Once Upon a Time Wilderness Adventures

Your Hosts

Your hosts, Ed and Arleen Decker, have over 50 years combined experience in leading groups of all ages in outdoor activities. They are both CPR and First Aid Certified with the Red Cross.

Ed, a native of Knoxville, has been exploring the mountains of Citico and Joyce-Kilmer/Slickrock Wildernesses since he was a teenager. After high school he joined the Army and completed Mountain Ranger training in Colorado. He has 28 years experience leading Scout troops and adults on hiking, backpacking, and fishing expeditions. He is a member of the Tennessee Trails Association and American Hiking Society.

Arleen, born and raised in New York City, journeyed to Tennessee for college, fell in love with the mountains, and never left (except for a 6-year stint in upstate New York)! She has served as Vice President and Newsletter Editor of the Tennessee Trails Association, Development Director for the Cumberland Trail Conference, and has been active in the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association, Sierra Club, and American Hiking Society.