Take a Step Forward
Find your niche in the outdoor community: Skills courses to build your resume, training for real life, challenge to be prepared.
Our Courses
Initial training, recertification, continuing education. Every course represents the highest caliber in certifications, curriculum, and faculty in the nation.
Be In Touch
Nestled in the Smoky Mountains alongside Cane Creek, Landmark Learning supports two campuses on 40+ acres of mountainside with optional lodging onsite.
Mailing Address: PO Box 1888, Cullowhee NC 28723
FedEx and UPS Address: 1333 Cane Creek Rd, Sylva NC 28779 (DO NOT GPS!)
Telephone: (828) 293-5384
Email: main@landmarklearning.org
Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am – 5pm EST

Our Mission
Landmark Learning’s mission is to be the leading resource in education and training for the outdoor community, advancing national standards through a network of professional educators, researchers, and certification specialists.
Our Directors
” Landmark Learning, as a school of higher education, exists for the service to the ever-growing body of persons who claim the outdoors as their work environment. Through national partnerships we have created strong relationships with outdoor industry leaders to provide updated, practical, and relevant information and skill sets in the curricula we teach. “
-Justin and Mairi Padgett


Upcoming Courses
Additional Information
With the best training in the business, Landmark Learning has courses that will advance the skills and knowledge of any outdoor enthusiast, instructor, or guide.
The instructors are what make Landmark Learning spectacular. Each has experience adventuring in the backcountry coupled with immense knowledge of medical training.
Not only will you meet likeminded people in your courses, but Landmark Learning offers community relief trips via its sister program, Mingai, in Ecuador.
Social Responsiblity
We believe we have a social responsibility for sustainable outdoor resources. All programs offered through Landmark reflect appropriate use of outdoor spaces and are committed to sustainable outdoor experiences.
Dynamic Nature
We believe in the dynamic nature of the outdoor community. It is ever-changing, as are standards in risk management and program operations. All programs offered through Landmark must commit to evolving standards. The certification specialists we represent are at the forefront of reviewing, creating, and imparting these national standards.
Educators
We are the instructors of instructors, and all Landmark faculty are highly skilled both in their area/s of expertise and as educators in a multitude of classroom settings.
Launch Pad
Our programs are a launch pad for our students’ outdoor careers. Nothing beats sound judgement, which can only be acquired through experience – our programs arm participants with the tools necessary to go out and gain that experience.
Learning Environment
We believe in an open learning environment. Fun instructors, exciting and diverse teaching methodologies, realistic practical exercises, and research-founded curricula create the results: quality and consistency between programs and high student success rates.