⛰️Tier 1: Backpacking
Red River Gorge, Kentucky
“The perfect first backpacking trip”
Year
2026
Cost
$300
Ages
12-17
Duration
5-6 days
Overview
Daniel Boone National Forest, KY • Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October)
Natural arches, sandstone canyons, and the ideal mix of challenge and accessibility. This is where boys discover they can do hard things and love it.
What Makes This Special
- •Natural arches and 80-foot sandstone formations
- •8-12 miles per day through stunning scenery
- •Primitive camping at designated sites
- •Swimming holes for cooling off (seasonal)
Skills You'll Develop
Multi-day pack fitting and weight distribution
Trail navigation with topographic maps
Water source identification and treatment
Primitive camping site selection
Food packing and bear bag protocols
Blister prevention and management
Requirements
- ✓Complete Orientation Challenge (overnight + 5-mile hike)
- ✓Pass fitness test: 5-mile hike with 25lb pack in under 2.5 hours
- ✓Attend 3+ troop meetings and 1+ skills training weekend
Fitness Test:
5-mile hike with 25lb pack in under 2.5 hours
Difficulty Level
ModerateSeason
Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October)Red River Gorge, Kentucky - Detailed Information
Why This Trip?
Stunning scenery that rewards effort, established trail system with good signage, mix of difficulty levels to test and build skills. Close enough to bail if needed, remote enough to feel real.
The Experience
Days 1-2: Base camp with gear shakedown. Days 3-5: 2-3 night backpacking loop carrying everything. Day 6: Pack out and debrief. Total ~37 miles over 6 days.
The Challenges
- ⚠Carrying 30-40lb pack for multiple days
- ⚠8-12 miles daily with 800-1,200 ft elevation gain
- ⚠Primitive camping with no facilities
- ⚠Weather variations (rain, heat, cold)
The Rewards
- ✓Discover inner strength and endurance
- ✓Unforgettable natural beauty
- ✓Brotherhood forged through shared challenge
- ✓Pride in completing something genuinely hard
Gear Required
• 40-60L backpack
• 3-season sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Tent (shared)
• Water filter or treatment
• Hiking boots (broken in!)
Training Required
- Orientation Challenge weekend
- Fitness test within 3 months
- 1-2 skills training weekends
- Practice hikes with loaded pack