than heavy hiking boots.  We also recommend packing a rain jacket and 1 extra warm layer.

COVID Safety Information:

Due to NC's mask mandate, all participants over the age of 11 are required to wear face coverings during pack shakedown and in our shuttle vehicle.  We also ask that you wear a mask any time you are within 6ft of your guide or another participant.  We provide each hiker with a neck gaiters that can be used as a face covering.  We have added extra gear cleaning steps between trips.  Additionally, we will be providing individually packaged food when possible and have single person tents available for all participants (although you still can request two person tents).  If you have additional questions about the safety precautions for your trip, please contact us via phone or email.

Cancellation Policy:

Payment in full is required to register.  Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee.  Hike may be cancelled up to 1 week before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee).  Within 1 week, a 50% refund will be offered.  Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather.

We hike rain or shine!

If your guide does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip.  Our team of highly trained professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip.  Industry standard gratuity for a guided backpacking trip is 15-20% of trip price.

If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach us by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.