Trips and Programs

Ride and Play: Meet up with the staff of Outdoor Programs after class and head out on a short bike ride to the river side where water craft will be waiting.  Next paddle down river to the Dedmon Center and enjoy a short walk back up to campus.  

Campus Challenge: Every Fall Outdoor Programs and Radford University participates in the AORE Campus Challenge.  In this is a six week challenge in which students log outdoor activities for their team (Radford University).  Each activity is worth a certain amount of points.  An individual accumulates points to win personal prizes (tents, backpacks, shoes etc.) and team prizes (grant money for the school).

Adventures for Change: These programs are volunteer service initiatives.  Outdoor Programs works collaboratively with local organizations to help keep our recreational resources in good working order and open to the public.  These programs include volunteer opportunities such as trail maintenance, trash pickup, river clean ups, Leave No Trace awareness workshops, and other programs.  Each participant receives free lunch and a T-shirt for participating. 

Rock Climbing: This day long trip will surely meet your expectations. Spend the day rock climbing and rappelling in one of the following locations: Bozoo, WVA, Hidden Valley, VA, Pilot Mountain, NC, New River Gorge, WVA, Stone Mountain, NC, Linville Gorge, NC, or Looking Glass Rock, NC. On this trip you will learn the fundamental skills of climbing movement, how to belay, and standard safety practices.

Backpacking: These weekend long trips depart campus on Friday afternoons after your last class and return on Sunday afternoon. Get out of Radford and see some of the most beautiful areas in the Appalachian Mountains. On each trip you will learn basic backcountry camping skills, cooking skills, navigation skills, and Leave No Trace ethics. Backpacking trips head too many places surrounding the New River Valley. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, or of course beautiful Virginia.

Caving: This is not your typical trip to Luray Caverns, we venture into the wild caves of Southwest Virginia. Spend the day exploring a cave while learning about the biology, geology, and geography of the region. This is adventuring at its finest with the chance to see underground waterfalls, streams, bats, pigment deficient salamanders and crawfish, and amazing formations.

Mountain Biking: Come for a ride with us on one of several different mountain biking trail systems. Our trips combine both downhill and cross country riding to form a nice mix of riding terrain. If you are looking for a leisurely ride through the woods or an adrenaline pumping downhill experience this trip will meet your expectations.

Stand Up Paddleboard: Join us on the river for either a float trip or a yoga session on our inflatable paddleboards.  Trips may be located on rivers or lakes and may or maynot contain whitewater.  Make sure to ask one of our office staff where the trip will be going.

Canoeing: Come paddle one of the many rivers that carve their way through the New River Valley. Our canoe trips are a combination of flat water and white water boating. Jump in and cool off, scour the sky for a glimpse of a bald eagle, and learn about canoe paddling strokes and river safety

Whitewater Kayaking: We offer both kayak roll clinics and float trips. In our roll clinics you will learn how to roll a white water kayak in the comfort and safety of a pool. These clinics are designed to prepare you for one of our kayaking trips. On our kayaking trips you will paddle up to a class III river.

Kayak Touring: Join us on one of our sit on top kayaks for a fun and relaxing trip down the river.  Our boats track well, are easy to navigate and can handle a class II plus rapid no problem.  

SCUBA Diving: That is right SCUBA diving. In the Fall semester we offer an intro to SCUBA class where you will have the opportunity to learn the basics of SCUBA and spend the afternoon diving in the pool. If you decide that you want to pursue SCUBA even further or already know you want to, in the Spring semester, we offer an Open Water SCUBA Diving certification class.

Skydiving: Have you ever wanted to go skydiving? On this two day trip you will spend the night camping out and chatting around a camp fire. The following morning you will get up and proceed with ground school. Then you will ascend into the wild blue yonder two at a time and experience the thrill of free falling, followed by a breathtaking float back down to earth.

Skiing: In the Spring semester we offer skiing on both Friday and Sunday. Come spend the day with us as we shred some pow. You have the choice to either ski or snowboard and lessons are provided with this program.

Hiking: There are many local hikes in the area that are short enough to do in a day. Join us as we explore along creek sides, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, wildflower covered trails, or in winter snowshoe through snow covered meadows. Observe wild ponies, chipmunks, bears, and a variety of native birds and flora.

Horseback Riding: Ride through the high country of Southwest Virginia to beautiful vistas. Enjoy some western style trail riding in fall to see the leaves change, winter to see the snow covered balds, summer for a warm pleasurable ride, and spring to observe the fantastic wild flower displays.

Treetop Canopy Tour: Zip through the tree tops on this 30+ element ropes course. This short day trip to Mountain Lake is sure to be a good time.

Introduction Courses: We offer introduction courses in various program areas.  These courses are designed to teach individuals the concepts and basic skills necessary to feel comfortable participating in these activities.  All of our programs are designed with the beginner and intermediate in mind.  However, if you are hesitant about registering for a trip because you do not know what to expect, than these programs are for you.

Private and Group Programs: Outdoor Programs will contract out to host private programs in the areas of rock climbing, caving, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking, and backpacking. Whether you are a student group looking for a unique teambuilding opportunity or just a group of friends looking to go on an adventure, we can guide you on an unforgettable experience. Our Trip Leaders will help develop a fitting excursion.  Contact Outdoor Programs for additional details.  Private program requests must be made one month prior to the planned program date. 

Gym to Crag: In this two day course you will learn how to transition from gym climbing to outdoor climbing.  Day one will be at the Radford University Climbing wall where we will focus on developing your belay skills and introduce you to sport climbing.  Day two will be held at one of our local crags where we will discuss climbing edict, necessary equipment for climbing, sport climbing, bolted anchors, lowering, and rappelling.  This trip includes all necessary climbing equipment and lunch on the second day.  Participants in this course should have a basic understanding of climbing movement and be able to top rope belay confidently.  

Certifications and Clinics: Our clinics are designed to introduce beginners to a variety of outdoor adventure sports.  We offer various certifications and clinics. American Mountain Guides Association, American Canoe Association, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and Wilderness Medical Associates are just a few of the organizations we colaborate with to provide certifications.  Click and download the PDF course descriptions below.  Please contact Outdoor Programs for questions about certification program offerings.