WHAT WE DO:
At Frontline Freedom, we understand a frontline worker’s tremendous stress and responsibility. You’re on the front lines daily, protecting our communities, offering medical service, and keeping us safe.
Those who give so much deserve a chance to relax, unwind, and recharge amidst nature. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing quality outdoor, camping, backpacking, and hiking experiences designed to meet your needs.
Our mission is to offer you a chance to unwind from the daily stressors with other public service individuals. And to give you experiences that take you away from the hustle of everyday life and immerse you in the tranquility of the great outdoors. With each breath of fresh air, each step on a hiking trail, and each night spent under the stars, we aim to help you rejuvenate your spirit.
WHO WE SERVE:
We are an Ohio based non-profit for Ohio first responders. We serve current and retired First Responders. Including, but not limited to:
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Corrections Officers
- Fire Fighters
- Paramedics /EMS / EMT
- Healthcare Workers
- 911 Call Takers / Dispatch Personnel
HOW WE SERVE:
We host expense-free backpacking trips and offer the ability of static camping trips for those unable to meet the physical demands of backcountry hiking.
During each trip, you will begin to build a network of other First Responders through the task orientation process of setting up camp or hiking challenging routes.
We aim to allow you to unwind, have fun, build new friendships, and perhaps gain a new hobby.
We do not directly provide counseling. However, we will gladly share resources to assist you in finding the mental health professional that you deem beneficial.
Why?
In 2019, 189 Police Officers and Fire Fighters lost their lives in the line of duty. Sadly, 358 lost their lives as a result of suicide during the same time-frame.
We believe that the best offense is a good defense. The best way to build defense is by giving people the building blocks for personal resiliency. Research has shown that a strong social network and exposure to nature increase emotional regulation capabilities. These are the building blocks to being resilient in the face of whatever obstacles life (or the job) may throw at you.
Get outside with friends. have fun, unwind, relax, and try something new.
*Most people will face a significant traumatic event one or two times. Our First Responders are exposed to major traumatic events multiple times per month. Continued exposure to traumatic events has been shown to impact mental health negatively.
Research has shown that Adventure Therapy programs can reduce anxiety, tension, and other Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms.
2023 Destinations
24-26
**FULL**
March
Dolly Sods Wilderness
The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in Grant, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, West Virginia. The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. Elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet. Trip lead by guide Michael Slocum.
10:00 am
Elkins, WV
27-29
**FULL**
March
McAfee Knob
With its stunning, 270-degree panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains, along with its signature ledge that has become a popular place for photos, McAfee Knob should be included in any trip that includes hiking in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
It’s been recognized by USA Today Travel as one of the most spectacular hikes in the United States!
The knob is located atop Catawba Mountain with an elevation of 3,197 feet and is one of the highlights of the Appalachian Trail.
10:00 am
Catawba, WV
14-16
**FULL**
April
Grayson Highlands (Appalaichain Trail)
Section Hike the Appalachian trail. Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Trip lead by guide Michael Slocum.
10:00 am
Mouth of Wilson, VA
5-7
May
**FULL**
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Preserving America’s early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures. Trip lead by guide Rocky Hise.
10:00 am
Cumberland, MD
16-17
May
Zaleski Forest
You are walking on a portion of the original road from Marietta to Chillicothe, which also passed through Middletown (today known as Athens). This road, abandoned by 1870, was actively used by early settlers and was also an important hunting ground for Native Americans. Trip lead by guide David Brown.
6:00 pm
Vinton Co., OH
20-21
May
**CANCELLED (WX)**
Allegheny National Forest
This 10.8 kilometer (6.6 mile) trail begins at the Minister Creek Campground and forms a loop through the Minister Creek Undeveloped Area north of SR 666.
The trail is marked with gray diamonds. Watch the informational signs…this trail offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels as it climbs to the plateau within the Minister Creek Undeveloped Area. The Minister Creek Trail joins the North Country National Scenic Trail (marked with blue diamonds) along the most northerly segment. The North Country National Scenic Trail then continues and the Minister Creek Trail turns south back towards the campground.
Trip lead by guide Larry Jones.
10:00 am
Maineville, PA
15-17
September
**FULL**
Adirondack Mountains – Great Range Loop
Experience this 15.2-mile loop trail near Keene Valley, New York. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 12 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Trip lead by guide Michael Slocum.
10:00 am
Keene Valley, NY
29-01
September/October
Appalaichain Trail – Annapolis, Maryland
The Annapolis Rock/Black Rock Cliff hike on the Appalachian Trail, is one of the most popular in Maryland, and for good reason. The views from both lookouts are spectacular on a clear day. From Annapolis Rock the vista is to the southeast and Greenbrier Lake, and from Black Rock Cliff a 180 degree panorama west. Trip lead by guide Michael Slocum.
10:00 am
Annapolis, MD
6-8
October
**FULL**
Zaleski Forest
You are walking on a portion of the original road from Marietta to Chillicothe, which also passed through Middletown (today known as Athens). This road, abandoned by 1870, was actively used by early settlers and was also an important hunting ground for Native Americans. Trip lead by guide Gene Smith.
10:00 a.m.
Vinton Co., OH
8-10
October
**FULL**
Mohican State Forest
Mohican-Memorial State Forest comprises 4,541 acres in Ashland County. Mohican-Memorial State Forest features 32 miles of hiking trails, 22 miles of bridle trails, 8 miles of snowmobile trails, a 24-mile mountain biking trail, 10 “Park and Pack” primitive campsites, the Memorial Forest Shrine, a fire tower, and the 1.5-mile Discovery Forest interpretive trail. Trip lead by guide David Brown.
12:00 p.m.
Loudonville, OH
21-22
October
Allegheny National Forest
This 10.8 kilometer (6.6 mile) trail begins at the Minister Creek Campground and forms a loop through the Minister Creek Undeveloped Area north of SR 666.
The trail is marked with gray diamonds. Watch the informational signs…this trail offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels as it climbs to the plateau within the Minister Creek Undeveloped Area. The Minister Creek Trail joins the North Country National Scenic Trail (marked with blue diamonds) along the most northerly segment. The North Country National Scenic Trail then continues and the Minister Creek Trail turns south back towards the campground.
Trip lead by guide Larry Jones.
10:00 am
Maineville, PA
we have You Covered
Experience Wildlife
Our Grayson Highlands Trip drops you into an area inhabited by wild ponies. Watch out for bear and follow the guide’s instructions on proper bear protection techniques.
Tents and bags
No need to bring anything other than your clothes. We supply backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags. We highly recommend investing in sweat wicking hiking clothes and hiking boots.
Don't get lost
During your trip, you will learn advanced map navigation techniques. In addition, our guides are all equipped with GPS recievers as well as emergency locator beacons.
Re-psyche-le
Reset your mind. Learn who you are again. Experience feeling again.
Self assess
Once you read the trip requirements, take an honest assessment of your abilities to complete the trip. Backpacking is often strenuous with upwards of 30 lbs. of additional load.
Peer to peer
We pair you up with guides and peers who have experienced the same things as you. This has proven beneficial to the mental healing aspect of each trip.