A Wilderness Expedition
Over the entire Wilderness Expedition we covered over 27 miles of trail.
The BRDC summer camps of 2023 have officially wrapped. Campers and Guides headed up to Scales Monday, and (thankfully) all returned on Friday! Over the entire Wilderness Expedition we covered over 27 miles of trail.
Our first half day was spent setting up camp and traveling to Wilson Creek where we found crayfish, salamander nymphs, and a northern water snake (which musked all over a Guide). Clear skies at night gave us a great view of constellations like Scorpio and Cassiopeia, the big dipper asterism, and the Milky Way Galaxy.
On day two we ventured into the Little Wilson Creek Wilderness and did a giant loop. As we walked, we collected chanterelles which we cooked over the fire as an after-dinner snack. They pair great with taco seasoning!
For day three we switched direction and went into the Lewis Fork Wilderness. When we got back, we set up a moth light to practice our identification skills and roasted marshmallows serenaded by guitar (Cade). Our last full day was a little different.
With a clear weather forecast, we packed up camp Thursday morning, stuffed only the essentials into our backpacks, and headed out for Mount Rogers with the intention of spending the night at Briar Ridge. We enjoyed an hour at the highest point in Virginia, and found both Weller’s and Pygmy salamanders. After a quick off-trail scramble, we ended our journey with a beautiful view of the sunset from a rock outcropping off the Appalachian Trail!
Get Outside Hike at New River Trail - Gambetta
Join BRDC guides for a hike along the New River Trail! This hike will depart from the Gambetta parking area and travel towards Fries. Families welcome. Activities include a scavenger hunt and the chance to earn a BRDC patch!
Join BRDC guides for a hike along the New River Trail! This hike will depart from the Gambetta parking area and travel towards Fries. Families welcome. Activities include a scavenger hunt and the chance to earn a BRDC patch!
Blue Ridge Discovery Center’s Get Outside Program connects families of Grayson and Carroll Counties and the City of Galax to nature through hands-on, active, outdoor natural history activities. The components of this program include observational hiking, outdoor activity, and natural history education. Participants will get outside with their families to explore, discover, and share their experiences during a short hike in local areas.
Discovering the Wilds of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
It is Wilderness Discovery Camp. Five days based at Scales Campground with daily excursions covering approximately 30 miles of trail. They left no area unexplored, seeking new discoveries at every turn.
It is Wilderness Discovery Camp. Five days based at Scales Campground with daily excursions covering approximately 30 miles of trail. They left no area unexplored, seeking new discoveries at every turn.
A full camp of 8 guys and gals took on the challenge, come rain or shine, of traversing two wilderness areas and reaching the highest peak in the state of Virginia: Mount Rogers. They caught butterflies, salamanders, toads, aquatic insects, crawfish. Saw birds, wild ponies, experienced a multitude of trees and habitats, and learned map and compass skills.
Every evening before dinner, they documented their day in a journal with words and drawings then shared that with the group; each highlighting something special and unique. The rains that came did not deter this bunch. They huddled up in the walled tent for card games and conversation. This bunch was numero "UNO"!
