Adventure Trips

Location: Confluence, PA
Pre-Trip Meeting: Thursday, August 30 from 8:00-10:00 PM
Cost: $60
 
Spend Labor Day weekend on the beautiful Middle Youghiogheny River, affectionately known as the Yough, for a weekend full of adventure and relaxation. This trip is designed to introduce you to the thrilling sport of whitewater kayaking. The first day will be focused on skill building and learning whitewater kayaking paddle strokes and maneuvers. After a day on the river, you’ll relax around a campfire. The second day will be spent putting your skills to the test as you paddle a 9-mile stretch of the class II Middle Yough. No previous paddling experience is necessary
 
Amenities: Indoor restroom facilities available at campground and at boat launch and take-out
Drive Time: Approximately 3 hours, 15 minutes one way

Pre-Trip Meeting: Thursday, August 30 from 8:00-9:00 PM
Cost: $25
*Must be a UMD freshman student to participate
 
Just a few miles from the Capital Beltway, Carderock 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, so it is a great place for both experienced climbers and those who are just trying it out for the first time. 
 
Amenities: Indoor restroom facilities available in parking lot
Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way

Time: 3:30-9:00 PM
Location: Annapolis, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 4 from 8:00-9:00 PM
Cost: $20
 
Try your hand at the fast growing sport of stand up paddleboarding (SUP).  Spa Creek is the perfect place to learn the basics of SUP while enjoying a relaxing sunset on the water.  No SUPing experience is necessary.
 
Amenities:  Restroom with running water available at Truxton River Park (accessible at start and finish of trip)
Travel Time: Approximately 50 minutes one way

Date: Saturday, September 8
Location: Sugarloaf Mountain – Dickerson, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 4 from 8:00-9:00 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

Location: Potomac River – Potomac, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 4 from 8:00-10:00 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

Time: 3:30-9:00 PM
Location: Wakefield Park - Annandale, VA
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 11 from 8:00-10:00 PM
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
 

Time: 3:30-10:00 PM
Location: Potomac River - Arlington, VA
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 18 from 8:00-9:30 PM 
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:  Great Falls National Park – Great Falls, VA
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 18 from 8:00-9:00 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 to 9:00 PM
Location: Billy Goat Trail – Potomac, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 25 from 8:00-9:00 PM
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: Assateague Island National Seashore - Berlin, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 25 from 8:00-10:00 PM
Cost:  $65 
 
Enjoy a weekend at the beach, Adventure Program style! See wild horses and blue herons as you paddle along Assateague Island National Seashore to our island campsite. Once at camp, we’ll enjoy some time on the beach, watch a beautiful sunset over the ocean and experience the comforts of a campfire. This is a truly unique and fun experience, and you don’t want to miss out on this adventure! 
 
Amenities: Portable toilets available periodically
Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours one way

Location: Annapolis Rocks – Boonsboro, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 2 from 8:00-9:30 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 fall colors and views from Annapolis Rocks!
 
Amenities: Outdoor toilet facilities (privy)
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes one way

Location: Fairland Recreational Park - Burtonsville, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 9 from 8:00-10:00 PM
Cost: $25
 
Mountain biking is exhilarating and fun - come give it a try with the Adventure Program!
This trip is designed to give new riders the required knowledge and skills to tackle some of the best dirt trails in the area. Adventure Program Trip Leaders will give some on-campus instruction before heading out to Fairland Recreational Park for some on-trail adventure. Bicycle and helmet provided.
 
Amenities:  Park has indoor restroom facilities and a drinking fountain near the parking lot 
Travel Time:  Approximately 45 minutes one way 

Location: Hancock, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 9 from 8:00-10:00 PM 
Cost: $55
 
Join us for a multi-sport 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 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. 
 
Amenities: Portable toilets available 
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hours, 45 minutes one way

Location: Shenandoah National Park – Rileyville, VA
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 9 from 8:00-10:00 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: Shenandoah National Park – Syria, VA
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 16 from 8:00-9:00 PM
Cost: $25
 
Escape to the hills of Shenandoah National Park for a day of hiking. Enjoy the fall colors and cascading waterfalls 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: Monocacy River - Frederick, MD
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 16 from 8:00-9:00 PM
Cost: $25
 
Join the Adventure Program for a day of canoeing on the Monocacy River, one of Maryland’s wild and scenic waterways. After learning the basics of canoeing, you’ll get to spend a leisurely fall day practicing your paddling and enjoying the fall colors.   
 
Amenities: Outdoor toilet facilities (privy)
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes one-way

Location: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park - Sharpsburg, MD 
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 23 from 8-9:30 PM
Cost: $30
 
Get the best of both biking and caving! On this trip, we’ll begin our adventure with a bike ride on the scenic C&O Canal Towpath. Then we’ll lock our bikes up and explore some lesser known caves right off the towpath! Never caved before? Don’t worry, we’ll teach you all you need to know. Join us for this unique adventure! 
 
Amenities: Restrooms and running water are sparsely available on the trail
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours one way

Location: Potomac River – Nanjemoy, MD  
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 23 from 8:00-9:30 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 steamships, and you’ll have the opportunity to paddle around the remains of the sunken ships. Halloween costumes encouraged!
 
Amenities: Portable toilets available at boat ramp
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes one way

Location: Seneca Rocks, WV
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, November 6 from 8:00-9:30 PM 
Cost:  $70
 
Join us for this wild and wonderful adventure to West Virginia!  We’ll spend most of the weekend underground exploring two of the the area’s many caves. We will then hike up Seneca Rocks for a breathtaking view. Our evening will be spent nestled in a cozy cabin in the shadows 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 13 from 8:00-9:00 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: Appalachian Trail - Virginia
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, November 13 & Tuesday, November 20 from 8:00-10:00 PM
Cost: $160 (includes meals) 
 
Spend your Thanksgiving on the trail! The Adventure Program is on a quest to section hike the entire Appalachian Trail, which stretches approximately 2,180 miles and over 14 states from Georgia to Maine along the Appalachian Mountains. 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