Join us on a therapeutic Nature adventure to…..
Wilderness Backpacking Wander:
A Journey of Connection
Mount Rogers / Grayson Highlands: The Appalachian Trail
Thursday, June 19th - Sunday, June 22nd
with Kathleen & Bethany
Through Nature and Somatic practices, you will be masterfully guided to slow down and anchor into your center and listen deeply to your wisdom and that of the landscape. This adventure of the body and heart is one of profound connection with yourself, nature, and community.
Your Journey:
Kathleen and Bethany, nature therapists with a cumulative 30 years of backpacking in the wilderness, are your guides for this transformational experience.
Not only is this retreat restorative and enlivening, but you will also learn skills so you feel confident to go backpacking or take longer hikes in the wilderness.
You will leave with tools to cultivate a restorative, therapeutic relationship within the landscape you call home.
This experience is open to both novice and experienced backpackers, and backpacking/camping gear is available for rent.
Before this adventure, you will be supported with strategies to prepare mentally, physically, and with the proper gear*.
*gear available for rental
You will experience:
- Therapeutic Nature and Somatic Practices
- Meditations
- Soul writing
- Solo time
- Communal meals
- Backpack pro tips
- Medicinal plants along the trail
- 1 night camping at “base camp” (a campground) to connect and prepare for the journey
- 2 nights camping along the Appalachian Trail
- 3 days of backpacking
Is this backpacking experience for you?
- Are you able to carry 20 pounds on your back on mountainous terrain for up to 10 miles?
- Do you want to fully unplug from technology for 3 days (you can share the guide’s contact information in case of emergency)
- Are you interested in learning nature therapy practice to support your work?
- Do you want to clear your mind and static in your nervous system?
- Do you want to connect with the wisdom of your heart?
- Do you want to connect with community in authentic ways?
- Do you want to experience a profound connection with the natural world?
- Do you want to learn skills that will support you in feeling confident in wilderness areas?
- Are you content not showering for 3 days?
If YES, save your spot soon, as space is limited!
Route
Thursday, June 19 – Arrive at base camp near the trailhead by 4 pm.
Friday, June 20 – Mount Rogers Trailhead to Rhododendron Gap (7.3 miles)
Saturday, June 21 – Rhododendron Gap to Old Orchard Shelter (10.1 miles)
Sunday, June 22 – Old Orchard to Mount Rogers Trailhead (3.7 miles)
Quick Facts: Length 21.1 miles, Elevation gain 3,898 feet, Peak Elevation 5,729 feet
***ROUTE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
FOOD: Dinners will be communal, honoring dietary restrictions. Breakfast, snacks, and lunch are backpackers choice. You will be given recommendations on what to bring.
Investment & Registration
Investment: $850, which includes communal dinners.
- There are a couple of scholarships available, so please reach out!
A non-refundable deposit of $250 saves your spot, with the balance paid by April 30th. There are no refunds after May 1st.
Space is limited!
Travel Insurance is recommended: Travel Safe, Insuremytrip, Travel Guard
A non-refundable deposit of $250 saves your spot, with the balance paid by April 30th. There are no refunds after May 1st. Travel Insurance is recommended: Travel Safe, Insuremytrip, Travel Guard
Bethany Novotny is a mental health counselor and outdoor educator. She currently works as an Associate Professor at East Tennessee State University and coordinates the Nature-based Therapy Graduate Certificate program. She specializes in using nature connectedness as a therapeutic tool for healing, incorporating mindfulness and somatic approaches into carefully designed nature-based experiences. Bethany is a certified Wilderness First Responder, a Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor, and has over 90 hours of advanced training in nature-based therapies. Driven by a passion for adventure and a deep appreciation for the healing power of nature, she is dedicated to facilitating meaningful experiences that promote wellness, environmental stewardship, and personal growth. Whether teaching, facilitating wilderness retreats, guiding expeditions, or conducting outdoor therapy sessions, Bethany empowers individuals to reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
Kathleen has been a leader of therapeutic Nature experiences for 25 years. She weaves the modalities of nature-based therapy, somatic therapy, mindfulness, energy medicine, and ceremony into her work with groups and individuals. Kathleen believes the alchemy of these modalities leads to sustainable, long-term restoration of the nervous system and mental clarity, reclamation of the body, and rekindling of passion and creativity. She is the Co-Founder of NatureSoma and the Davidson Green School. Kathleen leads international retreats, regenerative living workshops, is a speaker, and author of The Nature Reset.
* RETREAT CANCELLATION POLICY *
A $250 non-refundable deposit guarantees your spot (the deposit is fully refunded if the trip is canceled). Full payment is due by April 30th. You will be invoiced with your final payment. You may cancel 90 Days before the retreat for a full refund (minus the $250 deposit). Please note that there will be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays, or illness. Travel insurance is recommended.
If you have questions, please reach out to:
Kathleen@katmcintyre.com or NOVOTNY@mail.etsu.edu