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.
You are the master of your destiny on this event as you create your own adventure at Cacapon Resort State Park. As a bonus, this is homecoming weekend at the park. Join in the festivities with the Cacapon State Park Foundation. The park will have music with multiple live bands, food, door prizes, and lots of fun! We’ll begin the day with some fun activities like time on the beach (Price: $5.00) or paddle boating (Price: $10.00) at the waterfront. The beach an waterfront open at 10 a.m. The morning will also offer a MOCA easy/moderate hike (Price: Free) to explore the many park trails.
Interested in a more exciting hike? Try your hand at geocaching (Price: $5.00) in the morning. The nature center will provide some beginner instruction on geocaching and send you off to see what you can find. There is an easy hike geocache and a more moderate hike multiple geocache. The park has 3 or 4 GPS units to share, or you can bring your own. Have fun looking for hidden treasure!
Stay tuned for the possibility of a nature center guided hour long hike. Unfortunately, this will depend on the day’s staff availability and will be determined at a later date.
End your activities with a comfortable hour-long horseback ride (Price: $35.00) as you travel through the beautiful and scenic Cacapon Resort State Park after lunch at 1 pm. 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. There is a limit of 12 people on the horseback adventure. It has been known to be popular in the past and will sell out quickly so it will be treated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that the horseback ride will happen at 1:00 p.m. and you must arrive at the stables by 12:30 p.m., so plan your day accordingly. 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.
Price: $5.00
This hike will begin in downtown Harper’s Ferry, where we’ll head across the train trestle into Maryland for a stroll along the C&O Towpath along the beautiful and scenic Potomac River from its confluence with the Shenandoah River upstream. We’ll re-trace our steps and head back into town to explore the town itself.
As an added bonus over the weekend of Sept 3-4, 2011, there will be a presentation in the Lower Town. This will be the “Eyes of the Army: The Calvary Factor” from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Join members of the 2nd US Cavalry as they demonstrate the speed and might of horse and soldier.
For those who wish to climb the stone steps up to Jefferson Rock, we’ll do so, then we’ll regroup and head over to the scenic trails of Virginius Island to explore both nature and historic ruins, and we’ll chill for a bit watching the rafters and kayakers along the Shenandoah River. Bring a hat, bug spray, lunch (or purchase in town). Cameras recommended. Total walking distance should be under 4 miles of mostly flat terrain (the optional jaunt up to Jefferson Rock involves some climbing). With the exploring and lunch stop, we should be in Harper’s Ferry for around 3.5 - 4 hours.
Information on Virginius Island
Virginius Island is a land of wonderful ruins to photograph along with walking paths and the Shenandoah River. The island was at one time a virtual industrial park of water driven industry. Unfortunately the water that drove that industry was also the water that periodically flooded the island and gradually destroyed all the factories located there. Today, many of the stone foundations remain and in some cases even the remnants of the old machinery. Some of the ruins are in the woods along the old canal that supplied water to power them and others are along the river. Take the time to leisurely explore the area and play with your photographic composition. Virginius Island is a land of wonderful ruins to photograph along with walking paths and the Shenandoah River. The island was at one time a virtual industrial park of water driven industry. Unfortunately the water that drove that industry was also the water that periodically flooded the island and gradually destroyed all the factories located there. Today, many of the stone foundations remain and in some cases even the remnants of the old machinery. Some of the ruins are in the woods along the old canal that supplied water to power them and others are along the river. Take the time to leisurely explore the area and play with your photographic composition. Virginius Island is a land of wonderful ruins to photograph along with walking paths and the Shenandoah River. The island was at one time a virtual industrial park of water driven industry. Unfortunately the water that drove that industry was also the water that periodically flooded the island and gradually destroyed all the factories located there. Today, many of the stone foundations remain and in some cases even the remnants of the old machinery. Some of the ruins are in the woods along the old canal that supplied water to power them and others are along the river. Take the time to leisurely explore the area and play with your photographic composition.
This hike is the shorter loop of the more strenuous Maryland Heights trail. The most difficult part of this hike will be the ascent up to Maryland Heights from the lower town information center. This trail guide begins in the historic Harper's Ferry area. The first stop of the trail are the bridges which are old stone piers crossing the Potomac River. These originally carried a covered timber railroad and wagon bridge. This was the entry point for John Brown for his famous raid. The second stop on this trail is Lock 33 and the C&O Canal which marks a completion of the canal in 1833. The third stop is the Naval Battery built as the first Union fortification on Maryland heights in response to Stonewall Jackson's Valley campaign. From here, the hike will take the right fork of the trail to bypass the much longer loop and proceed directly to the overlook. The overlook would be a great place for a lunch break before retracing your steps back and out of the trail. The trails do include some strenuous uphill sections. After the trek to the overlook, the group will come down and proceed to go up to Jefferson Rock, and finally wind back down to a quick tour of Virginius Island, time permitting.
This trail is approximately 4-5 miles long and will take about 4-4.5 hours with a half hour for lunch.
Loudoun Heights Trail is just a small part of a bigger tri-state hike at Harper's Ferry. Unfortunately, some of the tri-state hike is currently closed to pedestrian traffic at the second bridge. Regardless, this hike will challenge you and is considered a strenuous 6 miles as it covers the area from the Appalachian Trail Center to Split Rock overlook and back out again.
The rugged, uneven terrain makes this hike a challenge.
The hike will begin from lower town, then walk along the AT (Cliff Trail past Jefferson Rock, etc.), crossing the first 340 bridge in the pedestrian lane, and hiking the 4-mile loop up to Loudoun Heights and back down.
The distance for this out and back hike is approximately 6 miles with an elevation change of 965 ft. This is an educated guess because part of the original hike is currently closed.
The time for his hike is approximately 4-5 hours with a half an hour for lunch.
This hike passes through the Trout Pond Recreation Area, one of the most scenic campgrounds in the GWNF. There are two main bodies of water, Trout Pond, and the much larger Rockcliff Lake. This hike includes a couple of wooden foot bridges and a small man made beach on Rockcliff Lake. From the campground moving uphill on the purple blazed trail, this part becomes very steep in places (for the first mile) until the Lina Constable Overlook. The overlook has great views to the west and back down to Rockcliff Lake. The trail will begin to get less steep as it leads to a wildlife clearing. Traveling along a forestry road, you will reach a ridge that is the junction of the Laurel Run and North Mountain trails. This is also the border of Virginia and West Virginia. On the way down, the trail will level out and you will pass several large sink holes of more than 30ft in diameter. These sink holes were created by water eroding the limestone in the ground below. DO NOT go into the sinkholes as they are unstable. Drain holes are near the bottom hidden under the leaves. Your weight could break the thin layer of rock collapsing into the caverns below. Moving on will bring you to a small creek where there is one of the most unusual rock formations in the entire GWNF.
The distance of this hike is 8.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,710 ft.
The time for this hike is 5.0 hours with a half an hour for lunch.
This is an approximate profile of this hike.
Price: $40.00
Join us for a day of relaxation as you float down Antietam Creek in a tube. This is a guided, class I and II tubing event which should take about 4.5 hours, depending on water levels. Putting in a quarter mile below the well-photographed Burnside Bridge, you will begin the tour floating through sections of Antietam National Battlefield-a cornerstone of our nation's history. As you float on the riffles and ledges of this scenic, beginner whitewater stream, your cares will melt away. 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.
Price: $75.00
This trip is a combination of class I-III rapids which you'll attack in your Thrill-Kat. The Thrill-Kat is essentially equivalent to a duckie or inflatable kayak but appears in the picture above. This event is for a beginner whitewater level for the kayakers who want to take it to the next level. It is NOT meant for beginner kayakers as you need a certain level of skill to navigate the class III rapids. There are two class III rapids on the Shenandoah. Doah falls is actually a three foot drop and Whitehorse is standing 3-4 foot waves. If you're looking for a water challenge, this event is for you! This is a guided adventure through some very tough parts of the Shenandoah. Be prepared to get wet!
Please note that this event is dependent on water levels and the outfitter may choose a different route for safety precautions. In this event, the outfitter will launch you on the Potomac for a slightly shorter run that lacks Doah Falls but still has Whitehorse. You may ask for a sit on top kayak for an extra thrill. You'll make up for the shorter run with a park and paddle at the end. 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.
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.
Price: $20.00
Were you a monkey in a past life? Are you a wanna-be firefighter? This event may just be UP your alley! This combination event begins with tackling a climbing wall and ends with some ropes challenges. In this team building event, you’ll cheer on your friends while you sweat it out waiting for your turn!
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.
Enjoy some paddling on Rim Rock’s lake. The camp offers the use of 12 kayaks so first come, first served will be in effect as will the "please share" rule.