Let's Get Outside

Nestled in the hills of rural Pennsylvania, Laurel Highlands is a hidden gem of the Allegheny Mountains! This trip is perfect for students who are interested in getting into backpacking but want to ease into it, or for those who may not have the time to join us on a longer backpacking trip.
The Laurel Highlands trail follows the top of Laurel Ridge for 70 miles, connecting the towns of Ohiopyle and Johnstown on either end. Students will backpack sections of the Laurel Highlands trail for 3 days, 2 nights before visiting the town of Ohiopyle to spend their last day rafting the Lower Youghiogheny River! The ‘Yough’ for short, offers exciting Class III+ whitewater through a beautiful river canyon. What better way to rinse off after days on trail?

Activity: Backpacking + Whitewater Rafting
Dates: June 24-28th, 2026 - REGISTRATION COMPLETE
Cost: $375

Grayson Highlands features extraordinary recreational opportunities on and around the Appalachian trail within Grayson Highlands State Park. This trip is perfect for students who would like a little bit more challenge with backpacking given that the trail has mild elevation and slightly longer mileage than the Laurel Highlands trip.
On this trip, participants will get to experience 4-days, 3-nights of backpacking and camping along a historic section of the famed Appalachian Trail. Grayson offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, abundant birds and wildflowers, and even the chance to see wild ponies! The Highlands sit at a higher elevation offering cooler temperatures throughout the months of June and July, making it the perfect summer backpacking destination.

Activity: Backpacking
Dates: July 15-19th, 2026 - FULL: WAITLIST AVAILABLE
Cost: $325

On our Boundary Waters Canoe trip, students will experience one of the most pristine wilderness recreation areas in America. Each day, on this extended canoe trip, you will explore the North Woods as you canoe and portage your way to different backcountry campsites nestled on lakeside islands and along the shores. Though still accessible to beginner adventurers, this is our more challenging trip regarding trip length and the immersive backcountry style of the program.
Resident Hall Move-in
Participants on this trip have the option to store the belongings they plan to move into their residence hall in a locked climate-controlled storage unit in Walter Field house. Trip Leaders and participants will assist with the move-in process when you return to campus!

Activity: Expedition Canoeing
Trip Dates: August 9-20th, 2026 - SPOTS AVAILABLE
Cost: $600

Looking for a way to spend time outside, build your community by getting to know other second-year students, gain leadership skills, and have fun? Join SAE's Next Adventure program & spend a Saturday just off campus exploring the Ohio University Outdoor Pursuits challenge course. Start your morning off with a series of team building initiatives to boost your community and communication skills. Take a break for lunch (pizza is provided) before you navigate high ropes elements and step onto the new Alphine Skypark. Finish the day with a ride down the zip line - featuring easy access to the entry platform for an exciting 1,000-foot ride across the Ridges landscape, with a slow and soft landing on the other end.
This challenge course program runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Program cost: $5 - Lunch provided!

ooking for a way to spend time outside, build your community by getting to know other second-year students, gain leadership skills, and have fun? Join SAE's Next Adventure program & spend a Saturday just off campus exploring the Ohio University Outdoor Pursuits challenge course. Start your morning off with a series of team building initiatives to boost your community and communication skills. Take a break for lunch (pizza is provided) before you navigate high ropes elements and step onto the new Alphine Skypark. Finish the day with a ride down the zip line - featuring easy access to the entry platform for an exciting 1,000-foot ride across the Ridges landscape, with a slow and soft landing on the other end.
This challenge course program runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Program cost: $5 - Lunch provided!