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September 13th & 27th: On campus high and low ropes challenge course day

Sophomores – step into your Next Adventure this fall and spend a Saturday just off campus exploring the Outdoor Pursuits challenge course here in Athens! Start your morning off with a series of low-ropes team building initiatives to boost your community and communication skills. Take a break for lunch (pizza is provided!) before you navigate high ropes elements and step onto the new Alphine Skypark. Finish the day with a ride down the zip line - featuring easy access to the entry platform for an exciting 1,000-foot ride across the Ridges landscape, with a slow and soft landing on the other end.

This challenge course program runs from 10:30am to 3pm

September 19th - 21st: Adventure Sampler Trip (Whitewater Rafting, Biking, & Hiking)

Going to college is an adventure, so why not start it that way? Outdoor Pursuits and Signature Academic Experiences partner to offer this OHIO Signature Program. Choose from backpacking, rock climbing, or a canoeing trip, while camping in scenic wilderness areas. Build a tight-knit community with the other incoming students adventuring alongside you. All the while, you'll gain the skills you need to succeed in your first year at OHIO. New Adventures is open to all incoming first-year students with no previous outdoor experience required!

2025 New Adventures Outdoor Orientation Programs

Grayson Highlands, Virginia: Backpacking Trip

This trip is perfect for students who are interested in getting into backpacking but want to ease into it, or for those who may not have the time to join us on a longer backpacking trip. Grayson offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, abundant birds and wildflowers, and even the chance to see wild ponies! The Highlands sit at a higher elevation offering cool temperatures throughout the month of June and July, making it the perfect summer backpacking destination.   

Appalachian Trail, Virginia: Backpacking Trip

The Appalachian Trail traverses the scenic lands of the Appalachian Mountains. On these trips, participants will get to experience 4-days of backpacking and camping in a section of historic trail along the Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail. Virginia has the distinction of having more miles of the A.T. than any other state—nearly a quarter of the Trail’s entire length. From incredible views of the rolling mountains, wildlife, and more. This trip is perfect for students who would like a little bit more challenge with backpacking given that the trail has some elevation and slightly longer milage than the Grayson Highlands trip.

Red River Gorge, Kentucky: Rock Climbing/Basecamp Trip

The Red River Gorge, known as ‘The Red’ is a unique and scenic natural area in the Daniel Boone Natural Forest of Kentucky. Known for its spectacular sandstone, abundant natural stone arches, and unusual rock formations. We will head to the “Red” to explore the area, learn the basics of outdoor rock climbing and building your skills with our staff in several incredible climbing areas, spend our evenings camping under the stars and finish our trip by visiting the world-famous Miguel's Rock-Climbing Shop. Prior climbing experience is not necessary, and we encourage all levels to participate – we’ll provide introductory and more advanced instruction as needed.

Boundary Waters, Minnesota: Canoe Trip

On this extended multi-day canoe trip, students will explore the North Woods and the Boundary Waters wilderness recreation areas. Each day, you will spend the day paddling your canoes and portaging your boats to different backcountry campsites nestled on lakeside islands and along the shore. Learn to navigate on water, pack food and gear in canoes, and build community on the 11-day trip. Though still accessible to beginner adventurers, this is our more challenging trip regarding trip length and the immersive backcountry style of the program.

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