Adventure is Everywhere

Whether it’s our 1,100-acre campus or the hundreds of thousands of acres of national park surrounding us, Adventure Programs offer opportunities for you to explore, learn new skills, and discover yourself in the mountains of North Carolina. No matter your experience level, you’ll find an adventure planned for you! 

Off-Campus

From traversing mountains to paddling lakes, you can sign up for a wide variety of guided off-campus adventures year-round! Join your peers on trips such as waterfall hikes, nature paddles, whitewater rafting, camping, backpacking, and rock climbing. Never worry about transportation or gear, they’ve got you covered!

On-Campus

You don’t have to stray from campus to enjoy the outdoors. Experience tubing and swimming the Swannanoa River, art hikes, scavenger hunts, and adventure races (a combination of challenges you can conquer across campus). Adventure Programs also hosts beginner’s sessions on the climbing wall and frequently changes routes for experienced climbers to enjoy.

I really appreciate Adventure Programs because I think they bring a playfulness into the campus culture. Having the opportunity to affordably get out in nature through hiking, climbing, and paddling is so amazing but also getting the opportunity to compete in a campus wide adventure race with all kinds of goofy activities like swimming through mud really takes the stress off of you when you are having a busy week.

Perla Grenier '24

A student halfway up a cliff rock climbing.

Rent What you Need

Students are able to check out tents, backpacks, and camping gear for free from our Gear Library.

Students on top of a cliff relaxing with the view of nothing but mountains and sky behind them.

Start your Adventure Early

Join other first-year students on a pre-orientation trip with Adventure Programs. These trips take place before orientation and allow you to move in early and meet your classmates over four days exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina. Students who participate in the Adventure pre-orientation program have the opportunity to lead this program as upperclassmen as well.

Adventure Programs Crew Members and Supervisor stand with gear in hand posing and smiling

Create Adventures for Others 

Adventure Programs crew members are at the center of all adventures offered to students. Help mentor and guide your peers on the Adventure Programs Crew!