may2024May 2024

Two people paddle a canoe at sunset with a darkening sky.

may7kayakingMay 7, Tuesday - Senior Week Sunset Kayaking - Merrimack River, Lowell, Mass.

  • We are kayaking out of the spring semester! This trip is open to anyone on campus during senior week! We will celebrate any graduating seniors on the trip. We'll meet at the Boathouse, do some instruction, get everyone set up with safety gear (wet suits), and head out to enjoy a late afternoon sunset paddle.
  • $15 UMass Lowell (UML) only (including recent graduates). Registration Deadline: Sunday, May 5
  • 4-8 p.m. Meets at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell, MA 01854).
  • No experience or gear needed.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to medium, depending on river conditions.
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity and location
A woman smiling, lying on her surf board, in the middle of a small wave.

may15surfingMay 15, Wednesday - Surfing Trip - Rye, New Hampshire (N.H.)

  • This summer OAP experience is open to any UMass Lowell (UML) student, including recent graduates! Have a great time with friends learning to surf for one hour with a professional instructor, followed by surfing as a group for as long as you want.
  • $80 UML only (including recent graduates). Registration Deadline: Sunday, May 12.
  • 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Meets at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854).
  • Surfboard and wetsuits rentals and lesson included in cost. No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium, but varies with ocean conditions.
  • See our Surfing webpage for more information on the activity and location

june2024June 2024

A group of people in kayaks smile gathered together on the water.

summerkayakcenterSummer at UMass Lowell (UML) Kayak Center

The UML Kayak Center opens on June 13, 2024! Join us for regular kayaking by yourself or with friends! More information can be found on the UML Kayak Center website.

We offer rentals to paddle on your own, and we give you all the gear and instruction. Or, you can join us for guided tours and classes!

A woman wearing a helmet and harness climbs a rock and reaches up for a hold.

jun18climbJune 18, Wednesday - Evening Climbing Trip - Den Rock Park - Lawrence, Massachusetts

  • Come rock climb outside with us! Beginner to advanced welcome - there's something for everyone!
  • $30 UML only (including recent graduates). Registration Deadline: Sunday, June 15
  • 4-9 p.m. Meets at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854).
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to Medium.
  • See our Climbing webpage for more information on the activity and location
a tandem kayak floats in the river watching the sunset with upward rays
jun21sunsetkayak

June 21, Friday - Sunset Kayak Tour (Rain Date Saturday) - Lowell, Mass.

  • Bring your friends and enjoy the Merrimack River from a new vantage point at sunset!
  • 7-9 p.m. $30 UML or Public
  • See more info and register at our Sunset Paddle Tours webpage.
Enthusiastic Kayaker Gives Two Thumbs Up. At the UMass Lowell Kayak Center you can rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards or sign up for kayaking instructional programs, tours and events!

jun23kayakbasicsJune 23, Sunday - Kayak Basics Class - Lowell, Mass.

  • Become more comfortable on the water with us & meet some new paddling friends!
  • 2-4 p.m. $35 UML or Public
  • See more info and register at our Kayak Basics Class webpage

jun28sunsetkayakJune 28, Friday - Sunset Kayak Tour (Rain Date Saturday) - Lowell, Mass.

  • Bring your friends and enjoy the Merrimack River from a new vantage point at sunset!
  • 7-9 p.m. $30 UML or Public
  • See more info and register at our Sunset Paddle Tours webpage.
A group of people stands on a dock showing off trash collected from the river.

jun30rivercleanupJune 30, Sunday - Merrimack River Cleanup Paddle Tour - Lowell, Mass.

  • Join others as we clean trash from the river banks, and learn about the river's health. Boats, gloves, trash bags and grabbers provided.
  • 3-6 p.m. ONLY $10 UML or Public
  • See more info and register at our River Cleanup Tours webpage.

july2024July 2024

jul5sunsetkayakJuly 5, Friday - Sunset Kayak Tour (Rain Date Saturday) - Lowell, Mass.

  • Bring your friends and enjoy the Merrimack River from a new vantage point at sunset!
  • 7-9 p.m. $30 UMass Lowell (UML) or Public
  • See more information and register at our Sunset Paddle Tours webpage.

jul7kayakbasicsJuly 7, Sunday - Kayak Basics Class - Lowell, Mass.

  • Become more comfortable on the water with us & meet some new paddling friends!
  • 2-4 p.m. $35 UMass Lowell or Public
  • See more information and register at our Kayak Basics Class webpage.

jul12sunsetkayakJuly 12, Friday - Sunset Kayak Tour (Rain Date Saturday) - Lowell, Mass.

  • Bring your friends and enjoy the Merrimack River from a new vantage point at sunset!
  • 7-9 p.m. $30 UMass Lowell or Public
  • See more information and register at our Sunset Paddle Tours webpage.
7 childen in kayaks linking hands as an adult in a kayak paddles past in a large body of water.

jul13introkayakJuly 13, Saturday - Introduction to Kayaking Class - Lowell, Mass.

  • Our Intro to Kayaking class is appropriate for intermediate paddlers or strong beginners.
  • 2-6 p.m. $65 UMass Lowell or Public.
  • See more and register online at our Intro to Kayaking website.

jul19sunsetkayakJuly 19, Friday - Sunset Kayak Tour (Rain Date Saturday) - Lowell, Mass.

  • Bring your friends and enjoy the Merrimack River from a new vantage point at sunset!
  • 7-9 p.m. $30 UMass Lowell or Public.
  • See more information and register at our Sunset Paddle Tours webpage.

jul21rivercleanupJuly 21, Sunday - Merrimack River Cleanup Paddle Tour - Lowell, Mass.

  • Join others as we clean trash from the river banks, and learn about the river's health. Boats, gloves, trash bags and grabbers provided.
  • 3-6 p.m. JUST $10 UMass Lowell or Public
  • See more information and register at our River Cleanup Tours webpage.

jul26sunsetkayakJuly 26, Friday - Sunset Kayak Tour (Rain Date Saturday) - Lowell, Mass.

  • Bring your friends and enjoy the Merrimack River from a new vantage point at sunset!
  • 7-9 p.m. $30 UMass Lowell or Public
  • See more information and register at our Sunset Paddle Tours webpage.
Wachusett pond in summer with Washusett hill in the background. Image by Bethany Bourgault

jul27dayhikeJuly 27, Saturday - Summer Day Hike - Mount Wachusett, Massachusetts

  • Join us for a summer day hike! Route is relatively easy, beginners welcome!
  • $25 UMass Lowell price. $35 Guest price. Registration Deadline: Thursday, July 25
  • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Meets at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854).
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity and location.

jul28kayakbasicsJuly 28, Sunday - Kayak Basics Class - Lowell, Mass.

  • Become more comfortable on the water with us & meet some new paddling friends!
  • 2-4 p.m. $35 UMass Lowell or Public
  • See more information and register at our Kayak Basics Class webpage.

aug2024August 2024

aug2sunsetkayakAugust 2, Friday - Sunset Kayak Tour (Rain Date Saturday) - Lowell, Mass.

  • Bring your friends and enjoy the Merrimack River from a new vantage point at sunset!
  • 7-9 p.m. $30 UMass Lowell or Public
  • See more information and register at our Sunset Paddle Tours webpage.

aug3introkayakingAugust 3, Saturday - Intro to Kayaking Class - Lowell, Mass.

  • Our Intro to Kayaking class is appropriate for intermediate paddlers or strong beginners.
  • 2-6 p.m. $65 UMass Lowell or Public
  • See more and register online at our Intro to Kayaking website.
2 people in wetsuits stand on the beach with surfboards in hand.

aug6surfingAugust 6, Tuesday - Surfing Afternoon Trip - Rye, New Hampshire

  • Learn how to surf with the OAP! We'll head to the ocean, learn the basics, and have a great time!
  • $70 UMass Lowell price (including recent graduates). $85 Guest price. Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 4
  • 3-8:30 p.m. Meets at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA 01854).
  • Surfboard and wetsuits rentals and lessons included in cost. No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • See our Surfing webpage for more information on the activity and location.

aug9sunsetkayakAugust 9, Friday - Sunset Kayak Tour (Rain Date Saturday) - Lowell, Mass.

  • Bring your friends and enjoy the Merrimack River from a new vantage point at sunset!
  • 7-9 p.m. $30 UMass Lowell or Public
  • See more information and register at our Sunset Paddle Tours webpage.

aug11kayakbasicsAugust 11, Sunday - Kayak Basics Class - Lowell, Mass.

  • Become more comfortable on the water with us & meet some new paddling friends!
  • 2-4 p.m. $35 UMass Lowell or Public
  • See more information and register at our Kayak Basics Class webpage.

sept24September 2024

Two women balance on surfboards while riding an ocean wave, smiling

sept14surfingSaturday, September 14 - Surfing at Rye, New Hampshire

  • Try your hand at a new sport - catching some waves on the ocean! The group will have a lesson with instructors from Summer Sessions, followed by more surfing as a group with the encouragement of your OAP trip leaders, before heading back to Lowell tired and happy.
  • Cost $80. Registration deadline: Thursday, September 12
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided. 1-hour professional lesson included.
  • Meets at 9 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 5 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Strenuous for short bursts
  • See our Surfing webpage for more information on the activity and location
one woman smiles in a kayak on the ocean with the shore behind her

sept15kayakSunday, September 15 - Sea Kayaking at Plum Island, Massachusetts

  • Our trip leaders will take you on a safe and fun paddling experience on the Atlantic Coast near Plum Island, a great natural paradise on the Mass. coast with many migrating birds and beautiful coastal plants.
  • Cost $35. Registration deadline: Thursday, September 12
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided. Exact location may change depending on conditions.
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 5 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium to Strenuous, depending on conditions
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity and location
A group of 9 people smile at the top of an overlook with mountains and a pond beyond

sept21hikingSaturday, September 21 - Hiking at Kearsarge, New Hampshire

  • Get out in the woods with new friends before your classes get too busy! Kearsarge is a great mountain, welcoming and inviting with beautiful 360 degree views from the top.
  • Cost $30. Registration deadline: Thursday, September 19
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 5 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity and location
A woman wearing a helmet and harness climbs a rock and reaches up for a hold.

sept22climbingSunday, September 22 - Climbing at Crow Hill, Massachusetts

Backup date: February 15

  • Outdoor rock climbing is a great way to expand your comfort zone at your own pace. The skilled instructors will show you the ropes (literally!) and help you succeed whether you've never climbed or feel like you're on your way to expert level. It's also a great next step if you've tried indoor climbing and are looking to try real rock.
  • Cost $82 (UMass Lowell). Open to non-UMass Lowell guests $105. Registration deadline: Thursday, September 19
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop(5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 5 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Strenuous while climbing, with lots of relaxing between.
  • See our Rock Climbing webpage for more information on the activity and location
one woman paddles a solo kayak on the ocean with a lighthouse behind her

sept29kayakingSunday, September 29 - Sea Kayaking near Gloucester, Massachusetts

  • Gloucester provides a ton of great options for paddling - the Annisquam River, the bay by Gloucester, the open ocean around Rockport. Our trip leaders will take you out to have a great time on the coast; exact location will be decided on by wind and ocean conditions. You might even see a harbor seal!
  • Cost $35. Registration deadline: Friday, September 27
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 5 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium to Strenuous, depending on conditions
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity and location

oct24October 2024

a group stands on a rocky outcrop while looking over a beautiful vista

oct5hikingSaturday, October 5 - Hiking at Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire

  • Besides being a highlight for downhill skiers, Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch, N.H. is an absolutely gorgeous fall hike! Enjoy the changing colors as you hike up to the lovely vista in the crisp fall air.
  • Cost $30. Registration deadline: Thursday, October 3
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 5 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium to Strenuous
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity and location
Two women smile wearing backpacking in the woods Image by Justin Yung

October 11-14 - Backpacking Trip to Appalachian Trail in Vermont

  • For your October long weekend, give backpacking a try with the OAP! Fall colors should be at peak! Our trip leaders are psyched to get you out in the gorgeous Green Mountain of Vermont. If you haven't camped before, not to worry - this trip is welcoming to beginners. We'll pass over Stratton Mountain, with a great vista from the top and go on to enjoy a backpacking loop. Challenge level is higher, but this trip attainable for beginners.
  • Cost $95. Registration deadline: Sunday, September 29
  • No experience needed. Leadership, gear, food and transportation all provided.
  • Required preparation meeting on Sunday, October 6 at 5 p.m.
  • Departs on Friday evening from the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by Monday at 5 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium to Strenuous
  • See our Backpacking webpage for more information on the activity and location
a group of people stand on a boardwalk surrounded by tall sea grasses with a blue sky above

oct20wellnesshikeSunday, October 20 - Wellness Day Hike to the Coast of Massachusetts

  • Enjoy a relaxing coastal hike. We'll head to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Mass. The trip leaders may choose to lead you in reflective activities, as well as some silly and fun games to help you center yourself before heading back to school.
  • Pay What You Can - $10, $20, or $30. Registration deadline: Thursday, October 17
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Meets at 10 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 5 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Light
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity and location
outdoor adventure student on mountain top

nov2-3wfaSunday, October 27 - Hiking at Mounts Jackson and Pierce, New Hampshire

  • Intermediate or experienced hikers only. Classic White Mountain peaks, Jackson and Pierce are both above 4,000 feet (1,200 meters), so you can bag a couple 4,000 footers with us on this day! This loop trail on the Webster Jackson Trail and Crawford Path is just under 9 miles total and generally considered challenging, steep in places and with boulders. This is not appropriate for beginners or those without proper footwear (hiking shoes/boots with good tread).
  • Cost $30. Registration deadline: Thursday, October 24
  • No experience or gear needed. Meets at 7 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 7 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Strenuous. Prerequisite: hiked with us before or have equivalent experience.

Nov24November 2024

WFR group photo

nov2-3wfaSaturday-Sunday, November 2-3 - Wilderness First Aid course

  • The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course presented by SOLO Wilderness Medicine is two days long (16 hours) and teaches a basic level of first aid training in the wilderness context. This course is for those who enjoy going on short wilderness trips and are seeking to gain a better understanding of how to manage and treat a variety of medical issues in the wilderness context. This course is open to the public.
  • Cost: Starts at $185. CPR and Housing optional add-ons.
  • No experience or gear needed. Meets each day at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected finish by 5 p.m.
  • 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

nov3hikingSunday, November 3 - Hiking at Monadnock, New Hampshire

  • Monadnock, claimed to be the second most climbed mountain in the world (behind Mount Fuji in Japan!), is a classic New England hike. The trail is well-tracked and it has amazing views in all directions from the top.
  • Cost: $30. Registration deadline: Thursday, October 31
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 5 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
a group of nine stands with backpacking on in front of a shelter, ready to hike

nov8-11backpackNovember 8-11 - Long Weekend Backpacking Trip to Mount Greylock, the Highest Point in Massachusetts!

  • Enjoy your Veterans Day Weekend on the Appalachian Trail where it crosses Massachusetts highest point! Mount Greylock is a great destination with views all around and wonderful wilderness to explore. Challenge level is higher as the weather will be colder, but this trip attainable for beginners. We have warm gear to borrow!
  • Cost: only $95! Registration deadline: Sunday, October 27
  • No experience needed. Leadership, gear, food and transportation all provided.
  • Required preparation meeting on Sunday, November 3 at 5 p.m.
  • Departs on Friday evening from the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by Monday at 5 p.m.
  • See our Backpacking webpage for more information on the activity and location