Just a short drive from the revitalized city streets of Pittsburgh awaits an outdoor oasis in the Laurel Highlands. With nearly 20,500 acres of rugged landscapes, Ohiopyle State Park is a favorite destination for hikers, white water paddlers, mountain bikers and rock climbers alike. Embark on your own journey as our local guides share their favorite hidden gems on this 5-day multi-sport adventure.
Moderate/Strenuous: 3/5
This adventure may include 6-8 hours of continuous activity for multiple days in a row. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to walk for several miles (see itinerary for exact mileage) while carrying a daypack. The activities require the ability to be able to climb vertical walls, walk over uneven terrain and to sit upright in a raft for several hours. These activities take place outdoors where you may be exposed to adverse weather conditions such as wind, rain, cold or hot weather events, swift water, wildlife and insects. This itinerary is a combination of consecutive days with physical activities but also incorporates moments to unwind, relax, or explore independently during the evenings. For the best experience, it is highly recommended that participants follow the packing list that will be provided. The trip director at Beyond the Map will serve as a source of knowledge for planning and preparation prior to the trip. No experience necessary, just a calling for adventure!
This trip includes tent camping. Tents can be rented upon request.
Due to the activity type, we highly recommend you purchase trip insurance. It allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. For travel insurance, we recommend DAN Travel insurance or World Nomads. Please note, Beyond the Map is not affiliated with either of these companies. It is your responsibility to review coverage details and to file a claim if need be.
The traveler agrees to notify Beyond the Map with written notice of cancellation 60 days prior to the trip date for a full refund. Refunds for cancellations after this 60 day period will vary and are dependent on the expenditures that the operator will absorb as a result of cancellation. Cancellations equal to or less than 14 days prior to the trip date will be charged the full amount of the trip and no refunds will be issued. If the operator cancels the trip due to unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances (weather, safety concerns, travel bans, etc.), then the customer will receive a travel voucher for the full amount of the trip cost.
As a side note, during times of uncertainty, the operator is personally working with each guest to ensure that the cancellation policy is flexible and will protect the costs endured by both the traveler and operator. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected travel interruptions.
Pre-Trip Precautions: All guides and operators will have a negative Covid-19 test within one week of the trip. Participants will not be permitted to attend if they have shown symptoms and signs of illness. If someone shows symptoms on the trip, we’ll immediately separate that person from the rest of the group and implement evacuation procedures to a nearby hospital for testing/assistance. We reserve the right to refuse services to anyone that appears to be ill. Temperature checks will be done at the beginning of each trip for each participant. Each guest will be required to fill out the pre-trip Covid-19 questionnaire.
Transportation: Group transportation will be decided on a case-by-case situation. If the group is an inner-circle of friends and/or family, we can include group transportation upon request. If not, the participants will be asked to provide their own transportation or carpooling with those they do know.
Sanitizing: We’ve stockpiled soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, disinfectant wipes, hand wipes, etc. for our guide teams to have available to guests at all times during trips.
Equipment: High-touch surfaces including equipment will be deep cleaned prior to use. Guests will have access to disinfectant wipes for their own use as well as an added precaution. Guests will constantly be asked to use hand sanitizer before/after handling of any equipment. Shared equipment will be kept to a minimum and/or be sanitized w/ a disinfectant wipe between uses. Guests will handle their own baggage and personal items. When possible, we will select activities that promote social distancing.
Meals: Guides will either create “to-go” style picnic lunches in takeaway brown bags or will create a lunch/dinner spread in which the guides handle the serving utensils and put food on plates for guests. Guides will wear gloves and masks throughout food prep and serve. Dishes will be washed in the evenings after guest drop-off. Guests will be required to bring their own reusable utensils and water bottle. We will require handwashing prior to all meals. We will have handwashing stations set up and available at mealtimes.
Participant Interaction: All guests will be required to bring face masks and to wear them when in situations whenever they cannot maintain a distance of 6 feet from another participant. Typical greetings such as handshakes, high fives or hugs will not be permitted between guests (unless within the same party-friends, family, etc.).
Arrive to our beautiful campsite in the mountains of western Pennsylvania. We will have a group dinner and a round of introductions. Dinner will be followed by an orientation to the days ahead! Spend the evening relaxing in a hammock while enjoying the surrounding views or exploring the nearby wooded trails.
Accommodations: Campsite
Meals included: Dinner