Completed: September 2023

5 people walk on an open rock ledge with surrounding mountain views with blue sky and clouds

Sept. 10, Sunday - Hiking Day Trip to Welch-Dickey Loop, NH

  • Enjoy stunning views with us on this fun hiking trip on the Welch-Dickey Loop in NH. A beginner-friendly beautiful hike, lots of ledge rock gives you plentiful Insta-worthy moments. 
  • Cost: $25. Registration deadline: Thursday, Sept. 8
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed! Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to Moderate
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - Hiking Trip Sept 10, 2023, Welch-Dickey Loop, NH
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
one woman paddles a solo kayak on the ocean with a lighthouse behind her

Sept. 16, Saturday, Sea Kayaking near Gloucester, MA

  • Try your hand at sea kayaking! Join us for this beginner-friendly trip to the coast an hour away near Gloucester. 
  • Cost: $30. Registration deadline: Thursday, Sept. 14
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • We provide kayaks, PFDs and all other gear. No experience needed! Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to Moderate, depending on weather and wind
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - Kayaking Sept 16, 2023 - Gloucester, MA
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
a woman wearing a helmet and harness climbs a rock and reaches up for a hold

Sept. 17, Sunday, Rock Climbing to Crow Hill, MA

  • Get outside on real rock to shred some gnar! Safety is number one priority. Our staff will help you challenge yourself as much or as little as you want on this rock. 
  • Cost: $30. Registration deadline: Thursday, Sept. 14
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • All safety and climbing gear provided. No experience needed! Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate to Strenuous, but short-lived
  • See our Rock Climbing webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - Climbing Trip Sept 17, 2023 Crow Hill, MA
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
group of students smiling at the top of Monadnock Mountain with panoramic view beyond Image by Libby McGrosky

Sept. 23, Saturday, Hiking Day Trip to Mt Monadnock, NH

  • Monadnock is one of the most classic mountain hikes in New England, and actually the world! Take your opportunity and join us for a day hike with great views!
  • Cost: $25. Registration deadline: Thursday, Sept. 21
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed! Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - Hiking Trip Sept 23, 2023, Mt Monadnock
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
one woman smiles in a kayak on the ocean with the shore behind her

Sept. 24, Sunday, Sea Kayaking near Plum Island, MA

  • Try your hand at sea kayaking! Join us for this beginner-friendly trip to the coast an hour away near Plum Island, not far from Gloucester, MA. 
  • Cost: $30. Registration deadline: Thursday, Sept. 21
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • We provide kayaks, PFDs and all other gear. No experience needed! Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to Moderate, depending on weather and wind
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - Kayaking Sept 24, 2023, Plum Island, MA
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
New Bikes

Sept. 29-30 & Beyond, Outdoor Center Used Gear Blow-out Sale!

  • This year, for the first time, we are hosting a Used Gear Sale - buy some used gear with plenty of life still in it at a good discount. We regularly turn over our inventory for our trips, and this is your chance to make the most of it and get some of your own gear.
  • Sept 29-30 & beyond! Get it while the getting is good! Come to the Outdoor Center & Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854) during regular hours. Any gear left unsold over weekend will remain available to purchase in the for the rest of the fall semester. 
  • Used ski gear (skis, poles and boots), tents, backpacks, kayak paddles, outdoor accessories and more!
woman in a harness hangs on a rope while gripping a tree and rock climbing

Sept. 30, Saturday, Rock Climbing in Pawtuckaway State Park, NH

  • Pawtuckaway State Park has some easily accessible and appropriately challenging rock for you! Join us with everything you need to know. We have all the gear and knowledge to help. Beginner-friendly! 
  • Cost: $30. Registration deadline: Thursday, Sept. 28
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • All safety and climbing gear provided. No experience needed! Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate to Strenuous, but short-lived
  • See our Rock Climbing webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - Climbing Trip Sept 30, 2023, Pawtuckaway, NH
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy

Completed: October 2023

Happy Hiking Group Posing on a Trail

Oct. 1, Sunday, Wellness Day Hike to Monoosnoc, Leominster, Mass.

  • Join us on a relaxing hike to picturesque Monoosnoc Ridge. Our Wellness Day Hike sees the group spending some time "forest-bathing" as we enjoy the trail, plus some time doing structured doodling, sketching and other reflective quiet time.
  • Pay as you can $15, $20 or $25. Registration deadline: Thursday, Sept. 27
  • Meets at 10 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed! Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to Moderate
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - Hiking Trip Oct. 1, 2023, Monoosnoc
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy FAQ
a group of nine stands with backpacking on in front of a shelter, ready to hike

Oct. 6-9, Friday-Monday, Backpacking the White Mountains, N.H.

  • Monday is a holiday; make the most of your long October weekend! Backpacking is a great way to get out, meet new friends, challenge yourself and disconnect from the world. This is a great deal for all that!
  • Cost: $125, covers ALL food, transportation, gear (including sleeping bag & pad) and leadership. Registration deadline: Tuesday, Sept. 26
  • Pre-requisites: For your own success, either some hiking experience and/or a good base level of fitness is recommended.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday Sept. 26 5:30-7:30 p.m. This meeting is in person at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop. Please let us know if you cannot attend due to classes.
  • Physical Exertion: Strenuous
  • See our Backpacking webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - White Mountains Backpacking Trip, Oct. 6-9, 2023
  • Group size minimum of 8 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy FAQ
Students Riding Mountain Bikes - Great Brook, MA

Oct. 14, Saturday, Biking Day Trip to East Coast Greenway, near Boston, Mass.

  • Get out on a beautiful day on a van-supported bike ride on this beautiful greenway near Boston. The trail will be gentle hills without too much incline or decline. The group will travel about 10-20 miles, and with the van tagging along, you can stop riding early if desired.
  • Cost: $25. Registration deadline: Thursday, Oct. 12
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • Bikes can be provided, or bring your own if you have it. You don't need experience, other than knowing how to ride a bike. Our Bike Shop hosts a Learn To Ride class for those who want to learn!
  • Transportation, including van support along the way, is provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to Moderate
  • See our Biking webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - Biking Day Trip Oct 14, 2023, East Coast Greenway
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip;is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy FAQ
Group on Summit in White Mountains NH

Oct. 15, Sunday, Hiking Day Trip to Moosilauke, N.H.

  • Moosilauke is one of the classic NH hikes at more than 4,000 feet. This isn't an easy hike, but it is rewarding with views and challenge.
  • Cost: $25. Registration deadline: Thursday, Oct. 12
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • For your own success, either some hiking experience and/or good base level of fitness is recommended. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Strenuous
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - Hiking Trip Oct 15, 2023, Moosilauke, NH
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy FAQ
woman stands outside in a medical practice scenario with a practice splint on her arm

Oct. 21-22 Wilderness First Aid Course

  • Learn the basics of first aid in an outdoor setting. Open to both Public and UMass Lowell students/faculty/staff!
  • Cost: $195 Public or $180 Student, plus optional $30 lodging and/or $45 CPR add-on.
  • We recommend early registration. A waitlist is maintained once the class is filled.
  • Meets each day at 8 a.m. at the Campus Recreation Center (322 Aiken St, Lowell, MA 01854).
  • No pre-requisites, experience or gear needed!
  • Physical Exertion: Low. Only slow and controlled scenarios and classroom sessions; no strenuous activity.
  • See our Wilderness Medicine Courses webpage for more information and to register
  • Maximum class size 20 people; minimum size 12 people. Encourage your friends or acquaintances to join!
A group of 9 people smile at the top of an overlook with mountains and a pond beyond

Oct. 22, Sunday, Hiking Day Trip to Kearsarge, N.H.

  • Kearsarge is a classic NH mountain. Join us for a day hike with new friends!
  • Cost: $25. Registration deadline: Thursday, Oct. 19
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed! Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Mostly Moderate, Occasionally Strenuous
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - Hiking Trip Oct 22, 2023, Kearsarge, NH
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy FAQ
Young woman setting up a climbing anchor

Oct. 28 and 29 - Saturday & Sunday, Top Rope Site Manager Course

  • This course is for people who want to learn to set up their own top rope climbing site outdoors. This two-day class will provide skills to learn safety practices, set up safe anchors, and other building block skills necessary to set up your own climbs in the future. This class is focused on on-the-ground skills more than actually climbing. Participants should come with basic competency and previous experience in top rope climbing and belay, knots and equipment.
  • Cost: $65. Registration deadline: Thursday, Oct. 19
  • Meets both days at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return each day by 6 p.m.
  • Pre-requisite: Previous outdoor climbing experience needed, as well as a desire to learn practical skills! Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to Moderate
  • See our Climbing webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - Top Rope Site Manager Course, Oct. 28-29, 2023
  • SMALL CLASS! Group size maximum of 6 people. Register early!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy FAQ

Completed: November 2023

a group sits outside at a picnic table looking at a white board

Outdoor Leadership Class 2023!

  • This class is targeted at students who wish to gain more outdoor skills with an eye towards potentially leading trips in the future. If you've been interested in being an Outdoor Adventure Program trip leader for UML, or have dreams of working in other outdoor recreation jobs elsewhere in Massachusetts or beyond, this is a great resume-builder and a great way to build your skills! It is a great way to get to know new friends who share your interests, as well! This class is a GREAT way to be considered for an OAP Trip Leader position!
  • Nov. 3 Evening classroom session, Nov. 4 Day Hike, Nov. 10-12 Backpacking Trip!
  • Cost: $70, covers everything including all food, gear, and instruction! Registration deadline: Monday, Oct. 30
  • Only pre-requisite is a strong interest in learning more about becoming a leader in the outdoors! No gear needed and transportation is provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low during classroom session. Moderate to Strenuous on Day Hike and Backpacking Trip.
  • See our Outdoor Leadership Class webpage for more information on the activity & location. 
  • Register online - OAP - Fall 2023 Outdoor Leadership Class
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the class is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Option to join our fall Wilderness First Aid class (Oct. 21-22) at a reduced cost. 
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
a vista of fall colors and a lake beyond from a high rock outcropping

Nov. 5, Sunday, Hiking Day Trip to Belknap Range

  • A day hike is a great way to reset before the semester ramps up faster and faster. The Belknap Range has several trail choices depending on the conditions that day, most with views of Lake Winnipesaukee. 
  • Cost: $25. Registration deadline: Thursday, Nov. 2
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed! Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Mostly Moderate
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity & location
  • Register online - OAP - Hiking Trip Nov 5, 2023, Belknap Range
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy