When registering for activities sponsored by outfitters, please pay special attention to the registration deadlines for these individual activities, as they may be earlier than the close of registration for the International Event. As with limitations on the number of participants, these deadlines are imposed by the outfitters and are not under the control of Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America.
Price: $45.00
Join us for a relaxing day on the river interspersed with some exciting shots of adrenaline. This 6.5 mile kayak on the south branch of the Potomac River has a little something for everyone. At the outfitters, the beginners may start with an instructional talk on how to paddle the river in the kayak. THIS IS A NON-GUIDED TRIP, but everyone will be provided with a map. This section of the river is primarily class I with approximately 4-5 short sections of more exciting class II rapids. Be prepared to get wet! This trip should take about 3 hours with a leisurely group paddle. The class II sections can be a bit challenging, but are very doable.
OVERVIEW
The first set of rapids you will come to is the O-HELL section. This area was designed by engineers who placed six big boulders in the middle of the river to agitate the water and introduce oxygen for the fish of the nearby hatchery. These boulders create hydraulics which will cause an undertow. For this reason, this section should be traversed either to the right or left banks. The left bank will be exciting, but still more mellow than the right bank. If you choose to challenge this section again, you may portage your kayak up the left bank to face the rapid again to see who wins the second time around.
The second set of rapids is called the 70/30. 70% of people will dump and 30% will sail clear through. The best way to approach this section is through the middle as the rapids converge in a Y. If you’re part of the 70 and not the 30, there is an area to the left where you can walk back and try to conquer it again.
You pass two more smaller rapids, Moe and Curly, but give them the respect they’re due. The last and final kicker is Larry, known to dump 90% of people. After Larry, the orange painted take out point will come up fast and the river picks up speed as well. Make sure you don’t sail past!
KEEP YOUR EYES OUT FOR EAGLES WHEN YOU PASS THE TWO CLIFFS ON THIS ROUTE! Persons interested must be registered by August 14th 11:59 pm (PDT) to be guaranteed a spot. This is a deadline imposed by the outfitter. There will be no refunds issued for this event after August 14th 11:59 pm (PDT). Late inquiries for this event between August 15th and August 22nd should be addressed to event@mosaicoutdoor.org. Please put the event title in the subject heading. We won't be able to guarantee a spot after the deadline, but we will do the best we can. NO ADDITIONS WILL BE MADE AFTER THE CLOSE OF REGISTRATION.
West Virginia, renowned for its state park system, has another hidden gem in the Lost River State Park. The moderate part of Cranny Crow/Big Ridge hike is a loop up and over the ridge. With Cranny Crow, Cheeks Rock, and the Big Ridge vistas, as well as the ridge meadow, this hike has beautiful scenery around every corner in its trail system.
The initial ascent is a pleasant climb and the view from the shelter house is great. HOWEVER, the treat will come on the short final ascent to the Cranny Crow lookout. You won't be able to help saying "WOW". This is definitely a hike with a reward! Be prepared to be awed!
This is a 4-5 mile hike with an elevation gain of approximately 1000-1200 feet. Overall time will be approximately 4-5 hours which includes 1/2 hour for lunch.
This is an approximate profile of this hike. It has been slightly altered to make it more of a moderate hike. The initial incline up the service road was altered to start flat along the paved road to the stables, then a gradual climb up the White Oaks Trail, finally continuing up some more moderate switchbacks to the first shelter house.
Please note that the last quarter mile of the hike follows a small stream bed which may be a bit muddy and rocky. While it is totally out of character for the majority of the hike, sturdy shoes are a must! Plan on bringing 2 liters of water. Most of the hike is shaded, however, there a small patches on the ridge where sunscreen may be a good idea.
This is one of two sister hikes that spawn from the Wolf Gap campground and both are considered treasures of the George Washington National Forest. This tends to be the easier of the two hikes even though it’s a bit longer. Big Schloss peak, named by German immigrants provides a wonderful view of the surrounding valleys. Make sure to bring a packed lunch because you will want to linger at the Big Schloss rock outcropping and soak in the view.
The distance of the hike is 4.1 miles with an elevation change of 1,035 ft.
The total time for this hike should be 3-4 hours plus 1/2 hour for lunch.
This is the approximate profile of this hike.
This hike is one of two sister hikes that spawn from the Wolf Gap campground and both are considered treasures of the George Washington National Forest. The Tibbet Knob trek, which has two short rock scrabbles, is a less populated, and has great views. Make sure to bring a packed lunch because you will want to linger at the Big Schloss rock outcropping and soak in the view.
The Tibbet Knob hike is 3.1 miles with an elevation change of 830 ft.
The total time for this hike should be 2-3 hours plus 1/2 hour for lunch.
This is the approximate profile of the hike. Due to the short distance of this hike, it could be considered easy. However, there are two steeper rock scrambles which place this hike in the moderate category.
A walk along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath through a tunnel more than half a mile long, followed by a scenic walk near a remote stretch of the Potomac. The return hike is over a shoulder of the mountain on the Potomac side, offering stunning views of the West Virginia mountain landscape. You could take longer getting to the trailhead than hiking this delightful section of the C&O Canal Towpath, but you will find you want to savor every moment out there. Take a flashlight along to better explore the tunnel walls and the several places where brick courses have been removed back to stone. Occasionally, these holes have a surprise snake, so be careful where you put your hands. Special considerations: Bring a flashlight for walking through the tunnel. Take a camera for pictures over the ridge.
The distance of this hike is 3.1 miles with an elevation of 360 feet.
This hike should take 2-3 hours with an hour for lunch.
Several notes about the trail: flashlights are recommended but not necessary; port-a-johns and water is available at trailhead as well as along the path. ADA picnic tables along the route make a good resting or picnic spot.
Begin the hike from the far left end of the parking lot where signs direct you up a slight hill to the towpath. About half of the trail is wheelchair accessible. If handicapped, expect a stiff upward jaunt over some rough trail before reaching the smooth, wide path.
Across from the parking area, you can't help but notice the broad field used by primitive campers. These pleasant sites have picnic tables, grills, and quick access to the Potomac River. At the far end of the camping area you'll see the historic home once occupied by the tunnel master. It is not open for tours.
Once you make the small incline onto the path, be sure to note that this trail is a continuation frequented by mountain bikers. The short half-mile walk to the tunnel is a pleasant and very easy stroll paralleling the former canal. Shallow water rests in the depression fueling water plants, mosquitoes and a variety of reptiles. Bug spray is a welcome accompaniment. A variety of greenery graces both sides of the trail with a sprinkling of towering pine amid the primarily hardwood forest. Once you reach the tunnel, you'll discover what a fabulous engineering feat it was, having been built between 1836 and 1850. The amazing structure is 3,118 feet long, with an interior lined with bricks that experience a constant trickling of water from the earth's natural springs. If the darkness doesn't envelope you, the dampness surely will. A period handrail offers assistance as you venture into the depths of the 1.1-mile tunnel. Flashlights are recommended but it is possible to do without. At the tunnel entrance, notice the staircase that frames the tunnel. Also, notice the trail on the right that enters from the hillside. This is your return route re-entering the main path. Also, an ADA picnic table, port-a-john, views of the Potomac and a broad flat area is a nice place to relax and enjoy the quiet. A few passing cars occasionally interrupt the silence otherwise broken by birdsong. Once you venture through the tunnel, head north over a boardwalk then back on the towpath. Begin making the return loop at 1.4 miles making a hairpin switchback. Before ascending the hill, take time to explore the canal where wildlife scurries, flutters about, and evidence of the former canal works can be easily viewed. As you head up the hill, follow the orange blazes found on the trees about 0.5 mile gaining approximately 350 feet. Several vistas are enjoyed on the way up including a western view of Green Ridge Mountain. At 2.1 miles, several trails converge. Follow the trail leading left, which descends into the woods and along the hill’s ridge then weaves along several switchbacks. At 2.4 miles, you'll be rewarded with more views including those of the Potomac River, the tiny burg of Paw Paw, and sights into West Virginia. You'll re-enter the beginning of the trail at 2.6 miles near the ADA picnic site. Retrace your steps along the broad towpath back to the parking lot.
Price: $2.00
Ice Mountain is owned by the Nature Conservancy due to its uniqueness and will be a guided hike by one of its docents. The history of Ice Mountain is extremely interesting. This area has a refrigeration effect when, in the cooler months, dense, cold air sinks deep into the talus and ice masses form inside. As the weather warms up, the cooler air flows out of vents among the rocks at the bottom of the slope, creating ice that generations would chip off and cart home to make homemade ice cream. Due to this cooling effect, there is a change in the fauna in the area, which is more characteristic of cooler Canadian climes. The hike itself is relatively short and fairly mild in elevation gain. The more strenuous part of the hike is the ascent to Ravens Rock overlook and will be your choice to do. It is an extra half mile up and half mile back. In addition, depending on the roosting of the Ravens, this option may or may not be open.
Price: $35.00
Important Schedule Note: If you participate in this activity and wish to participate in the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad activity as well, then you will need to meet the van going to the Potomac Eagle on the way back to camp. While it is likely that we will be able to arrange this but using a van, we cannot guarantee it. If we use personal cars, we should have no problems, so if you are willing to drive to this event, please e-mail us at event@mosaicoutdoor.org. If the transfer does not work out, then you will forfeit the cost of the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad activity. Please keep this in mind when you register for your Saturday activities.
This event is a leisurely hour long horseback ride through the beautiful wooded trails of Cacapon Restort State Park. This relaxing ride will give you a morning of ease and allow enough time to return to camp for an afternoon of adventure.
For the horseback riding, the outfitter has a policy of NO open toed shoes. Make sure you have the appropriate footwear so the outfitter does not forbid you from participating on the ride. There is a weight limit on this event of 265 pounds. Persons interested must be registered by August 14th 11:59 pm (PDT) to be guaranteed a spot. This is a deadline imposed by the outfitter. There will be no refunds issued for this event after August 14th 11:59 pm (PDT). Late inquiries for this event between August 15th and August 22nd should be addressed to event@mosaicoutdoor.org. Please put the event title in the subject heading. We won't be able to guarantee a spot after the deadline, but we will do the best we can. NO ADDITIONS WILL BE MADE AFTER THE CLOSE OF REGISTRATION.
Important Schedule Note: If you participate in this activity, then you will not be back in camp in time to participate in the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad activity. Please do not register for the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad activity if you register for this activity.
Enjoy a ride along the C&O canal. Your choice will be to travel the paved Western Maryland Rail Trail or conquer the slightly tougher, parallel, gravel C&O towpath. The outfitter will provide bikes and helmets for your tour. The suggested route will be from the outfitter to Polly Pond (9 miles) and back for a round trip of 18 miles. Or check out the map with your fellow cyclists and modify your trip.
The Western Maryland Rail Trail follows the path of history. From the days of the Native Americans of centuries ago to the interstate highways of today, the Potomac River valley has always been an important transportation corridor.
The National Road, the C&O Canal, and the B&O and Western Maryland Railroads made use of the Potomac River’s route through the mountains.
The historic town of Hancock, strategically located at the foot of the Appalachians, has offered hospitality to travelers since the colonists first started moving west.
The paved Western Maryland Rail Trail, built on the abandoned Western Maryland Railway, offers a smooth, nearly flat ride through the mountains plus scenic vistas and a bit of history and geology for added enjoyment. Persons interested must be registered by August 14th 11:59 pm (PDT) to be guaranteed a spot. This is a deadline imposed by the outfitter. There will be no refunds issued for this event after August 14th 11:59 pm (PDT). Late inquiries for this event between August 15th and August 22nd should be addressed to event@mosaicoutdoor.org. Please put the event title in the subject heading. We won't be able to guarantee a spot after the deadline, but we will do the best we can. NO ADDITIONS WILL BE MADE AFTER THE CLOSE OF REGISTRATION.
Enjoy a stroll along the C&O canal or the Western Maryland Rail trail. Spend your morning enjoying the sights and sounds of the historic area of Hancock the views from the canal. This will be an approximate 3.5 hour, discover at your own pace, event.
The National Road, the C&O Canal, and the B&O and Western Maryland Railroads made use of the Potomac River's route through the mountains.
The paved Western Maryland Rail Trail, built on the abandoned Western Maryland Railway, offers a smooth, nearly flat ride through the mountains plus scenic vistas and a bit of history and geology for added enjoyment.
Stay in camp and enjoy the facilities Rim Rock has to offer. Whether you enjoy tennis, basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, or would like to lay on the lawn and picture cloud shapes, this option gives you the chance to really enjoy the WV mountain air.
The camp offers a variety of trails across the river. Some are easy and some are moderate. You’ll want to bring a change of socks or shoes for the river crossing as there is no bridge. Water shoes are recommended for the water crossing.
Enjoy some aquatic time in one of two of Rim Rock's solar heated pools.
Price: $55.00
Take a trip on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad. This is a 3 hour relaxing round trip tour from Romney, WV, through the Trough, and down toward Moorefield. The excursion through the Trough will give you a 90% chance of sighting a bald eagle. With its steep canyons and high perches, this forested canyon provides the perfect nesting place for the bald eagle. Make sure you bring your cameras to catch the majestic bald eagles on film. Your seats are located in the regular train cars, but two outdoor cars allow a better view of the trip.
Bald Eagle Trivia
Persons interested must be registered by August 14th 11:59 pm (PDT) to be guaranteed a spot. This is a deadline imposed by the outfitter. There will be no refunds issued for this event after August 14th 11:59 pm (PDT). Late inquiries for this event between August 15th and August 22nd should be addressed to event@mosaicoutdoor.org. Please put the event title in the subject heading. We won't be able to guarantee a spot after the deadline, but we will do the best we can. NO ADDITIONS WILL BE MADE AFTER THE CLOSE OF REGISTRATION.
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Ready to pit your nerves of steel, catlike reflexes, and muscles of iron against other MOCA members? Start your intense training now for the Camp Rim Rock/ MOCA field day! This event will be held Saturday afternoon starting around 2 p.m. to allow people on morning activities and short hikes to get back to camp to participate. We plan to have kayak relays in the pond, tube relays in the pool, bocce tournaments, tennis matches, and a host of other activities TBA. Sign up for the ones you wish to compete in. The water activities will start around 3 p.m. to allow the morning activities and shorter hikes to return to participate while some of the other land events will begin sooner. Keep watching the site for further listings of field activities as they become available. DUE TO LIMITED EQUIPMENT, YOU WILL NEED TO PRE-REGISTER FOR CERTAIN ACTIVITIES IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE. Other activities will be based on the number of people attending at the time.