About Mahanaim Adventures

Mahanaim Adventures was founded on a passion for adventure and based on a lifetime of outdoor experience. Owners Don and Diane Harty trace their passions for the outdoors to childhoods spent camping and hiking with their families. After they married in 1983, they continued exploring the outdoors together.

Over the years they have discovered that outdoor adventures have brought their family closer, even during times when many things tried to pull their families and friendships apart. Don and Diane have discovered that there is no age limit to outdoor adventures. They introduced their three children to camping when they were each only a couple of months old.

Now days, Mahanaim Adventure day to day operations are led by Don and several excellent river guides. You will soon discover there is no experience necessary for you to enjoy the outdoor adventure of a lifetime.

Experience and Certifications:

Don Harty

Don has considerable kayaking, backpacking and back-country camping experience, having lead trips for individuals, families and a variety of scout and church groups. He completed his first 50+ mile canoeing adventure at the age of 14. By 15, he had completed 50-mile and 110-mile backpacking trips on the Appalachian Trail.

  • Boy Scout / Eagle Scout
  • Boy Scout / Outdoor Leader Skills Instructor
  • Boy Scout / Lifeguard, Swimming and Water Rescue
  • Boy Scout & US Coast Guard Paddle Craft Safety and Rescue
  • Boy Scout / Wood Badge Leadership Training
  • Boy Scout / National Camp School / COPE’s Course Director
  • Boy Scout / National Camp School / Program Manager
  • Boy Scout / Wilderness First Aid Instructor
  • Boy Scout / CPR Instructor

Duane

I grew up in North Tonawanda NY with the Niagara River and the Erie Barge Canal within 15 minutes from the house. My brother and I were always out paddling in our canoe. My family went camping quite often in the summer and the canoe went with us all the time. The scout troop I joined was high adventure oriented specializing in canoe trips. I spent a summer at our scout camp Northern Lights in Canada as a canoe guide for week long trips. I earned my Eagle Scout in 1976. I joined the Marine Corps in 1979 and served 4 Years.I am still involved as a leader in the Boy Scouts. Lastly, have worked with Mahanaim Adventures on a part time basis is 2011.

James

James was born in Towanda, PA (Indian word meaning “Here our great dead lie buried). Be reassured, he will ask everyone if they know where Towanda is located. James and his wife moved their family to Wilmington in 1996 . James has worked with us as a guide for 5 years. He is a retired commercial banker.

James enjoys reading (he has a personal library of over 1500 books in his home), hiking, camping and of course kayaking . His favorite camp ground is Pettigew State Park where he can paddle many of the blue water trails in that area. He has hiked and backpacked all over the US, Europe an even in Tibet and Nepal.

Craig

Craig Richardson began working for Mahanaim adventures in 2021. He has a wide range of experience in the outdoors, having camped in 35 states. His favorite is minimalist wilderness camping with his sons. He is an avid boater, whether it be kayaks or motor boats. Craig enjoys open water swimming, biking, and hiking with his wife Terri and Golden doodle Kona.

Craig retired as a Lieutenant firefighter\paramedic with 30 years working and teaching combined. While on the Fire department he specialized in water and technical rescue. He combines his knowledge of the outdoors, and his work experience to help make each trip a safe and enjoyable experience.

Grayson

Hi everyone, my name is Grayson Harris. I’m a 6th year kayaking guidehere at Mahaniam adventures. Currently I’m attending UNC Wilmigton studying business and am a local from the Wilmington area. Being on the water has been a huge part of my up bringing, consisting of a ton of fishing, boating and sailing. Similarly, the outdoors as a whole has been a huge influence on myself. Having been highly involved with Boy Scouts of America in which I’m an Eagle Scout. When not exploring the outdoors, I can be found enjoying some of Wilmingtons finest cuisine, ask me about where to enjoy a meal! I’m super excited to help educate and explore the beautiful forest, rivers and coastal water ways with you here in North Carolina.