One of the most popular mainstays at Doe River Gorge is making its way back into the area.
The annual Father/Son Challenge, held within the confines of the Hampton recreational area, will last from Friday, Sept. 16 to Sunday, Sept. 18, with excitement brewing for the regularly scheduled event, according to Doe River Gorge officials.
“This is one of our favorite events,” Ken Stoltzfus, Director of Operations of Doe River Gorge, said Wednesday. “This has been going for around 20 years now, since our first day of operation.”
Fathers and sons (eight years old and older) participate in the a variety of events geared to build camaraderie and quality time between family members, Stoltzfus added.
“We always looked forward to the Challenge,” he said. “It is a great way for fathers and their sons to come together and work in fun atmosphere.”
Attendees will work together in different activities, including rappelling down 90-foot cliffs, racing each other down the triple water-landing zipline and by seeing who can reach Technical Tree Climb first. Once those events are finished, individuals will be able to take part in a paintball competition in the woods.
Also making the trip during the weekend former NFL standout Wallace Francis. Doe River Gorge’s honored guest, who spent nine years as a professional football player with the Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons, left his career to pursue God’s call into ministry.
“We were able to have Mr. Francis here before,” Stoltzfus said. “We always enjoy his company and he’ll be here the entire weekend as a guest to take part in the different events and share his ministry to everyone in attendance. We’re definitely looking forward to having him back this year.”
The event is $200 per person, and includes all the different activities, refreshments and other items for family members. Visit doerivergorge.com or call 423-725-4010 for more information or to register.
While the area prepares for the Father/Son Challenge, Doe River Gorge saw an uptick in foot traffic this year with hundreds descending on the area to take part in the fun.
“This summer has been great at Doe River Gorge,” Stoltzfus said. “We’ve had a busy schedule with a lot of different activities.”