WILD GUYde Adventures LLC

09/15/2026

Edward Whymper, first man to stand on the summit of the Matterhorn, said: "The thing to be wished for is not that the mountains should become easier, but that men should become wiser and stronger." Seems like he and Dr. Ledet would agree.

08/27/2026

Here is our Open Registration trip lineup for the fall season. These outings are co-sponsored by WILD GUYde Adventures and Parks and Recreation Departments from Harrisonburg, Staunton, Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, Orange County, Greene County, and Augusta County (senior trips only). Beginner Rock Climbing and Beginner Wild Caving are for ages 12 through adult, and the Pocosin Mission hike, the Hidden Rocks Trail hike, and Indoor Climbing at EMU are for seniors. Sign up with whichever Parks and Rec. Dept. is most convenient for you. Hope to see you outdoors this fall!

Sat., Oct. 17 (9 AM – 5 PM): Beginner Rock Climbing in the George Washington Ntl. Forest; a full day of learning to climb and belay; ages 12 through adult (teens may attend unaccompanied, but their transportation must be provided by a parent or guardian); all technical gear is provided; a personal suggested clothing list, Medical Form/Participant Agreement, and driving directions to the activity meetup will be supplied by WILD GUYde Adventures after registration.

Sat., Nov. 7 (8:30 AM to noon): Beginner Wild Caving near Bridgewater VA; ages 12 through adult (teens may attend unaccompanied, but their transportation must be provided by a parent or guardian); a morning of learning basic caving safety, underground navigation, and some elementary limestone geology; all technical gear is provided; a personal suggested clothing list, Medical Form/Participant Agreement, and driving directions to the activity meetup will be supplied by WILD GUYde Adventures after registration.

For Seniors 50 and older/wiser: The events below are paced and scaled to be age-appropriate. They do not require super-athletic ability, but participants should be reasonably active, without significant movement limitations (significant overweightedness or low fitness, mobility or musculo-skeletal restrictions). We will enjoy being together in the outdoors, and we will not be comparing ourselves to twenty-somethings!
Benefits to jumping aboard:
• spending time in our gorgeous and local outdoors;
• meeting and being with others who like movement and fun;
• adding to your learning about outdoor safety and activity skills;
• and possibly some new clothing! Participate in 3 or more of these Senior Adventures and receive the WILD GUYde Adventures OLD MOUNTAIN GOAT* t-shirt, along with all the rights, privileges, and adulation pertaining thereto!
(*Gets Out And Tries Stuff!)

Tues., Oct. 13 (9:30 am to noon): Talley Spicer from Wander and Wonder Co. will lead us to remains of the Pocosin Mission in Shenandoah Ntl. Park. Built in 1902, this was a part of the Episcopalian Church's attempt to minister to rural mountain communities. "Step into the quiet woods of Pocosin Mission and uncover the layered history hidden along the trail. This guided history hike explores the story of the mission community, the rugged mountain families who once called the area home, and the lasting impact of faith, resilience, and Appalachian culture in the region. Along the way, hikers will discover remnants of the past, hear true local stories, and gain a deeper understanding of life in the mountains during a very different era." There will also be an access fee to bring your vehicle on to Skyline Drive, or you may bring your Lifetime Pass.

Wed., Oct. 21 (1-5 PM): Hidden Rocks Trail Hike; an afternoon hike with stream crossings and rhododendron, to a beautiful rock cliff band in the George Washington Ntl. Forest, along with some learning about basic outdoor safety. A personal suggested clothing list, Medical Form/Participant Agreement, and driving directions to the activity meetup will be supplied by WILD GUYde Adventures after registration.

Wed. Dec. 16 (1-4 PM): Indoor Climbing at the EMU Climbing Wall; an afternoon to explore the vertical world at a beginner level. Learn how to harness up, belay, and try your hand at getting up off the ground on some moderate climbs; all technical gear and instruction is provided; a personal suggested clothing list, Medical Form/Participant Agreement, and driving directions to the activity meetup will be supplied by WILD GUYde Adventures after registration.

07/31/2026

Thrilled to welcome a new partner to the Harrisonburg outdoor community! Thanks Derrick and Manuela for helping us into the gear to do what we love!

In 2008, we met while backpacking through Argentina.

Over the years, we've shared adventures across countries, seasons, and landscapes... from Brazil's coastline to the mountains of the Shenandoah Valley. Along the way, we discovered that the best adventures often begin with something that's shared.

Outsider grew from the exchange of stories, experiences, and gear.

We believe that when great gear keeps moving, more people get the chance to get outside.

On Saturday, August 8, we'll open our doors.

If you're in Harrisonburg, we'd love for you to stop by, say hello, explore the shop, and celebrate this milestone with us. We'll have snacks, bubbles for the kids, and lots of outdoor gear waiting to be explored.

📍 50 S. Mason St., Suite 110
🕛 12–6 PM

We can't wait to welcome you. 🌲

07/28/2026

Congratulations to this Ntl. Conservation Training Center cohort class of PCIA Climbing Wall Instructors (Shepherdstown, WV). These fine folks completed their training and certifications, and had some Fun and Learning along the way. If you know me, you know I LOVE West Virginia. Among all it's other amazing attributes, it is the only state I know where one can be on one road and driving three different directions!

07/27/2026

A hot and hazy afternoon on the lake, but we practiced some skills and hopefully fulfilled our goals of Fun and Learning. We have one more Senior Adventure this summer for 50 and Wiser (Back-Country Navigation afternoon in the George Washington Ntl. Forest on Aug. 18), and then our fall activity schedule kicks in:
- Oct. 11: Shen. Ntl. Park hike to Pocosin Mission
- Oct. 21: George Washington Ntl. Forest hike to Hidden Rocks
- Dec. 16: Indoor climbing at Eastern Mennonite University
Sign up with whichever Parks and Rec. Department is convenient for you: Harrisonburg, Staunton, Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, Augusta County, Orange County, or Greene County. Happy adventuring!

06/27/2026

Two more Old Mountain GOATS Club members earned their shirts yesterday by completing their 3rd adventures! We had a marvelous morning hiking to the Stony Man summit and then Little Stony Man in Shenandoah Ntl. Park. We re-created the iconic postcard pose at the LSM Puddle, and learned about Poison Ivy and Striped Maple ("toilet paper of the woods"). We had a conversation about human attitudes and decisions that can lead to outdoors disaster, and we saw a wild turkey and a copperhead snake (and lots of other day-hikers). Senior adventures remaining this summer are Flatwater Paddling on July 17, and Back-Country Navigation on Aug. 18. Register with whichever Parks and Rec. Department is convenient for you: Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, Augusta County, Staunton, Orange County or Greene County. Contact Lester at 540-433-1637 or [email protected] with questions. Happy adventuring!

06/09/2026

Thrilled to introduce our WILD GUYde Adventures Challenge Coin! If you have adventured with us, you know that we always offer a momento after the trip (Outdoor Safety tag, info card, WGA sticker or patch). If you are military, veteran, law enforcement at any level, or first responder, we can now offer you this option. Thank you for your service!