Group of students outdoors, holding a banner for Outdoor Pursuits

Outdoor Pursuits offers a variety of trips each semester to match any level of experience. Trips range from short day trips to extended week-long expeditions. Trips are open on a first-come, first-served basis and are usually limited to a certain number of participants. The minimum number will vary depending upon the nature and location of the trip.

All participants are required to have an OP Health Questionnaire on file. The waiver has to be completed within your member profile at https://recreation.bsu.edu. See steps below.

OP Health Questionnaire

REGISTER

Steps to Sign up for Trips

  1. Visit https://recreation.bsu.edu/ to log into your new Recreation Services Membership Portal.
  2. Sign into your account using your BSU information by selecting "Sign in with BSU Username and Password".
  3. Once logged in, select “Memberships and Waivers” from the options below.  Select “OP Health Questionnaire” from a list of options.
  4. Follow the steps to complete the waiver. This waiver will stay on file for one year. 
  5. Complete the waiver by selecting "Add to Cart" then "Checkout".
  6. Once the waiver has been completed, return to the home page select “Programs and Registrations” from the options below.  Select “Trips and Clinics” from a list of options.
  7. Complete the payment process with credit card.

For those who do not have a BSU log-in, register for your guest profile by selecting “Sign Up” 
located in the top right corner. Follow the steps to create a profile and verify your account.

Refunds

  • Ninety percent of payment is refundable if the participant withdraws at least 10 business days prior to the trip or clinic date. Less than 10 business days results in no refund.
  • Further restrictions may be placed on longer, more costly trips (such as Spring Break trips).
  • All trips and clinics that have a non-refundable deposit element will be identified as such.
  • All trip fees are fully refundable if Outdoor Pursuits cancels the trip or clinic for any reason.
  • All trip refund requests must go through the Assistant Director for Outdoor Pursuits.

Fall Trips and Clinics

Beginner Red River Gorge Rock Climbing
Slade, Kentucky
Outdoor Pursuits is leading an introductory level climbing trip to one of the country's best climbing destinations, Kentucky's Red River Gorge. With thousands of routes to choose from, there are routes available for climbers of all ability levels. Trip registration includes transportation, group dinners on site, climbing equipment, and trip leadership with an AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor.

Intensity Level: Strenuous
Experience Level: Beginner

Registration Fee: $85
Date: Friday, September 29th - Sunday, October 1st
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 25th

REGISTER HERE

 

Horsepens 40 Bouldering & Camping
Steele, Alabama
Horse pens 40 is a historic outdoor nature park and a natural wonderland of unique rock formations nestled atop Chandler Mountain in the foothills of the Appalachians. Enjoy three nights of camping and two full days of bouldering at the bouldering mecca. Trip fee includes bouldering gear, camping, transportation, bouldering, instruction, and group dinners on site. Participants will be responsible for additional food.*Trip requires a 12 pm departure on Friday, October 6th.

Intensity Level: Moderate
Experience Level: Beginner

Registration Fee: $180
Date: Friday, October 6th - Tuesday, October 10th
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 29th

REGISTER HERE

Fall Break Smoky Mountain Adventure
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Join Outdoor Pursuits this Fall Break for a Smoky Mountain adventure! We will be exploring trails in the Smoky Mountains for three days. Our three nights will be spent in cabins. Prepare to hike on scenic, easy/moderate trails near the Gatlinburg area. Trip fee includes transportation, lodging, group dinner on site, trip leadership, and outdoor gear.

Intensity Level: Moderate
Experience Level: Beginner

Registration Fee: $215
Date: Saturday, October 7th - Tuesday, October 10th
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 29th

REGISTER HERE

Fall Break Shawnee National Forest Backpacking
Herod, Illinois
Outdoor Pursuits will be embarking on a backpacking trip, this Fall Break, to Shawnee National Forest! The first day we will enjoy the views of a natural set of rock formations, called Garden of the Gods. The next day we will start our 3-day backpacking trip on the River to River trail. The River to River trail winds 160 miles from the Ohio to the Mississippi through bayous, bluffs, and upland forests. However, we will be covering 17 miles, during this trip. This portion of the trail provides views comparable to the Appalachian trail, full of color in the Fall. Trip fee includes transportation, tip leadership, outdoor gear, and dinners on site.

Intensity Level: Moderate
Experience Level: Beginner

Registration Fee: $100
Date: Saturday, October 7th - Tuesday October 10th
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 29th

REGISTER HERE

Low Gap Trail Backpacking
Unionville, Indiana
Get outdoors for a weekend trip to Morgan-Monroe State Forest to do the Low Gap Trail Loop! Walk through the canyon-like trail and take in the beauty of the fall foliage. The trail is 11 miles long and is rugged, but Outdoor Pursuits provides all of the gear and expertise you'll need, so register today! Trip fee includes transportation, dinners on site, outdoor gear, and trip leadership.

Intensity Level: Strenuous
Experience Level: Beginner

Registration Fee: $50
Date: Saturday, October 14th - Sunday October 15th
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 6th

REGISTER HERE

Advanced Red River Gorge Climbing
Slade, Kentucky
This trip to the Red will focus on the more advanced techniques used in crack climbing and traditional "trad" protection. In order to be prepared for this trip, participants should have experience rock climbing outdoors. Trip registration includes transportation, 2 nights camping and dinner, climbing equipment, and trip leadership with an AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor.

Intensity Level: Strenuous
Experience Level: Advanced

Registration Fee: $90
Date: Friday, October 27th - Sunday, October 29th
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 20th

REGISTER HERE

Charles Deam Wilderness Backpacking
Bloomington, Indiana
Want to get outside? Why not go backpacking with Outdoor Pursuits in Charles Deam Wilderness? If you are unsure about backpacking, this is a beginner trip and Outdoor Pursuits will provide you with all the gear and expertise you will need. We will be backpacking 4 miles on the Peninsula Trail, which offers excellent views of Lake Monroe as well as the beautiful fall foliage. Trip fee includes transportation, outdoor gear, dinner on site, trip leadership.

Intensity Level: Moderate
Experience Level: Beginner

Registration Fee: $55
Date: Saturday, October 28th - Sunday October 29th
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 20th

REGISTER HERE

Pokagon State Park Day Hike
Angola, Indiana
Join Outdoor Pursuits for a day of hiking at Pokagon State Park. The day will be spent exploring Pokagon State Park's easy/moderate trails and enjoying the scenery. Trip fee includes trip leadership, outdoor gear, and transportation.

Intensity Level: Easy/Moderate
Experience Level: Beginner

Registration Fee: $20
Date: Saturday, November 4th
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 27th

REGISTER HERE

Brown County Horseback Riding, Hiking, & Camping
Nashville, Indiana
Come join us for a weekend of adventuring, at Brown County State Park! Enjoy a weekend of fall colors, hiking, and horseback riding. We will hike on easy/moderate trails in the park and horseback ride at Rawhide Ranch. The trip will include horseback riding fee, camping, dinner on site, transportation, trip leadership, and outdoor gear.

Intensity Level: Easy/Moderate
Experience Level: Beginner

Registration Fee: $100
Date: Saturday, November 4th - Sunday, November 5th
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 27th

REGISTER HERE

McCormick's Creek Camping
Spencer, Indiana
Outdoor Pursuits is heading to McCormick's Creek for an overnight camping trip, with waterfall hikes. The park offers numerous trails to hike on, ranging from easy to rugged. We will also stop at Indiana's largest waterfall on the way home: Cataract Falls. Trip registration includes dinner on site, transportation, outdoor gear, and trip leadership.

Intensity Level: Easy/Moderate
Experience Level: Beginner

Registration Fee: $45
Date: Saturday, November 11th - Sunday, November 12th
Registration Deadline: Friday, November 3rd

 

REGISTER HERE

Turkey Run & Shades State Park Hiking & Camping
Marshall, Indiana
Join OP for a weekend of hiking and camping at Turkey Run State Park. You will marvel at the natural geologic wonders of this beautiful park as you hike along its famous trails. The park offers the chance to explore deep, sandstone ravines, walk along stands of aged forests, and enjoy the scenic views along Sugar Creek. Registration includes camping, outdoor gear, group dinner on site, trip leadership, and transportation.

Intensity Level: Easy/Moderate
Experience Level: Beginner

Registration Fee: $45
Date: Saturday, November 11th- Sunday, November 12th
Registration Deadline: Friday, November 3rd

REGISTER HERE

Find Your Challenge

Each trip has been labeled with intensity and experience levels to better help you identify which Outdoor Pursuits experience is right for you! Please carefully read the trip description and do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.

Easy

This trip is designed for fun and relaxation. If you’re able to make your way across campus without any problem, you’re ready for these trips. Most single-day trips fit into this category.

Moderate

This trip will require a moderate amount of walking, paddling, biking, active participation, etc. Plan to spend the majority of the day up and moving.

Strenuous

This trip will require a significant amount of hiking, paddling, biking, climbing, active participation, etc. Plan to spend more time moving than you’re used to.

Very Strenuous

These trips will test you physically. Long days, long mileage, and challenging terrain are par for the course. Regular physical activity and conditioning are a must to be prepared for this experience. Previous experience in the activity may be recommended.

Beginner

A perfect trip for a first-timer. You will have an opportunity to get some basic experience with us, and learn about the activity in a beginner-friendly environment.

Intermediate

Beginners are welcome, but we recommend some previous experience to get the most out of the trip.

Advanced

We strongly recommend previous experience. You should be comfortable with applicable skill set for the trip.

Expert

Demonstrated skill is required. We may require applicable certifications to participate in the trip. The technical nature of the trip makes it impossible for beginners to safely participate.

Register