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 adventurecenter@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.
Outdoor Access Scholarship
At the Adventure Center, we believe that all people should have access to the transformative experiences outdoor recreation can provide. We have created our Adventure Center Outdoor Access Scholarship to help increase access to the outdoors and help provide these experiences.
Wilderness Wardrobe
The KSU Adventure Center believes that everyone should have access to outdoor recreation and the transformative experiences the outdoors provide. With this in mind, we have created the Adventure Center Wilderness Wardrobe to increase access to the outdoors by helping to remove the financial barriers of costly outdoor gear and apparel.
Adventure Trips
Spring Break Death Valley Trip
Looking for an unforgettable spring break? Join us March 8–13 as we backpack through Death Valley National Park and climb the iconic red sandstone walls of Red Rock Canyon! From painted badlands to clear night skies, you’ll experience the Mojave Desert at its most breathtaking. This trip includes multi-day backpacking, rock climbing, and time to explore one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. Because of the physical demands of backpacking, prior hiking experience is recommended—but a sense of adventure is required. Spots are limited. Don’t just take a break—take it outside. Trip Cost Includes: flight, travel, excursions, campsites, food, and supplies. Extra spending money for souvenirs is encouraged but not required.
- Date & Time: Sunday, Mar. 8 - Friday, Mar. 13
- Location: Death Valley National Park
- Cost: $1,250
- Payment Plan Timeline:
- Payment 1 due: $350 At time of registration (nonrefundable)
- Payment 2 due: $300 December 5th (nonrefundable)
- Payment 3 due: $300 January 6th
- Payment 4 due: $300 February 6th
- Refund Policy: Cancellations made on or after January 5th, 2026, will still result
in owing the total amount of $1,250.
Please contact Lizzy Buckholt with any questions at dbuckhol@kent.edu - Register Online
River Kayaking Trip
This trip will be held locally on the Cuyahoga River. It is 4.0 miles long, is
beginner-friendly, and no prior experience is needed. We will meet at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (or at Kramer Fields, just let us know ahead of time!). From there, we will paddle to Brust Park in Munroe Falls. We will then shuttle back. A staff member will be with you on the water the entire trip. The fee includes transportation, all equipment, and instruction. Shoes that will stay on your feet are required (no flip flops)!
- Date & Time: All programs are from 2 - 5 pm
- Saturday, Apr. 25
- Sunday, Apr. 26
- Saturday, May 2
- Sunday, May 3
- Location: Cuyahoga River
- Cost: Student $30, Non-Student $35
Full Moon Float
Have you ever gone kayaking at night before? 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. The fee includes transportation from the Rec. Center, all equipment, and instruction.
- Date & Time: Wednesday, Apr. 29 & Thursday, Apr. 30, 7 pm - 10 pm
- Location: Wingfoot lake
- Cost: Student $35, Non-Student $40
Boston Mills Ski Trip
Have you been wanting to learn to ski? Come out with the Adventure Center and ski for the day at Boston Mills Brandywine Resort. We’ll meet at the Rec center and drive participants to CVNP where the ski resort is located. Be prepared to have a lot of fun! LIFT TICKET AND GEAR RENTALS ARE INCLUDED!
- Date & Time: Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 am - 6 pm
- Location: Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resort
- Difficulty: Level 1. No experience necessary, mild physical exertion.
- Cost: $125
CVNP Snowshoe/Hike Trip
Want to enjoy the gorgeous snowy weather? Join the Adventure Center in snowshoeing at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We will teach participants how to snowshoe and then hike. Snowshoes and transportation are provided. You will meet us at the Rec. Center. We will still hike if there is no snow!
- Date & Time: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2 - 5 pm
- Location: CVNP
- Difficulty: Level 1. No experience necessary, mild physical exertion.
- Cost: $15
Bedford Reservation Day Hike Trip
Looking to get out for a hike near you? Join us on a day hike around the Bedford Reservation! The fee includes transportation from the Rec. Center, all equipment, and instruction.
- Date & Time: Saturday, Apr. 4, 2 - 5 pm
- Location: Bedford Reservation
- Cost: $10
Logtown Climbing Trip
Tucked away on the eastern edge of Ohio, in the little village of Lisbon, is a small rock climbing crag by the name of Logtown. This once active rock quarry is now home to one of the only places to lead climb in the entire state. With routes ranging in grades from 5.3 to 5.12d, as well as a mix of bouldering, sport climbing, and trad climbing, there is a little something for everyone. This trip is great for all experience levels, from beginner to experienced. The fee includes transportation, equipment, and instruction.
- Date & Time: Saturday, Apr. 11, 10 am - 6 pm
- Location: Logtown, OH
- Difficulty: Level 1. No experience necessary, mild physical exertion.
- Cost: Student $40, Non-Student $45
Park Clean Up Service Trip
What better way to celebrate Earth Month than to give back to the Earth? Join us in a volunteer event cleaning up trails at a local park as a way to give back to nature! Together, we can keep our beautiful backyard looking pristine! Transportation is provided. You will meet us at the Rec. Center.
- Date & Time: Sunday, Apr. 12, 10 am - 3 pm
- Location: Meet at SRWC
- Cost: $0
Laurel Highlands Backpacking Trip
Want to go backpacking outside of Ohio? Come join the Adventure Center on a spring overnight backpacking trip on Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail at Ohiopyle State Park. This trail is part of the Potomac Heritage Trail and is very celebrated for its beautiful terrain, views, and beauty in the mountains and along the Allegheny River. 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, equipment, meals, and instruction.
- Date & Time: Friday, Apr. 17 - Sunday, Apr. 19
- Location: Laurel Highlands, PA
- Difficulty: Level 2. Hiking experience preferred, moderate physical exertion.
- Cost: $95
Ohiopyle Camping & Climbing Trip
Want to go rock climbing, hiking, and camping outside of Ohio? Come join the Adventure Center on an overnight trip to Ohiopye State Park in Pennsylvania. The area is celebrated for its beautiful terrain, views, and beauty in the mountains and along the Allegheny River. With 80-foot rock faces, beautiful hiking trails, a fun outdoorsy town, natural water slides, and more, this will be an amazing way to spend your weekend!
- Date & Time: Friday, Apr. 24 - Sunday, Apr. 26
- Location: Ohiopyle, PA
- Cost: $105
WV Whitewater Rafting & Camping Trip
Get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in one of the country’s most iconic river corridors! This multi-day trip with whitewater rafting will take you to the stunning New River Gorge in West Virginia for an immersive experience filled with excitement, discovery, and camaraderie. Over the course of several days, participants will paddle through world-class rapids with professional guides, explore the breathtaking landscape of America’s newest national park, and relax each evening in comfortable group lodging.
All meals, technical gear, and transportation are included—just bring your sense of adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or brand-new to whitewater, this trip is designed to support all experience levels. Students will learn paddling techniques, river safety, and Leave No Trace principles while building confidence and meaningful connections with their peers. Join us for a trip that blends challenge, fun, and unmatched beauty of the New River Gorge—an adventure you’ll be talking about long after the semester ends.
- Date & Time: Friday, May 1 - Sunday, May 3
- Location: New River Gorge, WV
- Difficulty: Level 1. No experience necessary, mild physical exertion.
- Cost: $300