{"id":146,"date":"2018-01-30T15:16:07","date_gmt":"2018-01-30T20:16:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/campus-recreation\/?page_id=146"},"modified":"2026-03-03T10:20:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T15:20:49","slug":"outdoor-adventure","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/campus-recreation\/outdoor-adventure\/","title":{"rendered":"Outdoor Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"#Friday Night Firepits\"><\/a> 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 <a href=\"mailto:sperlinga@montclair.edu\">sperlinga@montclair.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"tab-group\"><br \/>\n<div class=\"tab-content\"><h2>Trips<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2>Registration<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Register Online:<\/strong><br \/>\nAll students have a <a href=\"https:\/\/rec.montclair.edu\/\">Fusion<\/a> account to register for Campus Recreation Trips\/Events. To account, login through the Student\/Staff portal using your netID.<\/p>\n<h2>Spring 2026 Events and Trips<\/h2>\n<div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Balsam Lake Mountain Hike &lpar;Advanced&rpar;<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Take in classic Catskill views on this scenic hike to\u00a0<strong>Balsam Lake Mountain<\/strong>\u00a0via the\u00a0<strong>Dry Brook Ridge Trail<\/strong>\u00a0in the Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest. This moderately rated\u00a0<strong>6-mile out-and-back hike<\/strong>\u00a0features a steady climb with\u00a0<strong>1,197 feet of elevation gain<\/strong>, winding through hardwood forests before reaching the summit. At the top, hikers are rewarded with sweeping mountain views and a historic fire tower that offers a perfect spot to rest, refuel, and soak it all in. This trail is ideal for hikers looking for a solid challenge with a big payoff.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I sign up?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Register in the Student Recreation Center main office or over the phone (973-655-3340).<\/li>\n<li>Cost for Students $10 \/ Faculty, Staff $20<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Where and when?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Saturday, March 21, 2026<\/li>\n<li>10:00 a.m. \u2013 5:00 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Begins at the Student Recreation Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What to bring:<\/strong><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Water, lunch\/snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, layered clothing (depending on weather), sturdy close-toe hiking shoes or boots<\/p>\n<p><strong>Potential Hazards:<\/strong><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Uneven and rocky terrain; steep sections; slippery surfaces (especially if wet); sudden weather changes; sun exposure; dehydration; insect bites; poisonous plants\/allergies; wildlife encounters; and injuries including sprains\/strains, abrasions, lacerations, and fractures.<br \/>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Horseback Riding Trip<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Learn horseback riding basics at the Echo Lakes Stable. We&#8217;ll go on a gorgeous trail ride through beautiful fields and trails that follow<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> the path next to mountain sides with swiftly running streams. NOTE: WEIGHT LIMIT 225lb<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I sign-up?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Registration opens on Fusion March 1st<\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Register online through <a href=\"https:\/\/montclair.campuslabs.com\/engage\/submitter\/organization\/campus-rec\/eventsubmission\/change\/rec.montclair.edu\">Fusion<\/a>, in the Student Recreation Center&#8217;s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cost for Students $20<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Where and when?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sunday March 22, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">9:30 a.m. &#8211; 2 p.m.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Begins at Student Recreation Center<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What to bring:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Water, lunch, long pants, sneakers\/boots and sunscreen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Potential Hazards:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn\/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions\/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures, injuries by animal including bites, falls from height and injuries from hooves including kicks and steps.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Turkey Mountain Hike<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Looking\u00a0 for\u00a0 a\u00a0 nice\u00a0 day\u00a0 out\u00a0 with\u00a0 your\u00a0 friends?\u00a0 Join\u00a0 us\u00a0 on\u00a0 an easy\u00a0 hike\u00a0 at Turkey Mountain in\u00a0\u00a0Montville Township. This\u00a0 5.4\u00a0 mile\u00a0 hike\u00a0 offers multiple viewpoints, a waterfall, and an area to explore ruins of an old stone home!<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I sign-up?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Register on <a href=\"https:\/\/rec.montclair.edu\">Fusion<\/a>, or in the Student Recreation Center main office or over the phone (973-655-3340).<\/li>\n<li>Cost for Students\u00a0 $10 ; Faculty\/Staff $20<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Where and when?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sunday, March 29 2026<\/li>\n<li>10 a.m. &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Begins at Student Recreation Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What to bring:<\/strong>\u00a0Water, Lunch, and Boots or Sneakers<\/p>\n<p><strong>Potential Hazards:<\/strong>\u00a0Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn\/heat exhaustion, limited vision, dehydration, allergic reactions\/poisonous plants, insect bites, and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Bearfort Mountain &lpar;Advanced&rpar;<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I sign-up?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Register in the Student Recreation Center main office, on Fusion, or over the phone (973-655-3340).<\/li>\n<li>Cost for Students\u00a0 $10; Faculty\/Staff $20<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Where and when?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Saturday, April 11, 2024<\/li>\n<li>10:00am \u20135:00pm<\/li>\n<li>Begins at Student Recreation Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What to bring:<\/strong>\u00a0Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, boots (<strong>sneakers not acceptable<\/strong>), lunch, snacks, and sunscreen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Potential Hazards:<\/strong>\u00a0Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn\/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions\/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Croton Aqueduct Bike Trip<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Get ready for a scenic spin through history as we ride the legendary Old Croton Aqueduct! This unforgettable bike trip takes you along one of New York\u2019s most beautiful and peaceful trails, where tree-lined paths, and charming river views, create the perfect backdrop for a day outdoors. As we cruise along the trail you\u2019ll enjoy plenty of photo-worthy stops along the way. Expect a relaxed pace with time to explore, snack, and soak in the scenery. Whether you&#8217;re in it for the fresh air, the history, or just a joyful ride with great company, this Croton Aqueduct adventure is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and fun on two wheels!<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I sign-up?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Register online through\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/rec.montclair.edu\/\">Fusion<\/a>, in the Student Recreation Center&#8217;s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).<\/li>\n<li>Cost for Students &#8211; $10 | Faculty\/Staff &#8211; $20<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>When and Where?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sunday, April 12, 2026<\/li>\n<li>10:00 am &#8211; 5:00 pm<\/li>\n<li>Croton Aqueduct, NJ &#8211; Begins and ends at Student Recreation Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What to bring:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Money for spending, lunch, water, comfortable shoes, sunscreen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Potential Hazards:<\/strong>\u00a0Hazardous weather, poisonous plants\/allergies, insect bites, unpredictable weather changes, sunburn\/heat exhaustion, dehydration, and injuries, including sprains\/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Holland Ridge Tulip Farm<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Get ready for a gorgeous day of frolicking through fields of flowers as we take you to Holland Ridge Farms, famous for their seasonal flower picking fields. As the HRF tulip festival gets started, join us for a day of fun including live music, petting zoo areas with farm animals, photo taking attractions, food trucks, a farmers and makers market, and a complimentary shuttle around the farm. Flower picking costs $1for each flower picked!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I sign-up?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Registration Opens on Fusion on March 1st<\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Register online through <a href=\"https:\/\/rec.montclair.edu\/Program?classificationId=fb73b2dd-7443-46de-96af-5a3346afe558\">Fusion<\/a>, in the Student Recreation Center&#8217;s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cost for Students &#8211; $10 | Faculty\/Staff &#8211; $20<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Where and when?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Saturday, April 18, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10:00 am &#8211; 5:00 pm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cream Ridge, NJ &#8211; Begins and ends at Student Recreation Center<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What to bring:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Money for spending, lunch, water, comfortable shoes, sunscreen.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Potential Hazards:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Poisonous plants\/allergies, insect bites, unpredictable weather changes, sunburn\/heat exhaustion, dehydration, and injuries, including sprains\/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Lakota Wolf Preserve<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We will enjoy a \u00bd 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\u2019s foxes, bobcat, and lynx!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I sign-up?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Registration opens on Fusion March 1st<\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Register online through <a href=\"https:\/\/rec.montclair.edu\/Program?classificationId=fb73b2dd-7443-46de-96af-5a3346afe558\">Fusion<\/a>, in the Student Recreation Center&#8217;s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cost for Students $10; Faculty\/Staff $20<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Where and when?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sunday, April 19, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">12:00 pm &#8211; 5:00 pm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Begins at Student Recreation Center<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What to bring:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Water, lunch, long pants, sneakers, and sunscreen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Potential Hazards:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn\/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions\/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Black River Hike<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Join us for a gorgeous hike through Hacklebarney state park. The trail features the Black River as a centerpiece and is quite stunning in the spring season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I sign-up?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Register in the Student Recreation Center main office or over the phone (973-655-3340).<\/li>\n<li>Cost for Students $10 | Faculty\/Staff\/Community $20<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Where and when?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sunday, April 26th, 2026<\/li>\n<li>10am-4pm<\/li>\n<li>Bus leaves from Student Recreation Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What to bring:<\/strong>\u00a0Water, Lunch, and Boots or Sneakers<\/p>\n<p><strong>Potential Hazards:<\/strong>\u00a0Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn\/heat exhaustion, limited vision, dehydration, allergic reactions\/poisonous plants, insect bites, and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Friday Night Firepits<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Hang out with your friends on Friday night around the fire pit!\u00a0 Free snacks, such as s&#8217;mores and iced tea, will be provided.\u00a0 Lawn games, hammocks, and other items will also be available FREE via Equipment Checkout.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I sign-up?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Registration not required<\/li>\n<li>Free with Montclair State University ID<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Where and when?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Every Friday from March 20 to April 24,\u00a0<strong>except on April 3rd<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>6:00 pm &#8211; 9:00 pm<\/li>\n<li>Rec Center Patio<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"tab-content\"><h2>Equipment Lending<\/h2>\n<p><a name=\"lending\"><\/a>Planning a trip, but don&#8217;t have all the gear? Try Equipment Lending! Designed with students in mind, it&#8217;s perfect if you want to try out new activities but don&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<h2>A La Carte<\/h2>\n<p>Build your own package. Choose items from all of our available packages (please choose three).<\/p>\n<div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Sports Package<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Bagg-O\/Cornhole<\/p>\n<p>Croquet<\/p>\n<p>Frisbee<\/p>\n<p>Football<\/p>\n<p>KanJam<\/p>\n<p>Knock Hockey<\/p>\n<p>Ladder Golf<\/p>\n<p>Paddle Ball<\/p>\n<p>Soccer (with pop-up nets)<\/p>\n<p>Washers game<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Barbecue Package<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Small grill<\/p>\n<p>Chimney charcoal starter<\/p>\n<p>Grilling utensils (brush, spatula, tongs, fork)<\/p>\n<p>Rolling cooler<\/p>\n<p>Choose two games<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Beach Package<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Four beach chairs<\/p>\n<p>Beach table &amp; carrier<\/p>\n<p>Beach umbrella<\/p>\n<p>Rolling cooler<\/p>\n<p>Choose two games<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Camping Package<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Camp stove and propane<\/p>\n<p>Electric LED lantern<\/p>\n<p>Headlamp<\/p>\n<p>First Aid kit<\/p>\n<p>Rain ponchos (one per person)<\/p>\n<p>Sleeping bags (one per person)<\/p>\n<p>Ground covers (one per person)<\/p>\n<p>Tents (one for every two people)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Backpacking Package<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Portable stove and fuel bottle<\/p>\n<p>Solo cooks set<\/p>\n<p>Microfilter<\/p>\n<p>Headlamp<\/p>\n<p>First Aid kit<\/p>\n<p>Solo tent<\/p>\n<p>One sleeping bag<\/p>\n<p>One mattress pad<\/p>\n<p>One rain poncho<\/p>\n<p>Cathole trowel<\/p>\n<p>One large backpack<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Picnic Package<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Two-person picnic bag<\/p>\n<p>Large blanket<\/p>\n<p>Choose two games<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<span class=\"prpl-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/1cqsAYYVJtbx-eZFil28MJBV9oHFrnNJj14jcgdjXFkI\/edit?ts=5a847838\">Fill Out the Form<\/a><\/span>\n<p>Ask about our trail maps and guide books to various outdoor activities and locations around New Jersey and New York &#8211; from the NJ coast up to the Adirondacks; these are available to lend as well.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"tab-content\"><h2>Hiking Trips<\/h2>\n<p>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!<\/p>\n<h2>Top 10 Hiking Destinations in New Jersey<\/h2>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.njhiking.com\/best-hikes-in-nj-stairway-to-heaven-appalachian-trail\/\" target=\"_blank\">Stairway to Heaven<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.njhiking.com\/mt-tammany\/\" target=\"_blank\">Mt. Tammany<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.njhiking.com\/best-hikes-in-nj-buttermilk-falls\/\" target=\"_blank\">Buttermilk Falls<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.njhiking.com\/sunfish-pond\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sunfish Pond<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.njhiking.com\/best-hikes-in-nj-hacklebarney\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hacklebarney State Park<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.njhiking.com\/best-hikes-in-nj-ramapo-mountains\/\" target=\"_blank\">Ramapo Mountain<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.njhiking.com\/best-hikes-in-nj-high-point-monument-trail\/\" target=\"_blank\">High Point State Park<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.njhiking.com\/best-hikes-in-nj-pyramid-mountain-tripod-rock\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pyramid Mountain<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.njhiking.com\/best-hikes-in-nj-black-river\/\" target=\"_blank\">Black River County Park<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.njhiking.com\/best-hikes-in-nj-wells-mills\/\" target=\"_blank\">Wells Mills County Park<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Additional Online Resources<\/h3>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.state.nj.us\/dep\/parksandforests\/parks\/parks_by_location.html\" target=\"_blank\">NJ Division of Parks and Forestry<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.reserveamerica.com\/unifSearch.do\" target=\"_blank\">ReserveAmerica<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/national-parks\/virtual-national-parks-tours\">Virtual National Parks Tour<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.traillink.com\/stateactivity\/nj-running-trails\/\">Running Trails and Maps<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.safehome.org\/resources\/outdoor-safety-health-guide\/\">SafeHome.org 2025 Outdoor Safety Tips<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Tips<\/h2>\n<div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Bear Safety<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>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:<\/p>\n<p>Never feed or approach a bear!<\/p>\n<p>Remain calm if you encounter a bear.<\/p>\n<p>Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands or making other noises.<\/p>\n<p>Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead slowly back away.<\/p>\n<p>Black bears attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back.<\/p>\n<p>You can find more safety tips for bear encounters at the National Park Service&#8217;s <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/subjects\/bears\/safety.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Staying Safe Around Bears<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Zika Virus Info<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\"><br \/>\nZika 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 <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/cdc.gov\/zika\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">CDC website.<\/a>\n<h2>What we know<\/h2>\n<p>No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus disease (Zika).<\/p>\n<p>Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites (see below).<\/p>\n<p>Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime.<\/p>\n<p>Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.<\/p>\n<p>Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by using condoms or not having sex.<\/p>\n<h2>Steps to prevent mosquito bites<\/h2>\n<p>When <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/wwwnc.cdc.gov\/travel\/page\/zika-travel-information\" target=\"_blank\">traveling<\/a> to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes, take the following steps:<\/p>\n<p>Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.<\/p>\n<p>Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.<\/p>\n<p>Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.<\/p>\n<p>Use <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.epa.gov\/insect-repellents\/find-insect-repellent-right-you\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)<\/a> registered insect repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.<\/p>\n<p>Always follow the product label instructions.<\/p>\n<p>Reapply insect repellent as directed.<\/p>\n<p>Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.<\/p>\n<p>If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Backpack Packing Tips<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>You&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Compression straps: tighten all compression straps to limit load-shifting.<\/p>\n<p>Read the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/ten-essentials.html\" target=\"_blank\">REI article about &#8220;10 Essentials.&#8221;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Ticks<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Know where to expect ticks.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Use a repellent with DEET on skin.<\/p>\n<p>Repellents containing 20% or more DEET can protect up to several hours.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ticks\/after-a-tick-bite\/?CDC_AAref_Val=https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/lyme\/removal\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">What to do if you find an attached tick.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Blisters<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Blisters are caused by friction and amplified by moist environments. Wear wool socks which wick moisture.<\/p>\n<p>Should You Pop?<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Forest Fire Prevention<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Leave No Trace<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Reduce Trash. Be thoughtful about food portions when cooking. Good meal planning helps reduce trash, pack weight and dependence upon campfires.<\/p>\n<p>Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Don&#8217;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 &#8220;hitchhikers&#8221; before you leave.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"prpl-band-small red image-left\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/campus-recreation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/76\/2018\/01\/outdoor.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/campus-recreation\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/76\/2018\/01\/outdoor.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Two girls sitting on a rock at an overlook on a sunny day\"\/><\/div><div class=\"text-content\"><h2>Give Us Feedback<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"prpl-button-row\"><span class=\"prpl-button ghost-white\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSczrviEnau3qk7otMJrhk6rWmhnXEVP4GhYzIKlDAZgalL35A\/viewform\" target=\"_blank\">Take the Survey!<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":417,"parent":0,"menu_order":28,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-146","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/campus-recreation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/146","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/campus-recreation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/campus-recreation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/campus-recreation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/campus-recreation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=146"}],"version-history":[{"count":138,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/campus-recreation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/146\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10182,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/campus-recreation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/146\/revisions\/10182"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/campus-recreation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/417"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/campus-recreation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=146"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}