Adventure Trips

Fun, challenging, and affordable trips across the Southeast and beyond

Campus Recreation

Outdoor Adventure offers afternoon, full day, and extended adventure trips for students to explore, learn, and connect with eachother and the environment.

BOLT

BOLT Fall 2025

Buccaneer Outdoor Leadership Training

The Fall 2025 Cohort registration will open April 1, 2025!

  • Description

    Looking to go deeper into camp craft, leadership, and outdoor activities such as backpacking, paddling, and climbing? Do you want to become a Trip Leader for Outdoor Adventure? Buccaneer Outdoor Leadership Training is for you! Join Outdoor Adventure for an experience like no other! BOLT is built on a foundation of backpacking with three adventure trips that teach an array of camp craft, outdoor hard skills, leadership, and group dynamics, The program fee includes all tripping gear, transportation, food, and leaders for all three outdoor trips and educational and reflective meetings throughout the semester. You will also receive exclusive BOLT swag and a celebration upon completion. For full details please see the Outdoor Adventure webpage.

    Expereince Level - No Expereince

    Fitness Level - 1 to 4- Easy Active to Strenuous (Trips progress in difficulty as program progresses)

    Requirements:
    · Must be able to attend all backcountry trips during semester
    · Must be able to attend 75% of additional meeting times
    · Must be able to function without access to electricity for 3 days or more. 
    · Must be able to understand and follow all instructions from Outdoor Adventure Staff.

    Physical Fitness: (Highly suggested minimums)
    • Ability to carry a minimum of 35lbs for an extended distance
    • Ability to run a mile in under 15 min
    • Bending, crouching, lifting with a load

  • Trip Details

    Trip Dates: (3 required and 1 optional)

    • (R) August 30-Sept 1 - Labor Day Weekend – Backpacking (Harper’s Creek, NC)
    • (R) October 17-19 Backpacking (Allen Gap to Rocky Fork)
    • (R) November 14-16 or 21-23 – Backpack the Roan Balds (Carvers Gap to 19E)
    • (O) After Semester Trip Dec 15-18 Based on participant interest and availability

    Meeting Dates:

    • Aug 27 (Intro)
    • August 29 (Pack-out)
      • Trip One – Aug 30 – Sept 1 
    • September 9 (Debrief/Group Processing and Dynamics)
    • September 23 (Gear/Food)
    • October 7 (Navigation/First Aid)
    • October 16 (Pack-out)
      • Trip Two Oct 17 – 19
    • October 21 (Debrief/Trip Planning and Logistics)
    • November 4 (Trip Plan Creation)
    • November 20 (Pack-Out)
      • Trip Three – November 21 – 23
    • December 5 – Celebration Lunch – 11:30am-1:30pm
  • Cost and Perks

    Cost:

    • $300 early-bird Deadline: April 1, 2025
    • $350 until May 31, 2025
    • $400 until June 15, 2025

    $100 Deposit due at registration and full payment due by July 30, 2025

    Cost includes all tripping gear, food, education, and leaders for all four outdoor trips and meetings throughout the semester.

    Perks:

    • BOLT Branded Swag
    • Camp Bowl
    • Outdoor Adventure Trip Discounts
    • Pro Deal Access - Outdoor ProLink

 

Fly Fishing Trips

  • Details

    Dates:

    Friday Feb 7 – 6:30am-9:30am

    Monday Feb 10 – 3:30pm-7:00pm

    Friday Feb 21 - 6:30am-9:30am

    Monday Feb 24 - 3:30pm-7:00pm

    Friday March 7 – 6:30am-9:30am

    Monday March 10 - 3:30pm-7:00pm

    Location: Various Streams and Rivers

    Cost: FREE

    Registration Opens:  2 Weeks Prior to Trip

    Registration Closes: Day of Trip

    Join Outdoor Adventure on local streams and rivers to try your hand at fly fishing. We are seeking primarily trout of all kinds and our area has some of the best! All fishing gear, transportation, and guidance is provided. Each participant must have a Fishing License issued by TWRA. these can be purchased at gooutdoorstennessee.org and you must get a trout stamp as well. 

    Experience Level: No Experience to Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous

  fish

Spring 2025 Trips

Register here for Outdoor Trips

Backpack

Weekly Ski & Snowboard Shuttle

Date: Tuesdays, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4
Location: Beech Mountain, NC
Cost: $5
Time: 4:00pm-10:00pm
Registration Opens:  Tuesday, Jan. 20th
Registration Closes: 4:00pm day of!
  • Details

    Need a ride to the slopes? Catch one with OA! We will be providing transportation to Beech Mountain. All slope access and rental prices are the responsibility of the participant. Tickets and waivers can be purchased an filled out beforehand online to maximize ski time when you arrive.

     

    Experience Level: Some Experience to Significant Experience

    Fitness Level: Level 1-4 - Easy Active to Strenuous

 

raft

Day Hike at Natural Tunnel State Park

Date: Feb. 1 - Saturday
Location: Natural Tunnel State Park, VA
Cost: $10
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Registration Opens: Tuesday, Jan. 20
Registration Closes: Friday, Jan. 31
  • Details

    Join us for a day spent at Natural Tunnel State Park! There are several trails at the park of varying difficulties allowing you to choose-your-own-adventure for the day.

     

    Experience Level: No Experience to Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous

 

lake van

Weekend Climbing at The Obed

Date: Feb. 14-16 - Friday through Sunday
Location: Obed Wild and Scenic River, TN
Cost: $30
Time: 5:00pm (Friday)- 5:00pm (Sunday)
Registration Opens: Monday, Jan. 20
Registration Closes: Wednesday, Feb. 12 (8:00pm)
Required Meeting: Thursday, Feb. 13
  • Details

    Outdoor Adventure will be exploring the beautiful, rocky walls near the Obed Wild and Scenic River! This trip is two nights of camping with a full day of climbing on Saturday and a half day Sunday!

     

    Experience Level: No Experience to Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous

bike

Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail

Date: Feb 22 - Saturday
Location: Virgiania Creeper Trail, VA
Cost: $15
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Registration Opens: Saturday, Feb. 8
Registration Closes: Thursday, Feb. 20 (8:00pm)
  • Details

    Come spend the day biking the Virginia Creeper Trail with us. We willl cruise together along the scenic rails-to-trails path with a picnic lunch at some point during the day!

     

    Experience Level: No Experience to Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous

waterfall

Backpacking in Cumberland

Gap National Historic Park

Date: Feb. 28-March 2 - Friday-Sunday
Location: Cumberland Gap National Park, KY
Cost: $30
Time: 4:00pm (Friday) - 5:00pm (Sunday)
Registration Opens: Saturday, Feb.1
Registration Closes: Wednesday, Feb. 26 (8:00pm)
Required Meeting: Thursday, Feb. 27
  • Details

    We'll be heading west to Cumberland Gap National Historic Park for 2 nights of backpacking in this beauftiful, historic area! Come join us for two nights of camping and a weekend of fun.

     

    Experience Level: No Experience to Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous

 

bouldering

Day Hike in Grayson Highlands

 

Date: March 8 - Saturday
Location: Grayson Highlands State Park, VA
Cost: $10
Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Registration Opens: Saturday, Feb. 22
Registration Closes: Friday, March 7
  • Details

    Spend the day hiking, enjoying the views and looking out for wild ponies along the valleys and peaks of Grayson Highlands State Park.

     

    Experience Level: No Experience to Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous


 

paddlepack

Full Moon Night Paddle

on Watauga Lake

Date: March 13 - Thursday

Location: Watauga Lake, TN

Cost: $5

Time: 7:00pm-10:00pm

Registration Opens: Thursday, Feb. 27

Registration Closes: Wednesday, March 12 (8:00pm)
  • Details

    Enjoy the full moon on Watauga Lake with us! Paddle and explore the shorelines at your leisure via paddleboard, sit-on-top kayak, or canoe!

     

    Experience Level: No Experience to Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous

 

climb

Spring Break Trip - Backpack and Canoe in Big South Fork

Date: March 15-19 - Saturday through Wednesday
Location: Location being updated
Cost: $50
Time: 9:00am (Saturday) - 5:00pm (Wednesday)
Registration Opens: Saturday, Feb. 15
Registration Closes: Wednesday, March 12 (8:00pm)
Required Meeting: Thursday, March 13
  • Details

    Spend 4 nights camping with Outdoor Adventure. This trip will combine backpacking and canoeing and bring outdoor joy to all!

     

    Experience Level: Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous

 

backpack

Climbing Day at the Blackstack Cliffs

in Rocky Fork State Park

Date: March 29 - Saturday
Location: Blackstack Cliffs, Rocky Fork State Park, TN
Cost: $15
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm Saturday
Registration Opens: Saturday, March 15
Registration Closes: Friday, March 28 (5:00pm)

  • Details

    Reach new heights with Outdoor Adventure at the Blackstack Cliffs! This day trip is the perfect opportunity to climb outside whether it's your first time or your 50th!

     

    Experience Level: No Experience to Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous

 

cave

Bike Day Trip to Guest River Gorge

Date: April 5 - Saturday
Location: Guest River Gorge, VA
Cost: $10
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Registration Opens: Saturday, March 22
Registration Closes: Friday, April 4 (5:00pm)

  • Details

    Over the river and through the woods (and an old train tunnel). Spend a spring day peddling through Virginia's Guest River Gorge. This rails-to-trails route winds along Guest River and is best seen by bike with friends!

     

    Experience Level: No Experience to Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous

 

waterfall

Sunset Hike on Buffalo Mountain

 

Date: April 9 - Wednesday
Location: Buffalo Mountain, TN
Cost: FREE
Time: 7:15pm-8:30pm
Registration Opens: Wednesday, March 26
Registration Closes: Tuesday, April 8 (8:00pm)
  • Details

    Enjoy a sunset hike, transportation on us, with Outdoor Adventure at Johnson City's very own Buffalo Mountain!

     

    Experience Level: No Experience to Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous

 


backpack

Backpacking the Roan Mountain Balds

 

Date: April 11-13 (Friday through Sunday)
Location: Roan Mountain, TN
Cost: $30
Time: 4:00pm (Friday) – 5:00pm (Sunday)
Registration Opens: Saturday, March 15
Registration Closes: Wednesday, April 9 (8:00pm)
Required Meeting: Thursday, April 10
  • Details

    Explore the iconic Roan Mountain Balds over an exciting weekend with OA. Enjoy 360 views, time under the stars, great food, and even greater friends! All food, gear, transportation, and trip leaders provided by OA.

     

    Experience Level:  Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 3 – Vigorous

 





raft

Rafting and Camping Trip to the Nantahala Gorge

Date: April 26-27 (Saturday through Sunday)
Location: Nantahala River, NC
Cost: $30
Time: 8:00am (Sat) – 5:00pm (Sun)
Registration Opens: Saturday, March 29
Registration Closes: Wednesda, April 23 (8:00pm)
Required Meeting: Thursday, April 24
  • Details

    Discover the marvelous Nantahala Gorge in the best way: Rafting the famous river and hiking and camping through the gorge! All food, gear, transportation, and trip leaders provided by OA.

     

    Experience Level: No Experience to Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous


yoga

Outdoor Yoga at the Beauty Spot

Date: May 3 (Saturday)
Location: Beauty Spot, TN
Cost: $10
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Registration Opens: Saturday, April 19
Registration Closes: Friday, May 2 (5:00pm)
  • Details

    Join OA and Group Fitness for an invigorating yoga session on the top of the Beauty Spot on the Appalachian Trail. Center yourself before exams and the end of the semester with a qualified Yoga instructor.

     

    Experience Level: No Experience to Some Experience 

    Fitness Level: Level 2-3 – Moderate to Vigorous

 

Eligibility for Participation

Off-campus day trips are open to full and part-time, students, staff and faculty as well as adjunct faculty with vaild ETSU ID and active CPA Membership.

Off-campus overnight trips are open to full and part-time students with vaild ETSU ID and active CPA Membership.

All trips are non-refundable 7 days prior to departure date.

FAQ

  • How do I register for a trip?
    You can register for all trips through the Campus Recreation Portal. Log in using your ETSU credentials, find the trip you wnat to register for, and select it. Click register, fill out any information required and then pay for your trip. If you are having any issue or want to register in person, come by the Outdoor Adventure Center and an Outdoor Staff can assist you.
  • Who is eligable for trips?
    Off-campus day trips are open to full and part-time, students, staff and faculty as well as adjunct faculty with vaild ETSU ID and active CPA Membership.
    Off-campus overnight trips are open to full and part-time students with vaild ETSU ID and active CPA Membership
  • What is the cancellation/refund policy?
    If you are unable to attent a trip you've registered for you can email,call, or come by the Outdoor Adventure Center to let us know you would like to cancel your registration. All trips are non-refundable one week (7 days) prior to the departure date.
  • What does the trip fee cover?
    Trip fees typically cover necessary gear, food, transportation, permits, and Outdoor Staff to lead the trip.

 

Experience Levels

No Experience: No prior knowledge necessary! All required skills will be taught by instructors.

Some Experience: Basic skills and understanding needed. Some elements taught by instructors.

Moderate Experience: Fair amount of knowledge and ability to perform skills needed. Few elements taught by instructors.

Significant Experience: Ability to perform most or all skills needed and deep knowledge of activity. Little to no skills taught by isntructors.

Fitness Levels

Level 1: Easy Active: Minor physical ablity needed but movement is incorperated throughout.

Level 2: Moderate: Regular physical movement throughout and possibility of carrying up to 20lb load.

Level 3: Vigorous: Difficult physical movement throughout. Could travel up to five miles per day and possibility of carrying up to 40lb load.

Level 4: Strenuous: Difficult physical movment throughout with bouts of intense activity. Could travel up to 10 miles per day and possilibity of carrying up to 50lb load.