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In The News And Media Coverage


Check out the latest news stories, quotes, and featured reviews about Andy Niekamp and Outdoor Adventure Connection.


 


Niekamp to kickoff Springboro's Next Destination Speaker Series
Dayton Daily News - Januay 10, 2024


Buckeye Trail Thru-hiker Completes the Arizona Trail
Buckeye Trail Association Trailblazer - Fall 2023


GET ACTIVE: Hiking into the Halloween season
Dayton.com - Septemberr 29, 2023


GET ACTIVE: Fairborn hiker tackles the Pinhoti Trail
Dayton.com - July 17, 2023


Hikers from Kettering, West Chester found dead after suspected flash flooding in Utah
WHIO TV - May 23, 2023


Helpful tips to enjoy the great outdoors all winter long
Dayton Daily News - December 2, 2022


Dayton Hikers help remove invasive plants to clear path for new trail
Dayton Daily News - November 3, 2022


FALL HIKING: Your guide to various trails across the Dayton area
Dayton Daily News - October 21, 2022


Wilderness first aid training increases confidence, competence on the trail
Dayton Daily News - August 26, 2022


Podcast: Andy Niekamp or also known as Captain Blue joins Jester to chat about his hiking adventures, volunteering, and his company Outdoor Adventure Connection.
Jester "Section Hiker" - Episode #121 - April 23, 2022


GET ACTIVE: Consider these spring hiking tips to help you conquer the trails
Dayton.com - April 22, 2022


Dayton Group Provides Spring Hiking Tips
Dayton Daily News - March 25, 2022


Layering Up For Winter Fun
Dayton Daily News - December 31, 2021


Fairborn Grandmother Conquering The Florida Trail
Dayton Daily News - December 17, 2021


Why This 5-Time Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Will Never Attempt the PCT
Backpacker Magazine - December 3, 2021
View on Backpacker.com


Dayton Hikers Founder Completes Appalachian Trail For Fifth Time
Oakwood Register - November 17, 2021


Niekamp Completes Fifth Appalachian Trail Hike
Dayton Daily News - October 28, 2021


Founder of Dayton Hikers completed fifth Appalachian Trail hike
Dayton Daily News - October 19, 2021


Buckeye Trail Thru-hiker Completes the Appalachian Trail for the Fifth Time
Buckeye Trail Association Trailblazer - Autumn 2021


Author to speak at Brown Memorial Library
The Register-Herald - September 29, 2021


Choose your own hiking trail adventure - Twin Valley Trail Challenge set for September 25
Dayton Daily News - September 5, 2021


Community Gems: Andy Niekamp spends decade promoting Dayton hiking
Dayton Daily News - September 5, 2021


Flying High (literally): Back on the AT after Two Years Off
The Trek - Ruth Morely Blog Post - July 29, 2021


The Hiker: Andy Niekamp
Ohio Magazine - June 2021


Ohioans DETOUR on recreational trails with free app
Great Lakes Echo - May 10, 2021


Take a walk on the muddy side
Dayton Daily News - March 5, 2021


Holiday shopping for outdoor adventure
Dayton Daily News - December 11, 2020


How to enjoy the great outdoors on a cold-day
Dayton Daily News - December 4, 2020


Fall color is a Treat to-the-senses
Dayton Daily News - October 9, 2020


Buckeye Trail Angel Spotlight: Andy Niekamp
Warrior Expedition Video - September 2020


Using trails? Be sure to leave them as nice as you found them
Dayton Daily News - April 10, 2020


Hiking Ohio's Buckeye Trail
Salt Magazine - March/April 2020


Keeping fit in a time of social distancing
Dayton Daily News - March 20, 2020


Having trouble keeping New Year's Resolutions? Here's some advice
Dayton Daily News - December 27, 2019


Weather outside frightful? The outdoors can still be delightful
Dayton Daily News - December 13, 2019


Cave tours, hiking, among 243 experiences at Carter Caves' 11th annual Winter Adventure Weekend
Northern Kentucky Tribune - December 7, 2019


Local hikers share their favorite trails and forest treks
Dayton Daily News - November 15, 2019


BTA Member Wins State Award at the 2019 International Trails Symposium
Buckeye Trail Association Trailblazer - Fall 2019


Wild Cincy: Teen sets hiking record on Buckeye Trail days after high school graduation
WCPO Cincinnati – August 14, 2019


Sycamore graduate completes 79-day solo trek around Buckeye Trail
Cincinnati Enquirer - August 7, 2019


This Florida Thru-Hike Is Not for the Faint of Heart. The 1,300-mile Florida National Scenic Trail just might be the hardest hike you've never heard of.
Outside Magazine - July 10, 2019


Supporting Parks for Future Generations.
Five Rivers MetroParks - 2019 Summer Parkways Magazine


Meet Dayton's trail master who has connected almost 6,000 outdoor enthusiasts
Dayton.com - May 1, 2019


Andy Niekamp receives Outstanding Trail Leader Ohio Award from American Trails for his efforts in promoting hiking in Ohio.
International Trails Symposium - May 2019


Buckeye Trail Member Honored by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association
Buckeye Trail Association Trailblazer - Spring 2019


Scenic Trail hiker stops in Walton, Florida
Northwest Florida Daily News - February 24, 2019


Video: OPRA Awards & The Adventure Speaker Series - Jump to 0:35
WDTN - Living Dayton - February 11, 2019


Video: OPRA Awards Ceremony - Jump to 27:11
Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Awards Ceremony - February 5, 2019


MetroParks earn top recognition at Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Awards
DaytonLocal.com - February 5, 2019


OPRA is pleased to recognize two 2018 Citizens of the Year
OPRA Connection - Winter 2019


Video: Outdoor Adventure Connection gets mentioned on national television. Provides prize for contestant.
Face The Truth - December 8, 2018


Andy Niekamp to receive Outstanding Citizen Leadership Award
Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Press Release - November 2018


Nature's Corner: Leave No Trace
The Lebanon Channel - October 2018


Fill your "passport" with stickers from beautiful parks.
Dayton Daily News - September 21, 2018


Nature's Corner: The Buckeye Trail
The Lebanon Channel - August 2018


Captain Blue on the Blue Blazes Book Review
Oakwood Register - July 18, 2018


Buckeye Trail Towns
Ohio Magazine - June 2018


Secluded Ohio Campsites
Ohio Magazine - June 2018


Hikers Rally For Trails
Oakwood Register - May 9, 2018


Muddy spring hike? Go through the puddles, not around them.
Dayton Daily News - April 6, 2018


Ohio author to give a presentation on Ohio’s Buckeye Trail
Times Bulletin - April 2, 2018


Ohio author, adventurer and long-distance hiker to talk about Ohio’s Buckeye Trail
Delphos Herald – April 1, 2018


Wild Cincy: Andy Niekamp, first to solo through-hike Buckeye Trail, hiked all four corners of Ohio
WCPO Cincinnati – March 6, 2018


Long-distant hiker to share highs, lows of adventure on Buckeye Trail
Pensacola News Journal- February 12, 2018


Ohio hiker chronicles first solo thru-hike of Buckeye Trail in new book
Herald-Dispatch- January 16, 2018


Photos: Ice formations in Hocking Hills State Park
Columbus Dispatch- January 9, 2018


From Hiker to Author: Captain Blue on the Blue Blazes.
Dayton Daily News - December 1, 2017


Sorry these outdoor adventures are just for the ladies.
Dayton Daily News - August 25, 2017


Experts share tips for staying safe during outdoor activities.
Dayton Daily News - August 25, 2017


Experts share tips for staying safe during outdoor activities.
Dayton Daily News - July 21, 2017


Google launches Five Rivers MetroParks street view images.
WDTN 2 News - April 26, 2017


Google Launches Interactive Street View Images of Dayton's Trails and Landscapes.
Five Rivers MetroParks Press Release - April 25, 2017


Outdoor Capital of the Midwest Going INTERNATIONAL.
Dayton Daily News - April 21, 2017


Trekking the Dayton, Ohio region’s trails with Google technology.
American Trails - 2017


Are you game for the Warrior 150 Challenge?
Dayton Daily News - February 24, 2017


Hike Leaders Lead By Example.
Dayton Daily News - February 3, 2017


Andy Niekamp is a Trailblazer On and Off the Trail.
Five Rivers MetroParks - 2017 Winter/Sring Parkways Magazine


Andy "Captain Blue" Niekamp Gets Mentioned In Backpacker Magazine.
Backpacker Magazine - January 2017


Helping Santa fill the wish list for outdoor enthusiasts.
Dayton Daily News - December 9, 2016


Award-winning hiker to speak at YWCA.
Piqua Daily Call - November 6, 2016


Hiker to give presentation in Minster.
Sidney Daily News - November 4, 2016


Dayton's "Captain Blue" completes milestone Appalachian Trail.
Dayton Daily News - October 27, 2016


Long distance hiker to share experiences on famous trail.
Celina Daily Standard - October 25, 2016


Dayton Hikers founder completes fourth 2,189-mile trek along Appalachian Trail.
Oakwood Register - October 12, 2016


Documenting Dayton's trails.
American Trails - Fall 2016


Local man realizes greatest achievement.
Press Release - September 2016


Dayton Hikers Weigh In On Best Places To Enjoy Fall Colors.
Dayton Daily News - October 13, 2016


The Dayton region has plenty of well-maintained trails for outdoor adventures.
Dayton Magazine August/September 2016
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Twin Valley Trail gives backpackers a chance to experience the backcountry close to home.
Oakwood Register - July 27, 2016


Outdoor Adventure Connection Brings The Google Trekker Project to Dayton
Five Rivers MetroParks Media Release - June 17, 2016


Local parks first in Ohio to be mapped for Google Maps
Dayton.com - June 16, 2016


Diggin’ What They Do
Madison Courier - May 13, 2016


Our client writes about why she loves backpacking.
Fog & Fir - March 14, 2016


First aid in the great outdoors
Dayton Daily News - February 25, 2016


Hiking Appalachian Trail expert speaks February 18 in Orange Beach
Mullet Wrapper - February 17, 2016


What you may not know about the Buckeye Trail
Dayton Daily News - January 12, 2016


The Odds Versus The Risk: A Lightning Trail Tale
North Country Trail Association North Star - January-March 2016


A story about Andy's Buckeye Trail thru hike was chosen to be included in 2016 Official Ohio Travel Guide. View It Here.
2016 Official Ohio Travel Guide


Take A Hike In Trail Town Dayton
Dayton City Paper - September 8, 2015


Backpacking for beginners
Dayton Daily News - August 6, 2015


Meeting Captain Blue On The Trail
Cary Segal, freelance writer - July 2015


Backpackers to offer workshops for beginners
Huntington Herald-Dispatch - February 21, 2015


Registration open for Carter Caves' Winter Adventure Weekend
Huntington Herald-Dispatch - December 12, 2014


These gift ideas are surefire hits for the outdoor set.
Dayton Daily News - December 5, 2014


Take a hike! Seriously, it is good for you.
Dayton Daily News - November 13, 2014


Trip Report - Backpacking Workshop.
Karen Power, freelance writer - October 19, 2014


AmeriCorps Team Works at Two Kentucky State Parks.
Kentucky Department of Parks News Release - April 25, 2014


Experienced outdoor adventurer hosting several presentations at Carter Caves
Huntington Herald-Dispatch - April 22, 2014


Carter Caves State Resort Park will host adventurer Andy Niekamp in April for three presentations about trails, hiking and the outdoors.
Kentucky Department of Parks News Release - February 17, 2014


Inspiration, information and recreation at Adventure Summit.
Dayton City Paper - February 11, 2014


More than 400 folks come out for activities at Carter Caves event
Huntington Herald-Dispatch - January 29, 2014


Resolution tips from local fitness experts.
Dayton Daily News - January 3, 2014


Trail Town distinction does to Dayton.
Dayton Daily News - October 31, 2013


Get active at Midwest Outdoor Experience.
Dayton City Paper - October 1, 2013


Hit The Trails.
Dayton City Paper - July 30, 2013


Mad River Bikeway now connects to WPAFB.
Fairborn Daily Herald - June 21, 2013


Dayton Hikers - First Annual TVT hiker challenge.
DaytonLocal.com - June 20, 2013


Hitting the Trail. Backpacking for beginners set March 23-24 at Carter Caves.
Huntington Herald-Dispatch - March 16, 2013


Pro hiker guides novices, enthusiasts
Dayton Daily News - March 14, 2013


Outdoor adventurers sharing experience with video, pics
Huntington Herald-Dispatch - February 5, 2013


Carter Caves hosting adventure weekend
Ashland Independent - January 20, 2013


Experienced hiker to present program on trails
Dayton Daily News - January 9, 2013


Chill Out
Ohio Magazine - January 2013


How to appreciate fall colors locally
ActiveDayton.com - October 11, 2012


Buckeye Walk About
Harrison News-Herald - March 15, 2012


Captain Blue On The Blue Blazes
Buckeye Trail Association Trailblazer - Winter 2011


Ohio man completes Buckeye Trail
The Community Post - November 22, 2011


Sixth person to hike Buckeye Trail to describe trip
The Daily Standard - November 14, 2011


Kettering hiker to share story of 1444-mike trek
The Daily Daily News - November 1, 2011


Dayton Hikers about fitness and friends
ActiveDayton.com - October 7, 2011


Hiking - Man finishes 1,444 mile trek
iN75 - June 22, 2011


Kettering man discovers a new side of Ohio on 1,444 mile hike
Dayton Daily News - June 18, 2011


Kettering man hikes 1,400 miles
Dayton Daily News - June 18, 2011


Homecoming for 'Captain Blue'
MostMetro.com - June 14, 2011


Taking on the Appalachian Trail
BGSU Magazine - Fall 2010


Andy Niekamp's Fountain of Youth
Dayton Daily News - August 10, 2010


Kettering's "Captain Blue" treks Appalachian Trail for a third time
Dayton Daily News - August 8, 2010


Just not many like 'Captain Blue'
The Daily Standard - January 25, 2010




I really, really enjoyed this program. I thought the workshops were interesting and informational. I really liked that you showed us different things like with the stoves and how to bear proof our food. I appreciated that we went slow and had breaks to ease us into backpacking. It was informative and fun. Thank you!Maggie U.