This backpacking trip is designed for teens 14 to 17 years of age that have attended our Otter backpacking trip or with mid-level experience. Deer trips bridge the gap between our introductory and advanced trips. Teens have the opportunity to hone backpacking abilities as they learn from instructions and share their skills with peers, all while deepening personal connection with nature in the beautiful Appalachian mountains.

Take your nature connection to the next level! Explore remote areas. Build your survival skills. Piedmont Wildlife Center offers many opportunities to get away and discover the wilderness around us. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a curious newcomer, we’ve got the program for you!

Transportation will be provided for all campers from Leigh Farm Park in Durham, NC.

Ages: 14-17

Price: $600

Location: Roan Mountain Highlands, TN

Mileage: 7-12 miles

Orientation Date: TBD

This is an advanced-level backpacking trip designed for older teens with backpacking experience. the hiking is strenuous with elevation and 4 to 6 miles a day. A central part of this experience is that we will work on building a community in which we can share stories and deep nature connections. There will be an option to do a solo overnight.

Take your nature connection to the next level! Explore remote areas. Build your survival skills. Piedmont Wildlife Center offers many opportunities to get away and discover the wilderness around us. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a curious newcomer, we’ve got the program for you!

Transportation will be provided for all campers from Leigh Farm Park in Durham, NC.

Ages: 15-17

Price: $720

Location: Roan Mountain Highlands, TN

Mileage: 16-19 miles

Orientation Date: TBD

Join us for an exciting week-long introductory adventure of wilderness living! As we travel down the beautiful trails of Wilson Creek Wilderness Area, we will explore the rock outcroppings and trout-filled mountain streams. Campers will increase their wilderness knowledge, and develop confidence and new friendships.

Take your nature connection to the next level! Explore remote areas. Build your survival skills. Piedmont Wildlife Center offers many opportunities to get away and discover the wilderness around us. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a curious newcomer, we’ve got the program for you!

Transportation will be provided for all campers from Leigh Farm Park in Durham, NC.

Ages: 11-14

Price: $600

Location: Wilson Creek, NC

Mileage: 4-5 miles

Orientation Date: TBD

This is an introduction to backpacking for older teens who want to improve their wilderness skills as they gain more backpacking experience. This can be a perfect next step for those who have participated in our original Otter trip or those who want to hike a couple more miles for the week.

Take your nature connection to the next level! Explore remote areas. Build your survival skills. Piedmont Wildlife Center offers many opportunities to get away and discover the wilderness around us. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a curious newcomer, we’ve got the program for you!

Transportation will be provided for all campers from Leigh Farm Park in Durham, NC.

Ages: 15-17

Price: $600

Location: Wilson Creek, NC

Mileage: 6-7 miles

Orientation Date: TBD