Adventure Trips

Providing enjoyable, challenging, and affordable programs

ETSU Campus Recreation Outdoor Adventure (OA) offers a variety of fun outdoor trips. We are committed to providing enjoyable, challenging, and affordable programs that provide students with positive outdoor experiences that teach skills and knowledge to safely enjoy the outdoors. Our goal through these programs is to develop positive attitudes and actions that foster an environmental ethic by connecting to nature, and to one another.

Fall 2021 Outdoor Adventure Trip Schedule

To register for any trips please do so through the Campus Recreation Portal or visit the Outdoor Adventure Center during regular hours.

• Meet us There Paddle Day at Watauga Lake Saturday, Sept. 11 11:00am - 4:00pm

  All you have to do is show up and we take care of the rest! Join Outdoor Adventure for a day on the waters of Watauga Lake. Surrounded by tree covered mountains, Watauga offers the paddler a myriad of fun and good times in nature. Bring your friends and try out something new. Kayaks, paddleboards, paddles, and PFDs will be ready for you to float, get in a good core workout, or bring your own and join us!

• Paddle Boarding to David Crockett Birthplace SP Thursday, Sept. 16 4:00pm - 8:00pm

  Float over limestone outcroppings and rainbow trout as you paddle the Nolichucky River. Enjoy the beginnings of the fall color change with friends and fun as you pass through iconic East Tennessee forest. Complete your journey at the historic David Crockett Birth Place State Park where you can explore the childhood home of the famous outdoorsman. 

• Meet us There Paddle Day at Fort Patrick Henry Lake Saturday, Sept. 18 11:00am - 4:30pm

  All you have to do is show up and we take care of the rest! Join Outdoor Adventure for a day on the placid waters of Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir. Known as a popular fishing site for trout, bluegill, and bass, bring a rod with you and try your luck. Kayaks, paddleboards, paddles, and PFDs will be ready for you to float or try for a good core workout, or bring your own and join us! 

• Meet us There Biking on the Tweetsie Trail Thursday, Sept. 23 1:00pm-6:00pm

  All you have to do is show up and we take care of the rest! Join Outdoor Adventure for a ride on the Tweetsie Trail. This rails-to-trails project connects Eat Tennessee to Western North Carolina and rides on a relatively flat grade through beautiful natural settings. Outdoor Adventure will provide bikes and helmets or you can bring your own and join in the fun.

• University Woods Evening Hike Tuesday, Sept. 28 6:00pm - 8:00pm

  Have you ever explored ETSU’s own trails here on campus? Here is your worry-free opportunity! Led by Outdoor Adventure Staff, join us in traversing through the woods in your own backyard. This evening hike takes place as the sun is going down and you can experience the wonder of night vision. 

• Carvers Gap Day Hike Saturday, Oct. 2 9:00am - 3:00pm

  Overlooking the famous gardens of Roan Mountain, come experience Carver's Gap, a section of the iconic Appalachian Trail guided by Outdoor Adventure. Pass over three unique mountain balds with 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pick wild blueberries and enjoy the crisps air of the outdoors with friends!

• Jacob's Nature Park Evening Hike Wednesday, Oct. 6 5:00pm - 8:00pm

  Come hike the trails of Jacob’s Nature Park with Outdoor Adventure.  This evening hike passes through a wetland area with an abundance of wildlife including fish, frogs, salamanders, and birds. Led by Outdoor Adventure Staff, come experience your night vision, nature, and fellowship.

• Fall Break Paddle Trip on the New River Friday, Oct 8 to Monday, Oct 11

  The best fall colors are only the beginning of this incredible expedition. Join Outdoor Adventure as we traverse the second oldest river in the world, the New River, atop the greatest form of water transport, the canoe! 4 days and 3 nights of camping, fellowship, and paddling. Bring a fishing rod and test your skills as well as rumble though whitewater as you take charge of your own craft and adventure!

• Buffalo Mountain Evening Hike Thursday, Oct 14 6:00pm - 9:00pm

  You see it in the distance form campus but now it’s time to hike it! Join Outdoor Adventure and our guides on an evening hike up Buffalo Mountain. Cut by a bubbling creek, this local forest area offers wildlife and nature opportunities just minutes from campus. Challenge yourself and see if you can point out campus or find your dorm from the overlooks.

• Bike Trip on the Virginia Creeper Trail Saturday, Oct. 16 8:30am - 6:00pm

  Join Outdoor Adventure and bike the Creeper! A trail made for everyone, the Virginia Creeper begins at the top Whitetop Mountain and descends over the miles to Damascus. An easy ride that provides expansive views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. Get your friends together and bring your bike or use one of Outdoor Adventures. 

• University Woods Evening Hike Tuesday, Oct. 19 6:00pm - 9:00pm

  Have you ever explored ETSU’s own trails here on campus? Here is your worry-free opportunity! Led by Outdoor Adventure Staff, join us in traversing through the woods in your own backyard. This evening hike takes place as the sun is going down and you can experience the wonder of night vision. 

• Sill Branch Evening Hike Thursday, Oct 21 6:00pm - 9:00pm

  Join Outdoor Adventure for a trek in the woods not far form campus and discover a hidden gem. The Sill Branch Waterfall sits back in the forest and calls for the weary hiker to sit a spell and enjoy the 20-foot cascade. Led by Outdoor Adventure Staff and joined by friends come share the evening with the great outdoors.

• Meet us There Biking on the Tweetsie Trail Saturday, Oct 23 10:00am - 4:00pm

  All you have to do is show up and we take care of the rest! Join Outdoor Adventure for a ride on the Tweetsie Trail. This rails-to-trails project connects Eat Tennessee to Western North Carolina and rides on a relatively flat grade through beautiful natural settings. Outdoor Adventure will provide bikes and helmets or you can bring your own and join in the fun.

• Pinnacle Fire Tower Evening Hike Thursday, Oct 28 5:00pm - 10:00pm

  Do you want a full view of East Tennessee and its mountain home? Join Outdoor Adventure for an evening hike to the top of the Pinnacle Fire Tower. One of only a handful of fire towers left in our region, this restored, covered structure offers a full 360-degree view of the Valley Beautiful and even all the way into Western North Carolina. Spend time in fellowship with friends with an amazing view of the sunset. 

Check back reguralry for trip additions or changes!

Eligibility for participation; These 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.