Map and Compass Hike
Sunday April 14, 2024 at 8:30am (Montreat)
Saturday May 4, 2024 at 8:30am (Craggy Gardens)
Sunday June 23, 2024 at 8:30am (Montreat)
Sunday July 14, 2024 at 8:30am (Craggy Gardens)
Saturday August 17, 2024 at 8:30am (Montreat)
Saturday September 21, 2024 at 8:30am (Craggy Gardens)
Navigation with map and compass is a valuable skill for anyone who likes to spend time in the backcountry. In this half day hike, you'll learn navigation fundamentals, then put them to use! The 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 basics, you'll get time to practice those skills on a hike. This interactive workshop is a great introduction to navigation and map reading!
Map and Compass Hike lasts approximately 4 hours.
"Very informative, well worth the time!" - G.A., Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Workshop
Cost:
$130 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 one week before the workshop to discuss options. The maximum group size is 6 participants.
In addition to your guide/instructor, price includes transportation from the meetup location to the trailhead, snacks, and a compass for you to keep. Price does not include gratuity for your instructor.
Sign-Up Details:
In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our trip calendar and select your desired hike date. You will find the workshop listed there.
Itinerary:
Meet in Asheville, NC (for Craggy Gardens hikes) or Black Mountain, NC (for Montreat hikes) and spend the first part of your day learning the basics of reading a map and using a compass. We do this part in an open area, because these skills are easier to learn in an area where you can see nearby landmarks. After the introductory information, you'll head to the trailhead to take a hike and put your navigation skills into practice! Workshop and hike lasts about 4 hours. Craggy Gardens hike is rated as easy to moderate. Lookout Mountain hike is rated as moderate.
Instructor:
Your instructor 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 all instruction and necessary educational materials, transportation from the meetup location to the trailhead, snacks, and a compass for you to keep. Some hiking essentials - daypacks, trekking poles, and hiking umbrellas - are available upon request. Please let our Admin team or your Guide know ahead of time if you'd like to use any of these optional items.
What to Bring:
The entire workshop and hike will take place outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather! Activewear (clothing made of synthetics, wool, or moisture-wicking natural fibers) is a better option than cotton. If cotton gets wet, it won't keep you warm! We recommend dressing in layers, as weather in the mountains can change quickly and may be different at higher elevations than in town. Hikers should wear comfortable shoes with good traction. Hikers should bring a water bottle and a rain jacket. We also recommend bringing something you can use to take notes!
Cancellation Policy:
Payment in full is required to register. Workshop cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Reservation 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 workshop due to severe weather.
If your instructor 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.