What we’re about
HELLO!! We are a fun, eclectic group of people who appreciate all that life has to offer, with a twist of lime and some kick-ass hikes for good measure. What began as a group of backpackers looking for a walk in the woods has evolved and expanded to embrace variety – call it spice, call it cross-training, call it just plain good times. Backpack, hike, and paddle with us…or embrace the “MORE” of life and you might find us doing yoga, car camping or urban hikes. Bonus points if food is involved!
Why the twist of lime? Because despite our obsession with base weight, life is short and occasionally we enjoy ditching the spreadsheet. Because ‘boujee’ is not a bad thing…a 10-year cheddar makes everything better. Because we all need a little crazy in our lives and some good karma to survive.
Test the waters as a ‘newbie’, brush off some dust after a hiatus, or just enjoy doing what you already know well. We welcome all skill levels and aim to offer varying degrees of difficulty - our event listings will clue you in to the overall vibe and experience level required.
If you are interested in hosting events for our group, please reach out via private message to the group owner Pam G aka “Boujee” to discuss further :)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Appalachian Trail Days 2025 - Damascus, VADamascus, Damascus, VA
Trail Days is the world’s largest celebration of the Appalachian Trail and hiker culture! The small and quaint town of Damascus swells to 20,000+ people celebrating all things Appalachian Trail – the environment is equal parts festival, block party, family reunion, shopping & giveaways, speakers, educational seminars, book signings, parade, talent show, live music, food...a fabulous weekend of motivation to HIKE MORE and enjoy life 😊
This posting serves “AS INFO” – meaning no formal host, structure or planned schedule. This is a self-guided, choose your own adventure weekend! Something for everyone!!! What to expect:
HIKING GEAR & CRAFTS - SHOPPING & GIVEAWAYS (100+ vendors)
Includes outdoor gear vendors (mainstream and cottage brands) along with handmade goods and crafts. Gear vendors offer discounts and specials for on-site purchases, along with FREE giveaways and raffles throughout the weekend. Some high-dollar items are available for purchase (with discounts) but shipped to your home.SPEAKERS / EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS / BOOK SIGNINGS
Breakout sessions all weekend at various locations.LIVE MUSIC / FOOD TRUCKS – smack in the middle of vendor area.
HIKER PARADE – Saturday
A celebration of past and present thru hikers – start at Sundog Outfitters, traverse the main drag through town, end at Town Park.HIKER TALENT SHOW – Saturday @ Town Park Stage
LOCAL & NEARBY HIKING
▪ Appalachian Trail
▪ Virginia Creeper Trail (rails to trail conversion, bicycle friendly)
▪ Mount Rogers, Whitetop Mountain, Pine Mountain / Wilburn Ridge
▪ The Great Channels
▪ Devil’s BathtubTENT CITY
Tent City is a large walk-in camping area provided by the Town of Damascus during Trail Days. Restrooms, porta johns, dumpsters and firewood is provided. Camping is first come, first served with no reservation required; however, a one-time fee applies for entry into Tent city (visitor and/or pitch a tent). Wristband covers the entire weekend and is priced on a rolling schedule: Thu @ $20, Fri @ $15, Sat @ $10.Other LODGING options
Inns, Hotels, Lodges & Hostels in Damascus, VA - VISIT DAMASCUS, VA - Overnight kayak/camping: Upper James River, Buchanan to Snowden, Balcony FallsTwin River Outfitters, Buchanan, VA
DESCRIPTION: This is a 3 day, 2 night, 26.4 mile kayaking/camping trip on the scenic Upper James River, starting at the Twin River shop in Buchanan (640 Lowe St, Buchanan, VA 24066), VA, and ending at the Snowden public boat launch (river mile marker 63.7).
This trip features lots of remote wilderness scenery and fun class 1-2 rapids, with a white water section of class 2-3 rapids through the James River Gorge/Balcony falls on the last section (Glasgow to Snowden). Previous class 1-2 canoe/kayak experience required and there is an 8 person min to do this trip. An experienced guide will be available to pick up at Glasgow to guide us through the white water section if needed. If we have time Sunday afternoon, we could drive over to Natural Bridge (15 min away) and have lunch before heading home.
Day 1: Start at 1pm, paddle from Buchanan to Arcadia Campground (6 miles, mile #43.5)
Day 2: Start at 0800, paddle from Arcadia Campground to Back Run Campground (10 miles, mile #53.3)
Day 3: Start at 0800, paddle from Back Run Campground to take out spot, Snowden Boat Ramp (10 miles, mile #63.7)Planning to use Twin River Outfitters (contact info: 540-254-8012, contact person John, 540-261-7334 or twinriveroutfitter@gmail.com)
Sit on top kayak $164
Sit inside kayak $164
Bring your own boat (shuttle service only) $126
I've booked the trip for our dates and reserved firewood/water jugs for our campsites. Please use the following link to sign up and pay individually for this trip:
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/canoevirginia/items/37934/availability/1738649572/book/?full-items=yesPricing includes: Rental of boat, paddles, life jackets, safety orientation, river maps, use of dry bags, 5-gallon water jugs, access to private land for camping, and all required shuttles.
Campground is primitive, hammock friendly, right on the river, and has a bathroom (portajohn).
TRAIL MAP:
Maps - The Upper James River Water TrailMulti-Day Trips - Twin River Outfitters
PARKING/CARPOOLING: Please arrive at the Twin Rivers Shop, 640 Lowe St, Buchanan, VA 24066 15 minutes before the start of the paddle trip. Also, I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.
EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, river shoes plus dry bag containing change of clothes/sleeping bag/camping gear and your own boat, paddle and life jacket, or you can rent these at Twin River Outfitters. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. Water temperature in the river is in the mid 50s - wetsuit/synthetic clothing encouraged! If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the trip leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventures” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.
SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.
