Duration
Varies depending on the event: 1 day to 7 days
Best For
Families • Adventure Seekers • Nature Lovers
Pro Tip
If you're doing the Father-Son weekend, bring a deck of cards or a small game for downtime around the campfire; it's a great way to connect beyond the planned activities.
About Piked Antler Survival School
Looking to build real wilderness skills in a supportive environment? Piked Antler Survival School in Clyde has earned a strong reputation for making outdoor survival training both practical and engaging. Lead instructor Will White brings decades of experience to each session, teaching essential skills through clever memory techniques and hands-on practice that help concepts stick.
The school offers programs for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced outdoors people. Core courses cover fundamental survival skills like fire-starting (using multiple methods), shelter building, water collection and purification, wild edible identification, and navigation without GPS. Advanced workshops delve into specialized topics like game processing, wilderness first aid, and seasonal foraging.
What sets Piked Antler apart is their teaching approach - complex skills are broken down into manageable steps, with plenty of hands-on practice time. Will's signature teaching style combines clear instruction with memorable stories and practical tips that participants can actually remember when they need them most.
The school welcomes both individual learners and groups, with custom programs available for corporate teams, Scout troops, and private parties. Classes typically run on weekends throughout the year, with longer immersion courses offered during summer months. While specific pricing varies by program length and group size, most day courses include all necessary equipment and materials.
Participants should come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy boots, and a willingness to get their hands dirty. The emphasis here is on practical skills you can use, taught in a way that builds genuine confidence in the outdoors.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Father & Son Adventure Weekend
This weekend provides 22 hours of focused father-son connection, teaching essential wilderness skills like knife skills, knot tying, and fire making while building lasting memories.
Ultimate 2 Day Wilderness Skills Retreat
Transform wilderness uncertainty into outdoor confidence with hands-on survival skills training, learning fire-making, shelter building, water procurement, and foraging.
Ultimate 7 Day Wilderness Skills Retreat
Push beyond basic comfort and discover your capabilities with intensive survival training, culminating in two nights of minimal support to test your skills.
Deer Processing Class
Learn how to skin, quarter, cut, and preserve venison from expert instructors, and go home with 2-5 pounds of quality aged venison.
Corporate Team Building Packages
Boost morale and sharpen problem-solving with immersive, team-building experiences in the wilderness, tailored to different intensity levels.
Exceptional Instruction from Will White
Learn from Will White, who makes survival skills accessible through humor, mnemonics, and colorful imagery that helps retention.
Know Before You Go
- Events are held in Clyde, NC and Canton, NC near Asheville, NC.
- For the Father & Son Adventure Weekend, dinner and breakfast are provided, as well as tools like pocket saws, ferro rods, and knives. Bring your ground pad, sleeping pad, and a can-do attitude.
Best Times to Visit Piked Antler Survival School
Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Piked Antler Survival School unique?
Piked Antler Survival School focuses on 'Type 1.5 Fun,' blending enjoyment with challenge to create memorable and confidence-building wilderness experiences. Will White's teaching style uses humor and mnemonics to make survival skills accessible to everyone, even complete beginners.
Do I need prior survival experience to participate?
No prior experience is necessary. Piked Antler Survival School welcomes all skill levels, from novices to experienced outdoors enthusiasts. The instructors provide patient and supportive instruction to help everyone learn and grow.
What should I bring to the Ultimate 2 Day Wilderness Skills Retreat?
Piked Antler provides all the necessary wilderness tools, knives, and saws. Participants should bring their own tent, sleeping pad, water bottle, food, and backpack for exploring the woods.
Explore More
Explore Clyde attractions
Discover top-rated spots
Top-rated outdoor activity organiser
Complete Gatlinburg travel guide
Compare the two towns
Save money on your trip
Explore abandoned cabins
Unique Smoky Mountains custom
Sky-high mountain views
Manhattan Project history
Where to eat in the Smokies
Find your perfect stay
Expert travel tips
Explore 1000+ listings
