Adventure Trips

3/29/25 Bouldering at Bears Den 

Pre-Trip Meeting: 3/14 @ 7:30 pm

Meet at 8:00 am 

Return approx. 5:00 pm 

 Come join us for a day of bouldering. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are a pro, you’re welcome to join us for a nice day climbing outside. We provide all the necessary equipment, transportation, and instruction.    

 Bouldering is a form of rock-climbing without ropes or harnesses and involves climbing short vertical distances.  Though there are pads and fellow participants and staff spotting climbers in case of a fall, there is inherent risk in participating.  

 The trip will meet at the Skyline Fitness Center and depart from the trip from there.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]. 

• Registration opens on 2/3/24 

• Registration closes on 3/19/25 

4/5/25 Sugarloaf Mountain Day Hike 

Pre-Trip Meeting: 3/23 @ 7 pm

Meet at 8:00 am 

Return approx. 4:00 pm 

 Don’t miss this opportunity to Hike Sugarloaf Mountain, one of Maryland’s most accessible, and popular outdoor destinations. This hike contains a variety of scenic vistas and an incredible view at the summit overlooking Western Maryland’s landscape.  

This 5-mile loop along the Northern Peaks Trail starts relatively steep and mellows out midway through the hike. The upper portion of the ascent contains a minor rock scramble and steep inclines. Please ensure you are in good physical condition before signing up for this hike.  

The trip will meet at the Skyline Fitness Center and depart from the trip from there.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]. 

• Registration opens on 2/3/24 

• Registration closes on 3/26/25 

4/5 – 4/6 Intermediate Backpacking to Emerald Pond  

Pre-Trip Meeting: 3/31 @ 7 pm

Meet at 8:00 am (4/5) 

Return approx. 500 pm (4/6) 

 Come celebrate the return of Spring and join Outdoor Adventures for an overnight backpacking trip to the Blue Ridge mountains.  The entire trip is an 8.5-mile loop, and registration includes equipment rentals, food, transportation, and trip leadership from our student trip leaders!   

 Please consider your physical capabilities before registering.  While this trip requires no prior backpacking experience, it does feature some significant elevation gain and participants should be able to carry a 30-pound backpack uphill and across uneven trail with roots and rocks.  The trip will meet at the Skyline Fitness Center and depart from the trip from there. 

 After registration, be on the lookout for an email from your trip leaders scheduling a mandatory pre-trip meeting prior to the trip to provide you with all of the information you need to have a fun day.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected] 

• Registration opens on 2/3/24 

• Registration closes on 3/26/25 

4/12/25 Day Hike to Annapolis Rock 

Meet at 8:00 am 

Return approx. 3:00 pm 

 Join Outdoor Adventures on a 5-mile round trip hike to the cliffs of Annapolis Rock on the storied Appalachian Trail in Maryland.  The trip will meet at the Skyline Fitness Center and depart from the trip from there 

 After registration, be on the lookout for an email from your trip leaders scheduling a mandatory pre-trip meeting prior to the trip to provide you with all of the information you need to have a fun day.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]. 

• Registration opens on 3/3/24 

• Registration closes on 4/2/25 

4/19/25 Great Falls to DC Bike Ride 

Pre-Trip Meeting: 4/15 @ 6 pm

Meet at 9:00 am 

Return approx. 5:00 pm 

 Take in the sights of one of the capital area’s national parks and the monuments in Washington D.C, and join Outdoor Adventures for a bike ride along the historic C&O canal as we ride 15 miles from Great Falls National Park in MD to the National Mall in Washington D.C.   

Participants should be prepared to ride their bike on relatively uneven terrain for approximately 3 hours and know how to ride a bike.   

Trip registration includes standard bike rental (no e-bikes), transportation to and from DC, and support from our trip leaders during the ride.   

 The trip will meet at the Skyline Fitness Center and depart from the trip from there.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected] 

• Registration opens on 3/3/24 

• Registration closes on 4/9/25 

4/26/25 Earth Day Hike to Burke Lake 

Pre-Trip Meeting: 4/22 @ 6 pm

Meet at 9:00 am 

Return approx. 3:00 pm 

 Come celebrate Earth Day with Mason Recreation as we give back to the environment!  This service-based trip will be an approx. 5-mile hike through Burke Lake as we pick up trash in the park from 10 am to 2 pm.  We will meet at the Skyline Fitness Center on the Fairfax campus at 10 am, drive to Burke Lake for the hike, and return to campus around 3 pm.  Trash grabbers and transportation will be provided.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected] 

• Registration opens on 3/3/24 

• Registration closes on 4/16/25 

4/27/25 Beginner Day Hike to Sweet Run State Park  

Pre-Trip Meeting: 4/18 @ 6 pm

Meet at 9:00 am 

Return approx. 4:00 pm 

Want to get out for a hike but don’t know where to begin?  We have you covered.  This beginner-friendly day hike will explore a 5-mile loop in Sweet Run State Park, Virginia’s newest state park!  Sweet Run is nestled against the flank of the Blue Ridge mountains in Loudon County 

While this trip is designed to be beginner-friendly, participants should be prepared for moderate ascents/descents and rocky, uneven trail. 

The trip will meet at the Skyline Fitness Center and depart from the trip from there.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]. 

• Registration opens on 3/3/24 

• Registration closes on 4/16/25 

4/26 – 4/27 Camp and Hike to Cunningham Falls & Catoctin Mountain 

Pre-Trip Meeting: 4/19 @ 6 pm

Meet at 9:00 am (4/26) 

Return approx. 3:00 pm (4/27) 

As the days get longer and the spring warmth returns to the air, come enjoy a camping trip with OA.  We’ll head to Cunningham Falls in Maryland to set up camp beneath Catoctin Mountain (a prominent mountain with several sweeping vistas of the valley below) before going for a 8-mile day hike up to the summits of Catoctin Mountain.  After the hike, the trip will return to camp for an evening in tents outside before returning to campus on Sunday.  

The trip will meet at the Skyline Fitness Center and depart from the trip from there.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]. 

• Registration opens on 3/3/24 

• Registration closes on 4/16/25 

5/17 – 5/23 C&O Canal Bikepacking 

Meet at 8 am (5/17) 

Return approx. 6 pm (5/23) 

Join us for a 7-day adventure as we explore the entire 184.5 miles (296 km) of the C&O Canal Towpath, stretching from Cumberland, MD to Washington D.C. This scenic journey offers a unique mix of history, natural beauty, and outdoor challenges as we follow the path once used by mules pulling canal boats through the Potomac River Valley. All food, equipment, standard bike rental (no e-bikes), trip leadership, and transportation are included with trip registration. 

Please carefully consider your fitness level before signing up. While no prior experience is required, the C&O Canal Towpath spans a variety of terrains, including flat sections, moderate inclines, and occasionally rocky or uneven ground. Participants should be prepared to bike with a moderate load (15-20 lb / 7-9 kg) for extended periods each day, ranging from 25 to 40 miles (40-64 km) per day. 

After registration, be on the lookout for an email from your trip leaders with details about a mandatory pre-trip meeting, where we will provide you with everything you need to know to make the most of this unforgettable journey. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience one of America’s most iconic trails! 

• Registration opens on 12/13/24 

• Registration closes on 4/30/25 

5/17 – 5/22 Roan Highlands Backpacking and Whitewater Rafting 

Meet at 8 am (5/17)  

Return approx. 6 pm (5/22) 

Join us for an exciting 6-day adventure combining backpacking in the stunning Roan Highlands with the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky River! This trip offers an unforgettable blend of rugged mountain landscapes and exhilarating river rapids in one of the most beautiful regions of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Our journey begins with a backpacking adventure through the Roan Highlands, covering approximately 15 miles (24 km) of the Appalachian Trail. Known for its sweeping views, high-altitude balds, and vibrant wildflower meadows, the Roan Highlands offers some of the most picturesque terrain in the region. Participants will carry their gear over moderate to challenging terrain, with varying elevation changes and spectacular views along the way. 

After the backpacking portion, we’ll make our way to the Nolichucky River for an action-packed day of whitewater rafting. Known for its exciting Class III and IV rapids, the Nolichucky offers an exhilarating experience for both first-time and seasoned rafters.  

All food, equipment, trip leadership, and transportation are included with trip registration. 

Please consider your fitness level before signing up. While no prior backpacking or rafting experience is required, participants should be prepared for strenuous hiking with a backpack (25-30 lbs / 11-14 kg) over mountainous terrain.  

After registration, you’ll receive an email from your trip leaders with a mandatory pre-trip meeting scheduled to ensure you’re fully prepared for this thrilling and memorable journey.  

• Registration opens on 12/13/24 

• Registration closes on 4/30/25