Register for our Fall 2026 trips here!
Reach out to [email protected] with any questions!
- Outdoor Adventures programs will begin and end at Skyline Fitness Center on the Fairfax Campus.
- All trips will have a mandatory pre-trip meeting that will be scheduled by the trip leaders prior to the trip’s departure. Uncommunicated absences from the pre-trip meeting will result in forfeiture of one’s spot on the Adventure Trip
- More information on our Wilderness Medicine courses can be found here as it becomes available.
A full list of our trip policies and expectations can be found here.
Refund Policy: Refunds will be given for any withdrawal made from a trip two weeks before the trip date. No refunds will be given for withdrawals within the two-week timeframe of a trip unless for cancelled events/programs or extenuating circumstances approved by the department.
*Eligibility for participation is open to all active George Mason University students, faculty, and staff.
Fall 2026 Outdoor Adventure Trips |
|
| Name and Description of Trip | Register Here! |
Saturday, 8/29: Welcome2Mason Hike to Great Falls National ParkDate: Saturday 8/29/2026 Location: McLean, VA Estimated Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD Cost: $10 Registration Opens: Wednesday 8/19/2026 Registration Closes: Thursday 8/27/2026 Kick off your first weeks at Mason by exploring one of the most spectacular natural areas in the Washington, D.C. region! Join Outdoor Adventures as we hike the scenic trails of Great Falls National Park, where dramatic waterfalls, rocky overlooks, and beautiful views of the Potomac River await. This trip is a great opportunity to meet fellow students, enjoy time outdoors, and experience one of the area’s most iconic parks. Physical Difficulty: Beginner – Expect to hike 4 miles over uneven trails with occasional moderate elevation changes. Technical Difficulty: Beginner – Some rocky footing is expected, but no previous hiking experience is required. For an explanation of our difficulty ratings, click here. Amenities: Restrooms available at the Visitor Center. Travel Time: 45 minutes each way |
Register Here! |
Saturday, 9/5: Canoeing Trip to the Occoquan RiverDate: Saturday 9/5/2026 Location: Lorton, VA Estimated Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD Cost: $10 Registration Opens: Wednesday 8/19/2026 Registration Closes: Monday 8/31/2026 Spend the day paddling one of Northern Virginia’s most scenic waterways! The Occoquan River offers calm stretches of water, wooded shorelines, and opportunities to spot local wildlife while enjoying a relaxing day outside. Trip leaders will cover basic paddling techniques and canoe safety before launching onto the water. Whether it’s your first time in a canoe or you’re looking to spend a day on the river, this trip is a fun way to build confidence on the water. Physical Difficulty: Beginner – Overall paddling distance is 5 miles. Participants should expect several hours of paddling at a comfortable pace. Technical Difficulty: Beginner – No previous canoeing experience is necessary. Trip leaders will provide instruction before and during the trip. For an explanation of our difficulty ratings, click here. Amenities: Pit toilets are available at the starting point and full bathroom facilities available at the ending point. Travel Time: 30 minutes each way |
Register Here! |
Saturday, 9/12: Whitewater Rafting Day Trip to the Shenandoah RiverDate: Saturday 9/12/2026 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV Estimated Time: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD Cost: $25 Registration Opens: Monday 8/24/2026 Registration Closes: Monday 9/7/2026 Experience the excitement of whitewater rafting as we take on the Shenandoah River and paddle through Class II and Class III rapids and beautiful mountain scenery. Whether you’re looking for your first whitewater adventure or simply want an exciting day outdoors, this trip is sure to be a memorable experience. Physical Difficulty: Beginner – Participants should be prepared for a half day of paddling and helping maneuver the raft. Technical Difficulty: Beginner – No previous rafting experience is necessary. Professional guides will provide instruction and all required safety equipment. For an explanation of our difficulty ratings, click here. Amenities: Bathrooms are available at the starting point and ending point of the rafting trip Travel Time: An hour and a half each way |
Register Here! |
Saturday, 9/19: Mountain Bike to Shenandoah River State ParkDate: Saturday 9/19/2026 Location: Bentonville, VA Estimated Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD Cost: $10 Registration Opens: Monday 8/24/2026 Registration Closes: Monday 9/14/2026 Take your riding off the pavement and onto the trails at Shenandoah River State Park! This beautiful trail system features flowing singletrack, wooded forests, and scenic views of the Shenandoah River. Trip leaders will conduct a pre-ride class and teach braking, shifting, handling, and how to safely ride trail features before venturing onto the loop. The trip registration will include a 30-minute mountain biking skills clinic to teach you a few fundamentals of mountain biking, bike rental, transportation, and staffing. Physical Difficulty: Intermediate – Expect several hours of riding with rolling hills and moderate climbs. Technical Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate – Previous bicycling experience is required. Riders will encounter roots, small rocks, and other natural trail features. For an explanation of our difficulty ratings, click here. Amenities: Bathrooms are available at the trailhead Travel Time: An hour and 15 minutes each way |
Register Here |
Saturday, 9/26: Rock Climb Day Trip to Sugarloaf MountainDate: Saturday 9/26/2026 Location: Dickerson, MD Estimated Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD Cost: $10 Registration Opens: Monday 8/24/2026 Registration Closes: Monday 9/21/2026 Spend the day climbing on real rock at one of the region’s classic climbing destinations! Sugarloaf Mountain offers a wide variety of routes suitable for both first-time climbers and experienced participants. Our trip leaders will teach climbing techniques, belaying, and outdoor climbing etiquette while helping you build confidence throughout the day. Physical Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate – Climbing requires moderate upper- and lower-body effort throughout the day. Technical Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate – No previous climbing experience is required. Routes are available for all skill levels, and all equipment and instruction are provided. For an explanation of our difficulty ratings, click here. Amenities: Restrooms available at the parking area. Travel Time: An hour and a half each way |
Register Here |
Saturday, 10/3 – Sunday, 10/4: Overnight Camping at Shenandoah National ParkDate: Saturday 10/3/2026 – Sunday 10/4/2026 Location: Luray, VA Estimated Time: 9:00 am (Saturday) – 2:00 pm (Sunday) Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD Cost: $50 Registration Opens: Monday 8/24/2026 Registration Closes: Monday 9/28/2026 Escape campus for a weekend of camping in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains! Spend two days exploring Shenandoah National Park, enjoying scenic hikes, campfire meals, and evenings beneath the stars. This trip is a great introduction to camping while experiencing one of Virginia’s most iconic national parks. Physical Difficulty: Beginner – Participants should expect short hikes and assist with campsite setup and camp chores. Technical Difficulty: Beginner – No previous camping experience is required. Trip leaders will teach basic camping skills throughout the weekend. For an explanation of our difficulty ratings, click here. Amenities: Bathroom facilities available at the campground Travel Time: An hour and a half each way |
Register Here |
Friday, 10/9 – Monday, 10/12: Fall Break Backpacking Expedition to the Grayson HighlandsDate: Friday 10/9/2026 – Monday 10/12/2026 Location: Damascus, VA Estimated Time: 12:00 pm (Friday) – 4:00 pm (Monday) Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD Cost: $75 Registration Opens: Monday 8/24/2026 Registration Closes: Monday 10/5/2026 Spend your fall break exploring one of Virginia’s most spectacular backpacking destinations! The Grayson Highlands is known for its sweeping mountain vistas, open balds, rocky ridgelines, and wild ponies. Over 3 ½ days and 3 nights, participants will backpack through Virginia’s highest terrain, including the highest peak in the state, while experiencing unforgettable fall scenery. The group will meet Friday afternoon to pack, load the van, and drive to a campground halfway to the trailhead. Saturday will feature a short drive to the trailhead and a several-mile hike to the night’s campsite, followed by Sunday’s hike along open ridgelines to that evening’s destination. Monday will be a short hike back to the van to return to campus. Physical Difficulty: Intermediate – Participants should be prepared to carry a full backpack (approx. 30-40 pounds) while hiking approximately 3-6 miles each day over multiple days. Total trip mileage is 12 miles. Technical Difficulty: Intermediate – Previous camping experience is helpful but not required. Participants should be comfortable hiking on rocky, uneven terrain while carrying a loaded backpack. For an explanation of our difficulty ratings, click here. Amenities: Primitive backcountry camping with limited or no restroom facilities. Outhouses located in some campsites. Travel Time: 6 hours each way |
Register Here |
Saturday, 10/24: Day Hike to Maryland HeightsDate: Saturday 10/24/2026 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV Estimated Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD Cost: $10 Registration Opens: Monday 8/24/2026 Registration Closes: Monday 10/19/2026 Join Outdoor Adventures for a rewarding hike to one of the best overlooks in the region! Climb through historic Civil War landscapes before reaching breathtaking views overlooking Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. This challenging but rewarding hike combines fascinating history with incredible scenery and beautiful fall foliage. Physical Difficulty: Intermediate – Expect a sustained uphill climb over approximately 5 miles of hiking. Technical Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate – The trail is rocky in sections but requires no technical climbing or scrambling. For an explanation of our difficulty ratings, click here. Amenities: Restrooms available near the visitor area and trailhead. Travel Time: An hour and a half each way |
Register Here |