Adventure Trips

We offer unique adventure trips each semester in Ohio and around the country. All trips are designed to be beginner friendly with a focus on learning new outdoor skills. Trips can range from a few hours to multiple days/nights. Types of trips we have offered in the past include: hiking, skiing/snowboarding, kayaking, backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, rappelling, camping, and more.

A pre-program email will be sent to all registered participants. This email will contain an introduction from the staff leaders, information about what to bring, what to wear, an agenda, and other pertinent details. All trips and clinics require a minimum number of participants. The Adventure Center will contact all registered participants if the program will be canceled. All trips are a level 1 difficulty with no experience necessary and mild physical exertion unless noted. Contact Kennedy at actrips@kent.edu with any questions.

Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be given within 7 days of the program.

Pre-registration IS REQUIRED for all programs.

Register Online

    West Virginia Backpacking Trip

    Go backpacking outside of Ohio with the Adventure Center on an overnight, fall backpacking trip in Dolly Sods, West Virginia in the Monongahela National Forest. We will be hiking along a few different consecutive trails which are very celebrated for their beautiful terrain, views, and beauty in the Appalachian Mountains and along the Red Creek. We will be hiking around 20 miles, spending 2 nights camping and hiking anywhere from 5-10 miles a day with 35 or more pounds on our backs. Get ready for some fun! The fee includes transportation from the SRWC, all equipment and instruction.

    • Date & Time: Friday, Sept. 15 - Sunday, Sept. 17
    • Location: Dolly Sods, WV - meet at the SRWC
    • Cost: Student/Member $90, Non-member $95
    • Difficulty: Level 2 - some experience required, and moderate physical exertion

    Cuyahoga River Kayaking Trip

    This trip will be held locally on the Cuyahoga River. We will meet at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (or you can meet us at Kramer Fields - just let us know ahead of time!). From there, we will paddle to Brust Park in Munroe Falls.  We will then take the shuttle back to the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. A staff member will be with you on the water for the entire trip. The trip is 4.0 miles long, is beginner friendly and no prior experience is needed. The fee includes transportation, all equipment and instruction. There is a three participant minimum to run this program.

    • Date & Time:
      • Saturdays: Sept. 23 from 2 - 5 p.m.
    • Location: Cuyahoga River - meet at the SRWC
    • Cost:$30

    Day Hike at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

    Have you wanted to visit the nearest national park to Kent, Ohio? Join us in a day hike around Cuyahoga Valley National Park! The fee includes transportation from the SRWC, all equipment and instruction.

    • Date & Time: Saturday, Sept. 30 from 1 - 4 p.m.
    • Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park - meet at the SRWC
    • Cost: $10

    Fall Break Outdoor Climbing Trip

    Come and spend some of your fall break climbing outdoors as we climb, hike and camp at Mad River Gorge in Springfield, Ohio. The Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve is a stunning park with hiking trails along an old railroad, streams, wildlife, and natural cliffs for rock climbing that reach up to 50 feet tall! We will spend each night camping, and each day climbing and/or hiking. The fee includes transportation from the SRWC, all equipment and instruction.

    • Date & Time: Thursday, Oct. 5 - Saturday, Oct. 7
    • Location: Mad River Gorge, Springfield, Ohio - meet at the SRWC
    • Cost: Student/Member $90, Non-member $95

    Day Hike at Bedford Reservation

    Looking for something outdoors on a Saturday afternoon this fall? Join the AC in hiking around the Bedford Reservation which is only about 45 minutes from Kent! This reservation features a deep gorge carved out by Tinker’s Creek with picturesque vistas and waterfalls which is declared a National Natural Landmark. Mature trees and abundant wildflowers are found within its deep forests. The fee includes transportation from the SRWC, all
    equipment and instruction.

    • Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 14 from 1 - 4 p.m.
    • Location: Bedford Reservation - meet at the SRWC
    • Cost: $10

    Previous Programs

    Full Moon Float Trip

    Many people have gone kayaking, but have you ever gone kayaking under a full moon? Here’s your chance to do so on a peaceful and serene lake right down the road from Kent. Enjoy a beautiful sunset, relax in nature, and let your worries drift into the night.
    Transportation is provided.  You will meet us at the SRWC. 

    • Date & Time: 
      • Thursday, Aug. 31 from 7 - 10 p.m.
      • Saturday, Sept. 2 from 7 - 10 p.m.
    • Location: Wingfoot Lake State Park - meet at the SRWC.
    • Cost: $35

    River Clean-Up Volunteer Event

    We love the Cuyahoga River, and we strive to keep it clean! Meet us at Tannery Park located at 100 Stow St, Kent, OH 44240 as we set out on kayaks, canoes, and on foot to gather trash on the river. We will have kayaks and canoes for you to use and will be covering a few different sections of the river. This is a free program and includes a meal at Brust Park once we are done with the clean-up.

    • Date & Time: Friday, Sept. 1 from 12 - 4 p.m.
    • Location: Cuyahoga River - meet at the SRWC
    • Cost: Free

    Lake Kayaking Trip

    What a better way to spend an afternoon than a relaxing float on the water? We will be going to Trail Lake Park for a beginner-friendly paddle around the lake in some kayaks! There is beautiful scenery, wildlife, and fresh air to take in while on the water. We will have an introduction to kayaking before we get on the water to review lake safety, paddling strokes, and more! There is also an accessible kayak put-in at the docks!

    • Date & Time: Sunday, Sept. 3 from 2 - 5 p.m.
    • Location: Trail Lake Park - meet at the SRWC
    • Cost: Student/Member $30, Non-member $35

    Whipps Ledges Climbing Trip

    Enjoy a day of outdoor climbing at Whipp’s Ledges. Hinckley Reservation is one of the few places in northeast Ohio with exposed sandstone ledges of Sharon Conglomerate. The geology not only provides unique recreational rock climbing opportunities, but also unique habitats. This trip is great for all experience levels from beginner to experienced. The fee includes
    transportation from the SRWC, all equipment and instruction.

    • Date & Time: Monday, Sept. 4 (Labor Day) from 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
    • Location: Hinckley Reservation - meet at the SRWC
    • Cost: Student/Member $35, Non-member $40

    Hocking Hills Camping Trip

    Explore Hocking Hills State Park in beautiful, southern Ohio while hiking, exploring waterfalls, and camping when it’s still warm out! Hocking Hills provides a variety of recreational opportunities in a splendid, natural setting. Towering cliffs, waterfalls, and deep hemlock-shaded gorges lure the hiker and naturalist and serve as a backdrop to popular facilities and accommodation. The fee includes transportation from the SRWC, all
    equipment and instruction.

    • Date & Time: Friday, Sept. 8 - Sunday, Sept. 10
    • Location: Hocking Hills State Park - meet at the SRWC
    • Cost: Student/Member $90, Non-member $95