View from the top of White Face in NY

Outdoor Adventure

Outdoor Adventure at Montclair State University gives our campus community new opportunities to explore the beauty and splendor of New Jersey and the surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of trips including canoeing, hiking, camping and tubing. Space is limited, and registration begins the first day of classes each semester. If you have any questions, ideas or would like to see other programs in this new area of Campus Recreation, feel free to get in contact with Alex Sperling at sperlinga@montclair.edu.

Trips

Our Outdoor Adventure trips have limited spots available and many trips fill up quickly. If a trip does fill, we will maintain a wait-list for anyone interested. There is no fee for putting your name on the wait list. Like stand-by for flying, we highly encourage interested individuals to be at the Student Recreation Center prior to the trip departure and we will accept individuals for open spots first in the order of the wait-list, and next in the order of the time they sign in that morning. Payment for the trip occurs only if you get to participate.

Registration

Register Online:
All students have a Fusion account to register for Campus Recreation Trips/Events. To account, login through the Student/Staff portal using your netID.

Spring 2024 Events and Trips!

Ice Skating in NYC

Come spend the day on a trip through New York City! This trip includes an ice skating rental in Bryant Park, followed by a group walk through Central Park. Along the way, we will tour Grand Central Station, the Explorer’s Club, and the Belvedere Castle!

 

How do I sign-up?

  • Please register in the Student Recreation Center main office.
  • Cost for Students – $10 | Faculty/Staff/Guest – $30
  • Registration Link

Where and when?

  • Saturday, February 17th
  • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Begins and ends at the Student Recreation Center.

Indoor Rock Climbing

A perfect trip for all levels of climber — novice to expert! A pressure-free, safe indoor rock climbing experience at the New Jersey Rock Gym in Fairfield, NJ. Dress to Move! Rental shoes are included in the price.

 

How do I sign-up?

  • Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
  • Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20
  • Registration Link

 

Where and when?

  • Saturday, February 24
  • 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Begins at Student Recreation Center

 

What to bring: Water, long pants, sneakers.

 

Potential Hazards: Injuries caused by a fall from a height including abrasions, strains/sprains, and fractures. 

Lakota Wolf Preserve

We will enjoy a ½ mile nature walk in Columbia, NJ to a preserve, where we will be invited into an observation area surrounded by 4 packs of wolves! We will also get the opportunity to observe Lakota’s foxes, bobcat, and lynx!

 

How do I sign-up?

  • Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
  • Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20
  • Registration Link

 

Where and when?

  • Saturday, March 2nd, 2024
  • 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Begins at Student Recreation Center

 

What to bring: Water, lunch, long pants, sneakers, and sunscreen.

 

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures. 

Easy Spring Hike - Ken Lockwood Gorge

Join us for a gorgeous hike on the Columbia Trail along the Raritan River. The breathtaking easy hike spans about 3.6 miles of everything from beautiful hemlock, waterfalls, cascading boulders, and a get away from the hustle bustle of campus. 

 

How do I sign-up?

  • Register in the Student Recreation Center main office or over the phone (973-655-3340).
  • Cost for Students $10 | Faculty/Staff/Community $20
  • Registration Link

 

Where and when?

  • Saturday, April 15th
  • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m
  • Van leaves from Student Recreation Center

 

What to bring: Water, sneakers (boots are recommended), lunch, and a sense of adventure!

 

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

New York City High-Line Trip

Experience New York City’s repurposed historic, above street, railroad line that is now a beautiful walkway through Midtown Manhattan. At the end of the High-Line is the art display called The Vessel, a giant spiral staircase that can be viewed from below. This walk is a calm escape while being in the city that never sleeps. Enjoy the day experiencing New York City’s repurposed greenery and interactive artwork.

 

How do I Sign-up?

  • Please register in the Student Rec Center main office, on Fusion, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
  • Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff/Community/Guest $20
  • Registration Link

 

Where and When?

  • Saturday, April 13, 2024
  • 10a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Leaves from and returns to Student Recreation Center

 

What to bring: Water, Lunch, Sneakers, and Sunblock, a jacket depending on weather.

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Horseback Riding Trip

Learn horseback riding basics at the Spring Valley Equestrian Center. We’ll go on a gorgeous trail ride through beautiful fields and trails with fantastic views of the Appalachian Trail Ridge to High Point. 

 

How do I sign-up?

  • Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
  • Cost for Students $20; Faculty/Staff $50
  • Registration Link

 

Where and when?

  • Saturday, October 28th, 2023
  • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Begins at Student Recreation Center

 

What to bring: Water, lunch, long pants, sneakers/boots and sunscreen.

 

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, and injury by running or horse, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Buttermilk Falls Advanced Hike

Join us for a gorgeous hike to see Buttermilk Falls in Mendham, NJ. The hike takes us through some beautiful waterfalls, cascading boulders, and a get away from the hustle bustle of campus. Get outside with us and enjoy some peaceful nature ahead of finals!

 

How do I sign-up?

  • Register in the Student Recreation Center main office, on Fusion, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
  • Cost for Students $10 | Faculty/Staff/Community $20
  • Registration Link

Where and when?

  • Saturday, April 21, 2024
  • 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
  • Leaves from and returns to Student Recreation Center

 

What to bring: Water, good hiking shoes (boots are recommended), lunch, and a sense of adventure!

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Pink Full Moon Hike

Strap on a headlamp and enjoy this late-night hike under the light of the full moon with the Manhattan skyline view at the end! The moon will be rising at its fullest as the sun sets to create a beautiful skyscape and evening to hike. This easy hike will take place at High Mountain Park.

 

How do I sign-up?

  • Register in the Student Recreation Center main office, on Fusion, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
  • Cost for Students $10 | Faculty/Staff/Community $20
  • Registration Link

 

Where and when?

  • Tuesday, April 23, 2024
  • 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m
  • Leaves from and returns to Student Recreation Center

 

What to bring: Water, sneakers or hiking boots, a snack, and a sense of adventure!

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Advanced Hike – Bearfort Mountain

Join Outdoor Adventure for one of the most strenuous but spectacular hikes of the New Jersey and New York area. As we hike the Bearfort Mountain ridge past the Greenwood Lake, rhododendron tunnel, surprise lake, and west pond. Sure to be a breathtaking view the whole way up to the summit of the mountain. 

 

How do I sign-up?

  • Register in the Student Rec Center main office or over the phone (973-655-3340).
  • Cost for Students  $10; Faculty/Staff/Community/Guest $20
  • Registration Link

 

Where and when?

  • Saturday, April 27th
  • 9:00am –3:00pm
  • Begins at Student Recreation Center

 

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, boots (sneakers not acceptable), lunch, snacks, and sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Winter 2024 Events and Trips!

Winter Variety Trip

Monday, January 8 – Friday, January 12, 2024

Join Outdoor Adventure on a winter excursion to the Adirondacks where you’ll ski, hike, skate, and tube in the largest park in the country! Participants will be chosen through a lottery system. Each participant selected will secure 1 extra spot for another Montclair State student to join them on this winter adventure!

Trip Cost:

  • $175 per student (same fee for student guests)
  • Cost Covers:
    • Activities
    • Meals
    • Transportation

Registration by Lottery:

*Only available for Montclair State Students*

  • No outside guests allowed
  • Participants selected can bring only 1 Montclair State student as a guest

Due to the overwhelming demand for this trip, we are using the lottery system to distribute tickets. Each entry will be good for two spots in the program.

Enter the Lottery Now.

  • 10/9/23: Lottery opens
  • 11/3/23: Lottery closes
  • 11/4/23: Participant selection announced
  • 11/11/23: $50 Deposit Due
  • 11/15/23: Full Balance due
  • 11/15/23: Pre-Trip Meeting

Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday, November 15.

Itinerary:
Your participation in all the activities below is optional, but they are included in the price.

Monday, January 8:

Arrive at the Student Recreation Center in the morning. 

Depart the Student Recreation Center.

Lunch will be provided for the bus trip

Arrive at Lake Placid 

Tuesday, January 9:

Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding at Whiteface Mountain

Wednesday, January 10:

Night Skating

Thursday, January 11:

Snowshoe hike up one of the High Peaks

Friday, January 12:

Depart Lake Placid 

Arrive at the Student Recreation Center 

Please Note: You are free to participate in any side activities at your own discretion and expense. We will try to provide transportation, but not at the expense of the program itinerary.

Meals:
All meals are included as we will bring along groceries and supplies to prepare our meals in the full kitchen. Please inform us of any specific foods that you would prefer. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to include them on the included Medical Form. We will also eat some of our meals out. You must bring your own money if you want to eat out.

Lodging:
Lodging will be provided at Tmax-n-Topo’s Hostel, and is included in the cost of registration. Rooms are bunk-style with 4, 6, or 8 people per room. There is a full-kitchen, dining room and living room on-site, as well as cable TV, free Wi-Fi and board games. Rooms are gender-blind, and chosen at the trip meeting.

Group Expectations:
All members of the group are expected to help with daily activities, including cooking/cleaning. We have the entire facility, but we will still maintain the quiet hours of 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Pack-List:
A pack list will be provided at the pre-trip meeting.

Accommodations:
The hostel provides all cookware and utensils necessary for food preparation, as well as bed linens and bath towels. No daily laundry service; be prepared to use the same sheets and towels. There will be 3 individual bathrooms for the use of all of us.

COVID-19 Precautions:
According to the University’s Policy on Travel During the Pandemic*, only fully vaccinated individuals are eligible to attend. In addition, due to shared living/eating spaces, all participants and staff will be required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of leaving for the trip. Any participants showing symptoms will be removed from the trip with a full refund.

https://www.montclair.edu/redhawk-restart/university-related-travel/

Take a look at all the fun we had last year!

Check out more pictures from the 2018 Winter Variety Trip!

Fall 2023 Events and Trips

Treetop Adventure+Turtle Back Zoo

Join your friends for a day at the Zoo and a challenge on the Tree Top Adventure courses and zipline! Start the day with some climbing on aerial obstacle courses, and after, see animals from all over the world as you enjoy lunch at your choice of cafes around the park.

How do I sign-up?

  • Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
  • Cost for Students  $20; Faculty/Staff

Where and when?

  • Saturday, September 2, 2023
  • 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Begins at Student Recreation Center
Stand up PaddleBoarding

Join Campus Recreation for an awesome day of stand up paddleboarding! Test your balancing skills as we head to the Round Valley Reservoir for a relaxing, fun day on the water. 

How do I sign-up?

  • Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
  • Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

  • Sunday, September 10, 2023
  • 10:00 am – 5:00 pm   
  • Begins at Student Recreation Center
Kayaking Trip

Enjoy a relaxing day paddling down the Delaware River and learn some basic kayaking skills. Leaving from Frenchtown, NJ, this full-day trip will provide you with a chance to enjoy the warm, clear waters of the longest undammed river east of the Mississippi. We provide the boats, life jackets and paddles, but be prepared to get wet.

How do I sign-up?

  • Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
  • Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20

Where and when?

  • Saturday, September 16, 2023
  • 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Begins at Student Recreation Center

 

Equipment Lending

Planning a trip, but don’t have all the gear? Try Equipment Lending! Designed with students in mind, it’s perfect if you want to try out new activities but don’t want to spend a lot of money. We offer various packages including Sports, Barbecue, Beach, Camping and Backpacking. The program is free to students and open all year.

A La Carte

Build your own package. Choose items from all of our available packages (please choose three).

Sports Package

Bagg-O/Cornhole

Croquet

Frisbee

Football

KanJam

Knock Hockey

Ladder Golf

Paddle Ball

Soccer (with pop-up nets)

Washers game

Barbecue Package

Small grill

Chimney charcoal starter

Grilling utensils (brush, spatula, tongs, fork)

Rolling cooler

Choose two games

Beach Package

Four beach chairs

Beach table & carrier

Beach umbrella

Rolling cooler

Choose two games

Camping Package

Camp stove and propane

Electric LED lantern

Headlamp

First Aid kit

Rain ponchos (one per person)

Sleeping bags (one per person)

Ground covers (one per person)

Tents (one for every two people)

Backpacking Package

Portable stove and fuel bottle

Solo cooks set

Microfilter

Headlamp

First Aid kit

Solo tent

One sleeping bag

One mattress pad

One rain poncho

Cathole trowel

One large backpack

Picnic Package

Two-person picnic bag

Large blanket

Choose two games

Fill Out the Form

Ask about our trail maps and guide books to various outdoor activities and locations around New Jersey and New York – from the NJ coast up to the Adirondacks; these are available to lend as well.

Hiking Tips

As the weather gets warmer take some trips and explore nature while practicing social distancing! Here are tips for staying safe, top 10 trails in New Jersey, virtual tours of national parks and trails and tips and tricks for your hike!

Top 10 Hiking Destinations in New Jersey

Stairway to Heaven

Mt. Tammany

Buttermilk Falls

Sunfish Pond

Hacklebarney State Park

Ramapo Mountain

High Point State Park

Pyramid Mountain

Black River County Park

Wells Mills County Park

Additional Online Resources

NJ Division of Parks and Forestry

ReserveAmerica

Virtual National Parks Tour

Running Trails and Maps

SafeHome.org 2021 Outdoor Safety Tips

Tips

Bear Safety

Everyone who participates in Outdoor Adventure trips through the Student Recreation Center or engages in outdoor activities on their own should always practice bear safety when out enjoying the wilderness. A few things to be aware of:

Never feed or approach a bear!

Remain calm if you encounter a bear.

Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands or making other noises.

Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead slowly back away.

Black bears attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back.

You can find more safety tips for bear encounters at the National Park Service’s Staying Safe Around Bears.

Zika Virus Info

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. Please exercise caution when going outdoors in the coming months. You can get further information and safety recommendations from the CDC website.

What we know

No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus disease (Zika).

Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites (see below).

Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime.

Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.

Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by using condoms or not having sex.

Steps to prevent mosquito bites

When traveling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes, take the following steps:

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.

Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Always follow the product label instructions.

Reapply insect repellent as directed.

Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.

If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.

Backpack Packing Tips

You’ll be a happier camper if you know how to pack your sack strategically for both comfort and convenience. Your heaviest items should be placed on top of your sleeping bag and close to your spine. Usually these items will be your food stash, water supply, cooking kit and stove.

Share the weight of large communal items (e.g. tent) with others in your group. You carry the main body, for example, and your friend can carry the poles and rainfly.

Compression straps: tighten all compression straps to limit load-shifting.

Read the REI article about “10 Essentials.”

Ticks

Know where to expect ticks.

Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. You may come into contact with ticks when walking through leaf litter or near shrubs. Always walk in the center of trails in order to avoid contact with ticks.

Use a repellent with DEET on skin.

Repellents containing 20% or more DEET can protect up to several hours.

What to do if you find an attached tick.

Blisters

Blisters are caused by friction and amplified by moist environments. Wear wool socks which wick moisture.

Should You Pop?

To pop or not to pop is the big and hotly debated question. Even the experts disagree about when to drain a blister. If you do end up popping the blister make sure it is as sterile as possible in order to prevent infection.

Forest Fire Prevention

Comply with all local laws and regulations. Many municipalities have laws governing burnings including time of day, time of year and what substance can be burned.

Check the weather. It is never a good idea to engage in any type of burning if there are high winds. Wind can act as both an accelerant and can spread the fire.

Only use easily controlled locations for burning. Make sure all campfires occur in fully surrounded fire pits and limit the size of all fires. No matter how something is being burned, it is important to do it in a controlled area.

Leave No Trace

Reduce Trash. Be thoughtful about food portions when cooking. Good meal planning helps reduce trash, pack weight and dependence upon campfires.

Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Don’t bring soil, plants of any kind (other than dead vegetables) or firewood(this can be purchased nearby). Clean and inspect clothing, gear and containers for weeds and other “hitchhikers” before you leave.

Stay on the trail and avoid unplanned shoot-off trails. Try to keep impact to flora minimal by staying on the trail. Avoid venturing off into areas where damage is just beginning, such as impromptu trails created by other hikers stepping off trail.

7 Tips for Social Distancing While Visiting New Jersey’s State Parks and Natural Areas

Resource: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Make space for others on the trails

To protect yourself and other park visitors while on trails, visitors should warn other users of their presence when passing by. As others pass, step aside for them.

Go solo or with immediate family.

Please visit parks with family members from your household or for solo activities such as dog-walking or biking. Follow carry-in/carry-out guidelines by cleaning up after your pet and taking home with you any trash.

Give yourself and others space

Do not gather in groups of 10 or more and maintain a six-foot distance from others at all times. If the recommended distance is not possible, go to another area of the park or visit the park another time.

Drop your line, keep your distance

As warmer weather and the spring trout fishing season approaches, anglers are reminded that the six-foot distance rule remains in effect. If the required distance cannot be maintained, find another area to fish.

Go before you go

As park restrooms are closed, please use the restroom before visiting a park. Do not attempt to open bathroom or other facility doors, which are locked.

Stay away from playground equipment and parks facilities

All playground equipment and all park buildings such as nature centers, bathrooms, offices and historic buildings are closed. Events have been canceled and all upcoming camping reservations through Thursday, April 30 have been canceled. Camping reservations will be refunded in full and new camping reservations will not be accepted.

Follow CDC and state health recommendations

Visit cdc.gov and covid19.nj.gov for the most recent recommendations to protect yourself and others from spreading COVID-19.


Two girls sitting on a rock at an overlook on a sunny day

Give Us Feedback

Outdoor Adventure needs your feedback! We would like to hear what you think of the program and what trips you might like to see in the future. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey so we can improve our programming.

Take the Survey!