The RecWell hours of operation for Monday, September 4 are below. All other facilities not listed are closed.
*The ERC Natatorium closes 30 minutes prior to the building.
There are no group fitness classes scheduled on September 4.
In addition to these adjusted hours, the Bike Shop, Adventure Rental Desk & Resource Room, and Climbing Wall will also be closed on Sunday, September 3.
The RecWell hours of operation for August 23 - 27 are below. All other facilities not listed are closed.
There are no group fitness classes scheduled from August 19 - 27.
Regular facility hours and programming resume on August 28.
| Day | Date(s) | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | August 23 | 5pm - 10pm |
| Thursday - Friday | August 24 - 25 | 5pm - 12am |
| Saturday | August 26 | 8am - 10pm |
| Sunday | August 27 | 10am - 12am |
The ERC Natatorium will re-open on August 26; the Natatorium closes 30 minutes prior to the building.
| Day | Date(s) | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | August 23 | 6am - 9:30pm |
| Thursday - Friday | August 24 - 25 | 6am - 11:30pm |
| Saturday - Sunday | August 26 - 27 | 11am - 8pm |
| Day | Date(s) | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | August 23 | 5pm - 10pm |
| Thursday - Friday | August 24 - 25 | 5pm - 12am |
| Saturday | August 26 | 8am - 6pm |
| Sunday | August 27 | 10am - 12am |
| Day | Date(s) | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday - Friday | August 23 - 25 | 6am - 9am; 11:30am - 1pm; 4:30pm - 6:30pm |
| Saturday - Sunday | August 26 - 27 | Closed |
New equipment is being delivered to better meet your needs. Various weight equipment may be out of service between the hours of 9am - 5pm on August 17 and 18 in the ERC Weight Rooms.
The ERC Natatorium (indoor pool area) will be closed this summer from May 12 - August 25 due to a pool renovation project. The Outdoor Aquatic Center will have extended hours during this time.
Hours of operation for the OAC will be as follows:
May 30 - August 22
Monday - Friday, 6 AM - 9:30 PM
Saturday, 8 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday, 10 AM - 8:30 PM
Trips hosted by the Adventure Program are a great opportunity to learn new outdoor skills, travel, and meet new people. UMD students, faculty, staff, and RecWell members are able to participate in adventure trips, and each UMD affiliate is able to bring one non-UMD guest.
Unless otherwise stated, all trips are designed as introductory experiences and no previous experience is required. Trained trip leaders will teach you the basics of what you need to know in order to recreate in the outdoors. Get outside with us!
Contact: Amanda Even, Assistant Director
ameven@umd.edu, 301-226-3078
Location: Old Angler’s Inn – Potomac, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, August 29 from 8-10 PM
Cost: $20
*Must be a UMD freshman student to participate
Spend an adventurous day on the water! This is an introductory trip so no previous whitewater experience is necessary. You’ll start off learning the basics in the pool at the pre-trip meeting and trained trip leaders will have you running some class II rapids on the Potomac by the end of the trip. Expect to get your adrenaline pumping and learn paddling skills while meeting other freshmen.
Amenities: Indoor restroom facilities at Old Angler’s Inn
Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way
Location: Carderock Recreation Area – Carderock, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, August 29 from 8-9 PM
Cost: $25
*Must be a UMD freshman student to participate
Just a few miles from the Capital Beltway, Caderock offers some of the best urban climbing around. Harness up and get ready to spend a leisurely day on the rocks while meeting other freshman and making new friends. Climbing at Carderock is open to climbers of all skill levels and is a must if you have never climbed on real rock before.
Amenities: Indoor restroom facilities available in parking lot
Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way
Location: Thompson Boat Center – Washington, D.C.
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 5 from 8-9 PM
Cost: $30
Join us for a relaxing day on the water! You’ll be able to try your hand at the fast growing sport of stand up paddleboarding (SUP). SUPs offer a full body workout and are a great way to explore the water. We will launch our SUP’s from Thompson Boat Center where you’ll enjoy the views of the Key Bridge, Georgetown, and the national monuments. We’ll also take a break from paddling and explore Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Amenities: Indoor restroom facilities available at Thompson Boat Center and Theodore Roosevelt Island
Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way
Location: Old Angler’s Inn – Potomac, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 5 from 8-10 PM
Cost: $20
Join the Adventure Program for an adventurous day on the water! This is an introductory trip so no previous whitewater experience is necessary. You’ll start off learning the basics in the pool at the pre-trip meeting and trained trip leaders will have you running some class II rapids on the Potomac by the end of the trip. Expect to get your adrenaline pumping, learn paddling skills, and meet some new people!
Amenities: Indoor restroom facilities at Old Angler’s Inn
Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way
Location: Rosaryville State Park – Upper Marlboro, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 12 from 8-10 PM
Cost: $25
Do you want to try your hand at mountain biking but don’t know where to start? If so, this trip is for you! Our intro to mountain biking trip is designed to give first-time mountain bikers the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently ride beginner level mountain bike trails. We will start the day with a lesson on mountain biking basics before heading out on the beginner's loop at Rosaryville State Park. Over the course of this 8 mile ride you will have the opportunity to put your newly learned skills into practice! Bike and helmet rental are included in the price of the trip.
Amenities: Park has indoor restroom facilities and a drinking fountain near the parking lot
Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way
Time: 3:30-9:00 PM
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 19 from 8:00-10:00 PM
Location: Wakefield Park – Annandale, VA
Cost: $20
This trip is designed to teach participants the required knowledge and skills to safely and successfully enjoy the sport of mountain biking. Adventure Program Trip Leaders will give some on campus instruction as an introduction to the sport during the pre-trip meeting before you hit the trails at Wakefield Park. Be rewarded with the sunset after riding your bike to a high point in the park. Bicycle and helmet provided.
Amenities: Portable toilet available in parking area
Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour one way
Location: Hancock, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 19 from 8-10 PM
Cost: $55
Join us for a brand new adventure along the C & O Canal Towpath! We’ll begin our adventure in Hancock, MD and will paddle down the Potomac River to Fort Frederick State Park. After setting up our camp, we’ll explore a unique stone fort that served as Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War. The next day we’ll return to Hancock via bike along the historic C & O Canal Towpath. Don’t miss out on this inaugural adventure!
Amenities: Portable toilets available
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hours, 45 minutes one way
Location: Great Falls National Park – Great Falls, VA
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 19 from 8-10 PM
Cost: $25
Join us on the Virginia side of the Potomac as we scale the rock cliffs above the river. Trip leaders will accommodate your skill level whether this is your first time climbing or you are a regular at our climbing wall. Spend the day pushing your limits on the rock and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Potomac River rushing by. Throughout the day, break for Yogafit practice with one of our RecWell Yogafit instructors. Including modifications for “yogis” new and old, practice will focus on stretching, strengthening, and relaxation. Don’t miss out on this unique adventure!
Amenities: Indoor restroom facilities in the parking area
Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way
Time: 3:30 PM-10:00 PM
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 26 from 8:00-10:00 PM
Location: Columbia Island Marina – Arlington, VA
Cost: $20
Experience DC from a new perspective as you kayak up the Potomac River while viewing the monuments from the water. Adventure Program Trip Leaders will teach you the basics of kayaking during the pre-trip meeting and in the marina before you head out onto the Potomac. You’ll have the opportunity to watch the sun sink below the Georgetown skyline from the seat of your kayak.
Amenities: Indoor restrooms available at Columbia Island Marina (accessible at start and finish of trip)
Drive Time: Approximately 50 minutes one way
Location: Sugarloaf Mountain – Dickerson, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 26 from 8-10 PM
Cost: $25
Spend the day on the cliffs of one of Maryland’s best kept secrets-Sugarloaf Mountain! Feel your arms pumping as you reach the top of your climb and breathe in the refreshing fall air while taking in the beautiful sights. Trip leaders will accommodate your skill level whether this is your first time climbing or you are a regular at our climbing wall.
Amenities: Portable toilets available in parking area
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour one way
Time: 3:30-9:00 PM
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 3 from 8:00-9:00 PM
Location: Potomac, MD
Cost: $20
Experience breathtaking views of the Potomac River as you hike the Billy Goat Trail. This hike follows the river and offers spectacular views of the river, rock formations and the historic C & O Canal. Get away from campus and enjoy a crisp fall evening in the outdoors.
Amenities: Restroom with running water available in parking area (accessible at start and finish of trip)
Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way
Location: Annapolis Rocks – Boonsboro, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 3 from 8-10 PM
Cost: $55
Welcome the fall weather with a weekend of adventure at Annapolis Rocks. We will backpack a short distance on the Appalachian Trail to our climbing site, set up camp for the weekend and spend two days rock climbing and hiking. Enjoy a weekend away from the city while enjoying the spectacular views from Annapolis Rocks!
Amenities: Outdoor toilet facilities (privy)
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes one way
Time: 3:30 PM-9:30 PM
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 10, 8:00-9:30 PM
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: $20
Enjoy a sunset bike ride among some of Washington DC’s most iconic landmarks! Adventure Program Trip Leaders will set an easy pace and provide opportunities to stop at various monuments and memorials along the ride. The trip will cover about ten miles over three hours of riding, mostly on trails and sidewalks on the National Mall. Bicycle and helmet provided.
Amenities: There are several public restrooms and water fountains located on the National Mall
Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way
Location: Janes Island State Park – Crisfield, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 10 from 8-10 PM
Cost: $60
Enjoy a weekend on the Eastern Shore at Janes Island State Park. Janes Island offers a tranquil setting to explore the wildlife of the Chesapeake Bay including birds, fish, crabs, and other saltmarsh dwellers. The park has over 30 miles of water trails for us to explore by kayak as well as pristine beaches and saltwater marshes. Once at camp, we’ll relax during dinner and enjoy the comforts of a campfire.
Amenities: Indoor restroom and shower facilities available in campground
Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours one way
Location: Shenandoah National Park – Rileyville, VA
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 10 from 8-9 PM
Cost: $25
Escape to the hills of Shenandoah National Park for a day of hiking. Enjoy the fall colors as you hike through the wooded hollows of this gem of a national park.
Amenities: Portable toilets available in parking area
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes one way
Location: Frederick, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 17 from 8-9 PM
Cost: $25
Join the Adventure Program for a day of canoeing on the Monocacy River, one of Maryland’s Wild and Scenic Rivers. Spend a leisurely fall day trying your hand at canoeing and enjoying the fall colors.
Amenities: Outdoor toilet facilities (privy)
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes one way
Location: Shenandoah National Park – Rileyville, VA
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 17 from 8-10 PM
Cost: $55
Nature’s calling! Leave the busy city for a weekend of peaceful backpacking in the famous, beautiful hills of Shenandoah National Park. This is a perfect time to soak-up the fall colors and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Amenities: Outdoor toilet facilities (privy)
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes one way
Location: Wilson Landing – Nanjemoy, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 24 from 8-10 PM
Cost: $25
Gear up for Halloween with a paddle through the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay. You’ll paddle beneath cliffs along the Potomac River and explore the ancient relics of the largest shipwreck fleet in the Western Hemisphere. The “ghost fleet” consists of approximately 100 sunken wooden steam ships, and you’ll have the opportunity to paddle around what is left of the sunken ships.
Amenities: Portable toilets available at boat ramp
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes one way
Location: Franklin, WV
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, November 7 from 8-9:30 PM
Cost: $70
Join us for this wild and wonderful adventure to West Virginia! We’ll spend most of the weekend underground exploring the area’s many caves and our evening in a cabin in the shadow of Seneca Rocks.
Amenities: Cabin with bunk beds and restrooms with running water
Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours one way
Location: Shepherdstown, WV
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, November 14 @ 8 PM
Cost: $30
We’re heading underground to warmer temperatures! Come explore the unique features and formations that Whiting’s Neck Cave has to offer. You’ll crawl through the “Birth Canal” and get turned around in the “Milkshake Room.” No previous caving experience is necessary, just an adventuresome spirit and a willingness to get muddy!
Amenities: Portable toilets at parking area
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes one way
Location: Virginia
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, November 14 & Tuesday, November 21 from 8-10 PM
Cost: $160 (includes meals)
Spend your Thanksgiving on the trail! The Adventure Program is currently on a quest to section hike the entire Appalachian Trail. The famous Appalachian Trail stretches approximately 2,180 miles along the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine and passes through 14 states. This Thanksgiving, join us on our endeavor as we continue our journey and head south along the trail in Virginia. You’ll spend five days and four nights backpacking on the trail while enjoying beautiful scenery, trying your hand at backcountry cooking and making new friends. Make this Thanksgiving a memorable one!
Amenities: Outdoor toilet facilities (privies)
Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours one way
Pre-trip meetings are mandatory in order to participate on adventure trips. Unless otherwise stated, pre-trip meetings occur on Tuesdays at 8 PM in the Adventure Program.
During the pre-trip meeting, you will meet other people going on the trip, review important trip logistics and safety information, practice important outdoor skills, and check out any equipment necessary for your adventure.
Print out and complete the pre-trip registration packet and bring it to your pre-trip meeting.
If University Recreation & Wellness (RecWell) cancels the trip due to weather, lack of participants, or other circumstances, the participant will receive a full refund.
For a one or two day trip: if the participant cancels their registration eight business days (defined as Monday - Friday when classes are in session) or more prior to the first day of the trip, a refund will be given, less a $10.00 processing fee. Cancellations made within 7 business days prior to the first day of the trip will result in no refund. If you or the Adventure Program are able to find another individual to take your place on the trip two business days or more in advance of the trip, a refund will be given less a $10.00 processing fee.
For extended trips of 3 days length or longer: if the participant cancels their registration 13 business days or more prior to the first day of the trip a refund will be given, less a $10.00 processing fee. Cancellations made within 12 business days prior to the first day of the trip will result in no refund. If you or the Adventure Program are able to find another individual to take your place on the trip five business days or more in advance of the trip, a refund will be given less a $10.00 processing fee.
All cancellations and refunds must be submitted through the RecWell Adventure Program Trip Cancellation & Refund Request Form. The timestamp generated from the completion of this form will act as the official time of your cancellation / refund request.
The RecWell Adventure Program values inclusion and is committed to making programs accessible to as many individuals as possible. Adventure Program professional staff have designed these essential eligibility criteria based on industry best practices, benchmarking with other organizations, available equipment, and level of staff training within the RecWell Adventure Program.
Individual adventure trips can vary based on the specific activity and location. Trip descriptions may contain additional or more specific requirements. If you have questions or concerns about meeting certain criteria, please contact Amanda Even at ameven@umd.edu or at 301-226-3078 to determine if it is possible to make programmatic or equipment accommodations to meet your needs.
The Adventure Program has adaptive kayaking, climbing, and biking equipment that may be used to assist individuals. Adventure Program staff are committed to assisting participants with accommodations unless it alters the fundamental nature or safety of the experience.