Athens-based outdoor recreation outfitter Wild Mercantile, Ltd., is trying to get area residents out of their homes, off the streets and into the heaven that is the great outdoors.
The store, which opened in 2002, has expanded to create the Southern Ohio Outdoor School. The program's mission is to give both newcomers and enthusiasts the opportunity to experience a new outdoor sport, such as rock climbing or paddling, said Andrew Schlegel, assistant manager of Wild Mercantile, Ltd. Throughout the fall, the school hosts weekend clinics that address climbing, hiking and backpacking techniques. It aims to expose the misunderstood and commonly unknown terrain characteristics of Southeastern Ohio.
In our backyard
we have pretty much a small version of everything from everywhere Schlegel said. You can forget where you're at in certain parts down here.
Currently in its second year of existence, the Outdoor School hires experienced guides to educate participants. A number of guides have hiked the entire Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, excursions that often take up to six months to complete. Schlegel, a paddling enthusiast, and Tim Rice, a climbing instructor and manager of the store, both participate in the clinics giving patrons the most comprehensive experience possible.
On each trip, the Outdoor School supplies patrons with the necessary gear to enjoy the outing. Participants are shown how to get the most out of their gear and are allowed to field test and use the latest advancements from the outdoor industry, Rice said.
Within 30 minutes of Athens there is 50 to 60 miles worth of trails that you can camp along Rice said. Unfortunately, people don't realize it.
There are close to 240,000 acres of protected national forest in Southeastern Ohio, said Phil Sammon, public affairs officer of Wayne National Forest. The Athens Ranger District has 70,000 acres alone. Sammon described the national park as one of Ohio's hidden jewels.
A big part of our push is to get people out and actually realize what in this community there actually is
Schlegel said.
This Sunday, the Outdoor School will host the first of a series of women-oriented trips, Women on Rock. The clinic, guided by two of Athens' best female climbers, Jaime Rice and Courtney Grimm, will address the techniques needed to successfully climb at Hocking State Forest.
Clinics are being held each weekend until the end of Ohio University's academic quarter. A few winter backpacking dates are set for December.
Wild Mercantile, Ltd., is working to organize trips for the winter and spring academic quarters, with a possible excursion scheduled for the week of spring break. The Outdoor School also looks to have extended trips planned throughout the summer.
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