Adventure Trips

Spring 2026 Outdoor Adventure Trips

4/15: Wandering Wednesday: The Scoop Loop 

Date: Wednesday 4/15/2026 

Location: Fairfax, VA 

Estimated Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm 

Cost: $5 

Join us for a fun mid-week bike ride to get moving and unwind! The Scoop Loop is a casual social ride designed to help students explore a local neighborhood route while enjoying great company. We’ll end the outing with a stop for ice cream! 

Difficulty: Beginner.  Total distance 4 miles 

4/18 Intro to Mountain Biking: Laurel Hill 

Date: Saturday 4/18/2026 

Location: Lorton, VA 

Estimated Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 

Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD 

Cost: $30 

Experience the thrill of off-road biking at Laurel Hill! This beginner-friendly trail system offers wooded singletrack, gentle berms, rolling hills, and plenty of opportunities to build confidence. Trip leaders will 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, bike rental, transportation, and staffing.. 

Difficulty: Beginner – Previous biking experience required; no mountain biking experience needed. Expect roots, small hills, and gradual progression throughout the day. 

Amenities: Portable toilets are available at the trailhead 

Travel Time: 30 minutes each way   

4/19 Beginner Hike to Mason Neck 

Date: Sunday 4/19/2026 

Location: Lorton, VA 

Estimated Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm 

Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD 

Cost: $25 

Mason Neck State Park is one of the region’s most peaceful spring hiking destinations. Explore forested paths, wetlands, and riverfront trails while learning about the area’s rich bird and wildlife habitat. This is a perfect outing for beginner hikers or anyone looking for a scenic, low-stress adventure. 

Difficulty: Beginner – Mostly flat terrain with gentle hills; expect to hike 4–6 miles. 

Amenities: Indoor restrooms available at the Visitor Center 

Travel Time: 30 minutes each way   

4/24 – 4/26 Backpacking to Dolly Sods 

Date: Friday 4/24/2026 – Sunday 4/26/2026 

Location: Davis, WV 

Estimated Time: 3:00 PM Friday to 6:00 PM Sunday 

Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD 

Cost: $50 

Dolly Sods Wilderness is one of the most stunning backpacking destinations on the East Coast. Known for its high elevation bogs, sweeping vistas, and rugged terrain, this trip offers a true taste of backcountry adventure. Expect breathtaking sunrises, quiet forests, and unforgettable nights spent under a vast, star-filled sky. 

Difficulty: Intermediate – Participants should be prepared for rocky trails, wet areas, and elevation changes while carrying a full backpack. Mileage varies (6–8 miles per day). 

Amenities: No restroom facilities; wilderness camping 

Travel Time: 3 hours each way   

4/25 C&O Canal Biking: Great Falls National Park to National Mall 

Date: Saturday 4/25/2026 

Location: Great Falls, MD to Washington, DC 

Estimated Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM 

Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD 

Cost: $30 

Ride along one of the most historic and scenic corridors in the region! We’ll start our ride near Great Falls and make our way down the C&O Canal Towpath toward Georgetown and the National Mall. Enjoy peaceful stretches along the Potomac River, lockhouse landmarks, and a rewarding finish in the heart of D.C. 

Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate – The towpath is flat and wide, but riders should expect a full day of biking covering 15–20 miles. 

Amenities: Restrooms available at the beginning and along the towpath 

Travel Time: 45 minutes each way 

4/29: Wandering Wednesday: Sunset Standup Paddleboarding  

Date: Wednesday 4/29/2026 

Location: Fairfax, VA 

Estimated Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm 

Cost: $5 

Wind down your week with a peaceful evening on the water. As the sun sets, we’ll paddle across calm water and enjoy golden-hour views while learning the basics of SUP technique. This is a relaxed, beginner-friendly paddle perfect for first-timers or anyone looking to decompress outdoors. 

Difficulty: Beginner – Stable boards and calm water make this a great introduction to paddling. 

Amenities: 

Travel Time: 10 minutes each way 

5/2 Hike to Sweet Run State Park 

Date: Saturday 5/2/2026   

Location: Loudon Co., VA 

Estimated Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 

Pre-Trip Meeting: TBD 

Cost: $25 

Celebrate spring by hiking through the State’s newest state park! This early May trip is a great way to enjoy warm weather, vibrant foliage, and relaxing time outdoors before finals season ramps up. Enjoy scenic trails, quiet forests, and plenty of time to recharge. 

Difficulty: Beginner – Expect 4–6 miles on well-marked trails with some mild inclines. 

Amenities: Restrooms available at the trailhead 

Travel Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes each way 

5/2 Outdoor Climbing: Sugarloaf Mountain 

Date: Saturday 5/2/2026 

Location: Dickerson, MD 

Estimated Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 

Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday 4/28/2026 @ 5 pm 

Cost: $40 

Wrap up the semester with a full day of outdoor climbing at Sugarloaf Mountain! This crag features a variety of top-rope routes perfect for everyone from new climbers to seasoned regulars. Enjoy a spring day on real rock as you challenge yourself, learn new skills, and take in stunning views of the surrounding forests. 

Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate – Routes vary widely, with options for new climbers and harder challenges for experienced participants. 

Amenities: Restrooms available at the parking area 

Travel Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes each way