About Your Guide

Our Philosophy
The philosophy of Middle Earth Expeditions parallels that of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth in which a group of individuals takes a journey of adventure and discovery. Upon returning home from their journey, they find that they are better equipped to cope with the challenges and adversity of their everyday lives. Their character grows and new insights develop from their daring and participation in the adventure. We believe this process should also be great fun. Our aim is that you leave us with a smile, a light heart, and, most of all, a refreshed outlook for your return home. At Middle Earth Expeditions every client is a potential new friend. We specialize in small group and personal attention to better meet your individual goals and needs. Professional leadership, high quality gear, great food, and homespun philosophy around the campfire are all hallmarks of our success. So, leave everything to us as we guide you to a memorable Adirondack experience.

Your Team
Becky Bradt, Wayne Failing, Anne Trischett

Your Guide
Wayne Failing

Your Adirondack Guide
Over 25 years of experience in the Adirondacks
A philosopher, environmentalist, photographer, and licensed Adirondack Guide, Wayne Failing…Middle Earth Expedition's primary guide and owner…has helped thousands of people discover the value of the wilderness and how it can enrich their lives. Wayne, with twenty-five years of experience in the Adirondacks, has spent this time climbing, backpacking, canoeing, skiing, hunting, fishing, rafting, and studying the flora, fauna, weather and history of the Adirondack Mountains. He is a graduate of the Mountain Leadership Training Course in Colorado and has been trained in rock climbing, mountaineering skills, emergency care, search and evacuation techniques, wilderness ethics, and human relations training relative to wilderness instruction.

As an adventurer, Wayne has traveled, sailed, and climbed extensively around the world including three international expeditions of the highest mountains in North America and the European Alps. In addition, Wayne has tested his skills on rafting/kayaking expeditions through the Grand Canyon and on Costa Rican rivers. A professional outdoor educator for the past twenty years, Wayne has planned and led six cross-continental camping tours of the United States and Canada (with visitors from thirteen countries) for Trek America, organized programs for corporate and school groups, designed and taught accredited Therapeutic Outdoor Leadership courses, instructed and led t he wilderness and counseling aspects of 28-day Therapeutic Adaptive Outward Bound Courses for the NYS Division of Youth, and is certified in Advanced First Aid, Basic Water Safety and C.P.R.

Our Guests

The Setting for Middle Earth Expeditions Adirondack Mountains declared "Forever Wild" by the New York State Legislature in 1885, cover some six million acres of land and waterways. Currently the largest state park in the nation, its pristine forests, sparkling lakes, and majestic mountains are habitat for deer, bear, coyotes, beaver, eagles, loons, and native brook trout. The Adirondacks' trails and canoe routes are rich in the history of early pioneers and guides. The natural beauty of its wildflowers, babbling brooks, and mountain meadows are matched only by their tranquility.