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Campus Recreation

  • students on an Outdoor Recreation hike

Land Experiences

Land Experience/Trip Updates

Spring 2023 trip schedules are available!

 

  • student biking through the forest

    Biking

     

  • Camp ground with tents.

    Camping

     

  • Students hiking on a lit trail through the trees.

    Hiking

     

Spring 2023 Land Trip Schedule

Feel free to explore our Rock and Water trips.

  1. Select your trip from our estore
  2. Complete all required registration items
  3. Congratulations! You're now ready for your next adventure!

Students demonstrating financial need may apply for Campus Rec Fee Assistance.

Price: $35

Registration Deadline: 1/18/2023 at 1:00 p..m ET

Sign up today on our estore!

Come mountain biking with ORec at Harbison State Forest! This trip is designed to accommodate those new to mountain biking and includes transportation to Harbison, mountain bike, helmet, and a trip leader who will show you the basics of mountain biking and guide the group through miles of trails.

Harbison State Forest is a hidden gem just 20 minutes from campus and this trip is scheduled from roughly 9am-1pm. You’ll need to bring water, snacks, and active clothing.

Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu 

Price: $40

Registration Deadline: 2/1/2023 at 1:00 p..m ET

Sign up today on our estore!

South Carolina is home to many beautiful mountains, views, and trails. One of them being the infamous Pinnacle Mountain. Pinnacle mountain is a moderately difficult, full day hike that consists of beautiful views and just over two thousand feet elevation gain.

This trip may have cold conditions and is recommended for those who are in good athletic shape. Expect to wear proper warm layers and good hiking shoes, and don’t forget plenty of water and snacks. We will provide transportation and any instruction needed to make this day a great one.

Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu 

Price: $35

Registration Deadline: 2/8/2023 at 1:00 p..m ET

Sign up today on our estore!

Come mountain biking with ORec at Harbison State Forest! This trip is designed to accommodate those new to mountain biking and includes transportation to Harbison, mountain bike, helmet, and a trip leader who will show you the basics of mountain biking and guide the group through miles of trails.

Harbison State Forest is a hidden gem just 20 minutes from campus and this trip is scheduled from roughly 9am-1pm. You’ll need to bring water, snacks, and active clothing.

Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu 

Price: $40

Registration Deadline: 2/15/2023 at 1:00 p..m ET

Sign up today on our estore!

How does that song go… Don’t go chasing waterfalls? Well, here at ORec we say DO go chasing waterfalls. Come join us for a full day hike looking over several viewpoints of Caesars Head and get to hike to South Carolina’s highest waterfall.

This day will be packed with gorgeous views and picturesque moments, be sure to wear proper athletic clothing and sturdy outdoor shoes to make sure this trip is as enjoyable as possible. Plenty of water and tasty mountain snacks will also be required for a great day in the mountains. We will provide transportation and any instruction that is needed.

Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu 

Price: $40

Registration Deadline: 3/15/2023 at 1:00 p..m ET

Sign up today on our estore!

Deadline to sign up is March 15th at 1:00 pm

Come join ORec on a day packed with waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and peaceful surroundings. Whitewater falls is a moderately difficult hike and will take up most of the day, it is recommended for those who are in good shape. Experience two waterfalls, one in South Carolina and the other in Georgia, all while getting a good leg burn to make those views worth it even more. Be sure to wear athletic clothing and shoes catered to the weather you are hiking in. Bring lots of water and hearty snacks to munch on while looking at these magnificent falls. Transportation is provided.

Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu 

Price: $125

Registration Deadline: 3/22/2023 at 1:00 p..m ET

Sign up today on our estore!

Dip your toes in the world of backpacking with this truly exceptional backpacking route. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to seemingly endless mountains and trails, and the memories that will be created from this trip will hopefully make you a fellow backpacking enthusiast. On this beginner level trip, you can expect to cover approximately 5 miles each day with one night of good ole tent camping.

Temperatures can be cold during this time of year so make sure you wear proper warm layers and sturdy outdoor footwear. We will provide gear including shelter, sleeping bags, and packs. Transportation, food, and other instruction will also be provided. This trip can also be used to get ready for our big adventure trip later this spring that consists of a 5-day Appalachian Trail hike!

Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu 

Price: $50

Registration Deadline: 3/29/2023 at 1:00 p..m ET

Sign up today on our estore!

Less than two hours from Columbia lies a forest with pristine trails built for every mountain biker's dream. Satisfy your adrenaline sweet tooth by joining ORec biking through miles of trails with excellent flow and movement. FATS is considered a moderate biking route and you can expect to spend 2-3 hours on the trail. Please wear proper athletic attire and footwear and bring plenty of water and hearty snacks for the trail. We will provide gear, transportation, and instruction.

Note: You must have successfully completed a Harbison Mountain Biking trip with ORec to sign up for this trip or you may request an exemption by outlining your experience in our form.

Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu 

Price: $400

Registration Deadline: 5/3/2023 at 1:00 p..m ET

Sign up today on our estore!

Dive headfirst with ORec and this spectacular five-day Appalachian trail hike. This hike is not meant for beginners and will require prior experience before going on this trip (see notes below). If you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in nature while enjoying scenic viewpoints and making great friends along the way, this trip is meant for you.

Over the course of five days, you will hike along the infamous AT, marvel at the beauty of the outdoors, eat good trail food, camp in professional outdoor equipment, and hopefully catch a mesmerizing sunset/sunrise at the start and end of each day. We will provide gear including shelter, sleeping bags, and packs. Transportation, food, and other instruction will also be provided. Make sure to bring a big water bottle and wear proper athletic clothing/footwear that will be highlighted in the trip email.

Note: In order to participate in this trip, you must have done one of the following::

  1. Participated on an ORec backpacking trip
  2. Completed the PEDU backpacking course
  3. Completed an exemption request form based previous experience gained elsewhere 

Then… get ready to hit the trail with ORec this spring!

Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu 

What You Need to Know

  • Trips are open to all USC students, faculty and staff.
  • All trips will only require beginner skill levels, unless otherwise noted.
  • Basic health history form will be required for trip participants.
  • No-show participants will not be eligible for a refund.

Refunds

You must cancel at least 7 days prior to the trip to get a refund. After that, no refunds will be given.

We will give you a full refund if the trip is canceled due to low registration, weather or other extenuating circumstances. No-show participants will not be eligible for a refund.


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