YHC Outdoor Adventures

03/25/2015

Trail of the Week: High Shoals Falls Trail
Beautiful at all seasons of the year, High Shoals is a 2.6 mile out and back trail near Hiawassee. In order to get there you will have to cross a creek, but most cars have no trouble if they take it slow. The 1.3 mile hike to the waterfalls is a gentle downhill that will get your heart pumping on the way back out. There are 2 waterfalls, a few areas for backcountry camping, and some great swimming holes for when it gets hot.

03/16/2015

Outdoor Adventures is now offering outdoor skills classes! This first series will highlight 4 survival skills: cordage and knots, traps, shelter, and friction fire. See below for more details.Each class will last around 2 hours. Sign up at the Outdoor Adventures Center; spots are limited!

Friday, March 20, 3:00 pm: Cordage and Knots
Ever want to know how to make rope? Cordage--thin rope-- is essential to a survival situation, as many things (shelters, traps, fires, etc.) cannot be accomplished without it. Once a few feet of cordage is made, you will learn the most useful knots and lashes that will help you accomplish any task. The first class in the OA Survival Series, this is not one to miss!

Friday, March 27, 3:00 pm: Traps
You can live for a little while off of plants and nuts, but at some point you will need protein for long-term survival. In this class you will learn to make a deadfall trap from rocks, sticks, and cordage. Note: we will NOT be testing on animals!!

Friday, April 10, 3:00 pm: Shelter
Sleeping in the open is great in nice warm weather, but when it starts to rain, it is good to have shelter overhead. Learn to make an A-frame shelter from sticks and leaves that will keep you warm and dry.

Friday, April 17, 3:00 pm: Friction Fire
The class that everyone is waiting for! In long-term survival you will eventually need a fire. When matches and lighters are not available, you must resort to using the materials around you. You will learn how to make a friction fire using the bow and drill method. This class is not for the weak of mind; it takes a lot of determination to accomplish!

03/06/2015

Have a GREAT spring break! Be safe out there!

02/18/2015

Happy Snow Day!
It's a blizzard out there! In case it accumulates enough to go sledding and you left your sled at home, here are a few websites for makeshift ones. Be safe and have fun!

http://www.instructables.com/id/how-to-make-a-fast-sled-out-of-household-items/

From kiddie pools to garbage can lids, the wackiest list of makeshift sleds we've seen in RVA.

02/16/2015

Trail of the Week: Wagon Train Trail
Right at the back door to Young Harris College (starting by the parking lot behind the Towers), the Wagon Train Trail is a moderate 6.8 one-way path that leads all the way up to Brasstown Bald. The first couple of miles is a steep climb, but then levels out to a gentle slope the rest of the way. This time of year there will probably be icicles along the path, making for beautiful pictures. Don't forget to dress warmly; after gaining 2,500 feet of elevation, it is sure to be cold at the top!

01/26/2015

Outdoor Adventures has temporarily moved upstairs. Come check out our new location!

11/28/2014

Happy Thanksgiving!!

11/21/2014

Alum Cave Trail

11/21/2014

Come check out our new topographic map to plan your next adventure, and pick up some flyers about nearby trails!!

11/19/2014

We will be closed today due to the basketball game. Take a break from that homework and get out to support the team!

11/06/2014

It is going to be a beautiful weekend! Take a break and enjoy this wonderful weather.

10/21/2014