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Division of Academic and Student Affairs 
Wellness and Recreation

Outdoor Adventures Trips

Custom Trips
New Student Trips

Spring 2024 Schedule:

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Join the Outdoor Adventure team during Winter Welcome Week for s’mores by the campfire, and learn about all the offerings we have this fall!

  • Time: 8 a.m. (Sat.) – 5 p.m. (Sun.)
  • Cost: $150 (students only)
  • Location: Grayson Highlands

Deadline to register is Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024 at 12 p.m. (noon).

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Experience the beauty of Grayson Highlands on an overnight backpacking trip where participants will have the opportunity to hike along the Appalachian Trail and camp away from the city lights. This trip is designed for beginners.

Itinerary:

  • Saturday:
    • 7 a.m. | Trip begins: Check in at the Outdoor Adventures Boat Bay, pack up the gear and head to Grayson Highlands State Park
    • Backpack approximately three miles and eat lunch on the trail
    • Set up camp, cook dinner and enjoy the sunset.
    • 9 p.m. | Lights out! Rest up for the next day
  • Sunday:
    • 8 a.m. | Wake up, make breakfast and break down camp
    • Hike back to the visitor center
    • Drive back to Wellness and Recreation to clean equipment
    • 5 p.m. | Depart Wellness and Recreation

Transportation, most meals, equipment, and instruction are included. No prior experience necessary.

This will be a moderately strenuous trip where participants will be required to carry a 50-pound backpack over moderate terrain in a variety of weather conditions. Please note the location may change to accommodate weather conditions. 

Update – 2/8/24: All spaces for this trip have been reserved. As students inform us of their inability to attend, we will seek to fill spaces from our waitlist. Please be aware that individuals on the waitlist will not receive complimentary entry tickets or meal vouchers, and will need to utilize a personal vehicle. We appreciate your understanding.

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The North Carolina Zoo celebrates nature by being the world’s largest natural habitat zoo for 1,700 animals. Join us for a day of exploring the Zoo and visiting animals such as bears, wolves, lions, lemurs, zebras, giraffes, and so much more.

Itinerary:

  • 8 a.m. | Check in at the Outdoor Adventures Boat Bay and drive to the NC Zoo
  • 10 a.m. | Arrive at the zoo. Participants may wander the park at your leisure.
  • 3 p.m. | Depart Zoo to head back to NC State University.
  • 5 p.m. | Arrive back on campus, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

This Wellness Day excursion is sponsored by the North Carolina Zoo Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the NC Zoo. This trip includes admission to the zoo and a meal voucher. 

Participants may register to ride with Wellness and Recreation on the buses or drive separately. If you elect to drive yourself, please note that registration is still required in order to receive vouchers for admission and meals.

Deadline to register is Wednesday, Feb.14, 2024 at 12 p.m. (noon).

Register

Put your climbing skills to the test during this Pilot Mountain adventure. Following a brief 10-minute hike to the climbing area, we have curated a mix of routes that offer both simple climbs for beginners and more demanding challenges for our intermediate seasoned climbers.

Itinerary:

  • 6 a.m. | Trip begins: Check in at the Outdoor Adventures Equipment Rental desk
  • 8 a.m. | Arrive at Pilot Mountain, unload gear and hike to the climbing area
  • Eat lunch at climbing area
  • 5 p.m. | Pack up gear and hike back to the van
  • 5:30 p.m. | Load van and head back to campus
  • 6:30 p.m. | Arrive back at campus and clean equipment
  • 7 p.m. | Trip ends

Transportation, lunch, gear and expert instruction will be provided.

Step into the tranquility of Centennial Campus at the Lake Raleigh Recreation Area, one of NC State’s Hallowed Places. This beginner-friendly trek will consist of a two-mile hike through the serene Lake Raleigh Woods, beginning at the Alumni Center trailhead, with convenient parking.

Please wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes, and bring water. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete on-site registration. This trip will begin on-time and late arrivals will be unable to join after the fact.

No pre-registration required; space available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This trip has been canceled.

Leave behind the ropes and harnesses and come bouldering with us at Hanging Rock State Parks’ bouldering area called Moore’s Wall. Bouldering is a great way to get started climbing as it allows you to practice climbing techniques and problem solving without having to be far from the ground. This trip is beginner friendly and requires no
previous climbing experience.

Itinerary:

  • 6 a.m. | Check in at Outdoor Adventures and drive to Hanging Rock State Park
  • 8 a.m. | Try a variety of boulders and learn new techniques from our staff. We’ll have a “picnic” style lunch at the bouldering site.
  • 4 p.m. | Drive back to Wellness and Recreation to clean up
  • 6 p.m. | Go home

This trip has been canceled.

Did you know cave temperatures stay the same year round? This makes it the perfect place to visit and stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Caving provides a unique and inspiring adventure to escape the city lights and see how mountains are formed from the inside. Our trained trip leaders will guide you through the cave safely and teach you everything you need to know. This trip is beginner friendly and no prior experience is necessary.

Itinerary:

  • Saturday:
    • 7 a.m. | Meet at Wellness and Recreation Center to begin drive to Roan Mountain State Park
    • Noon | Arrive at Roan Mountain State Park and enjoy a picnic lunch
    • 1 p.m. | Afternoon hike
    • 5 p.m. | Set up camp, eat dinner, and enjoy a campfire
  • Sunday:
    • 7 a.m. | Wake up and pack up camp
    • 8 a.m. | Drive to Worley’s Cave
    • 1 p.m. | Pack up and head back to campus
    • 5 p.m. | Arrive back at Wellness and Recreation Center to clean up

Transportation, meals and instruction are included.

  • Time: Noon – 5 p.m.
  • Cost: $15 (students) | $20 (Wellness and Recreation members)
  • Location: Raven Rock State Park

Deadline to register is Wednesday, Mar. 27, 2024 at 12 p.m. (noon).

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Immerse yourself in an afternoon of hiking and Yoga amidst the scenic landscape of Raven Rock State Park. In collaboration with the Counseling Center, this trip is designed to offer you a chance to prioritize your well-being, and provides a refreshing break from the campus hustle.

Itinerary: 

  • Noon | Trip begins – Check in at the Outdoor Adventures Boat Bay and head to Raven Rock State Park
  • 1 p.m. | Hike approximately one to two miles of easy terrain
  • 3 p.m. | Practice yoga with Counseling Center staff
  • 4:30 p.m. | Head back to Wellness and Recreation Center
  • 5 p.m. | Trip ends

Transportation and instruction are included.

  • Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Cost: $80 (students) | $100 (Wellness and Recreation members)
  • Location: Cape Fear River

Deadline to register is Wednesday, April 3, 2023 at 12 p.m. (noon).

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Explore the scenic Cape Fear River, the only North Carolina river that flows directly into the ocean. Drift along at your own pace via canoe or kayak, taking in the peaceful surroundings and the gentle flow of the river.

Itinerary:

  • 8 a.m. | Trip begins: Check in at the Outdoor Adventures Boat Bay and drive to Cape Fear River
  • 10:30 a.m. | Begin paddling
  • Noon | Stop for lunch on the water
  • 3:30 p.m. | Load boats and begin drive back to Wellness and Recreation
  • 5 p.m. | Trip ends

Instruction, food, transportation and equipment are provided. This is a beginner-friendly trip; no prior experience is necessary.

  • Time: 5 – 7:30 p.m. (Fri.) or 5 – 7 p.m. (Sat.)
  • Cost: $15 (students) | $20 (Wellness and Recreation members)
  • Location: Lake Raleigh, Centennial Campus

Deadline to register is Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 12 p.m. (noon).

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Our staff will lead you through a Yoga practice on Stand Up Paddle Boards surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of a spring sunset. This trip is beginner-friendly and requires no previous Yoga or paddle boarding experience.

Itinerary:

  • 5 p.m. | Meet at the Lake Raleigh boat ramp
  • 5:15 p.m. | Begin paddling
  • 6 p.m. | Yoga practice
  • 7 p.m. | Trip ends

Step into the tranquility of Centennial Campus at the Lake Raleigh Recreation Area, one of NC State’s Hallowed Places. This beginner-friendly trek will consist of a two-mile hike through the serene Lake Raleigh Woods, beginning at the Alumni Center trailhead, with convenient parking.

Please wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes, and bring water. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete on-site registration. This trip will begin on-time and late arrivals will be unable to join after the fact.

No pre-registration required; space available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Celebrate Earth Day on Monday, April 22 by helping to beautify Lake Raleigh. Located on Centennial Campus, Lake Raleigh is a 75-acre lake amid a 96-acre protected forest. Volunteer tasks include collecting litter along greenway trails, natural trails or along the lake. 

While the time you spend at the event is up to you, all volunteers should meet at 1 p.m. for a short orientation and safety briefing. The event will wrap up no later than 4 p.m.

Location and Parking

Participants will be asked to indicate on the registration form which location they would like to meet at:

  • Park Alumni Center (recommended for off-campus participants)
  • Lake Raleigh Fishing Pier (recommended for those walking/biking/busing from campus; paid parking is available at the Poulton lot on Partners Way, if needed).

What to Bring

All clean-up materials and supplies will be provided. Volunteers must wear close-toed shoes. Please dress appropriately for the weather. To reduce waste, volunteers should bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Community Service Leave

Leave-eligible NC State employees may be able to use Community Service Leave (CSL), pending supervisor approval.

Inclement Weather

This event will take place rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled and participants will be notified as the event approaches.

For event questions, contact sustainability@ncsu.edu.

How to Register

  • Register via the WellRec App, My WellRec Portal or bring your Wolfpack One Card to Member Services, located in the lobby of the Wellness and Recreation Center or Outdoor Adventures Equipment Rental Center.
  • The trip fee is due by credit card only (no cash or check accepted) when you signup, and trips are sold on a first-come/first-serve basis.

Trip Information

  • Please plan to attend the required pre-trip meeting for our off-campus trips.
  • Alcohol, tobacco and drug use are prohibited for the duration of the trip. If you violate these rules, you are subject to removal from the trip, and transportation back to NC State will be at your expense.

Refunds

Participants that can no longer attend a trip must inform Outdoor Adventures at least two weeks before the pre-trip meeting. They must request a refund by contacting Wellness and Recreation staff (wellrec-outdoor@ncsu.edu). Deposits on trips are non-refundable.

Partial or full refunds within two weeks of the pre-trip meeting may be considered for personal emergencies with written and verifiable proof of inability to attend (e.g. a doctor’s note). Documentation must be provided at least five business days before the trip’s departure date for any refund to be considered. No refunds will be given after this period, regardless of reason.      

All refunds are at the discretion of Wellness and Recreation. We will provide refunds if the activity is canceled.

Contact

For additional information, please contact:

Wellness and Recreation Outdoor Adventures
wellrec-outdoor@ncsu.edu