In The News And Media Coverage
Check out the latest news stories, quotes, and featured reviews about Andy Niekamp and Outdoor Adventure Connection.
Winter hiking in the Dayton area: Icicles, frozen waterfalls provide wonderland of views on the trails
Dayton Daily News - January 7, 2025
Experience the Spotted Turtle Trail during the Pancake Hike this month
Dayton.com - October 18, 2024
Local fall leaf peeping schedule impacted by unusually dry weather
Dayton Daily News - September 27, 2024
Dayton Hikers group celebrates 15 years of being on local trails
Dayton Daily News - August 23, 2024
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
Very well organized trip with workshops. Andy, you are amazing! – Kris S.
