Spring 2026 Outdoor Adventure Programs

A bright campfire lights the snow in the dusk as a person reaaches for branches.

Link by Month:

Click on the links listed by date under each Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) activity to get more information and to register.

Link by Activity:

January 2026

A group of eight people sits inside a classroom while a practice patient lies on his back and the instructor holds a hiking pole demonstrating how to make a leg splint.

January 7-14 Wednesday-Wednesday – Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Lowell, Massachusetts

The Wilderness First Responder course presented by SOLO Wilderness Medicine is an eight-day long (72+ hours) course and takes an in-depth look at responding to medical issues and emergencies in the wilderness context. This course is appropriate for anyone looking for wilderness medical knowledge - general outdoor enthusiasts, search and rescue, ski patrol, anyone who is 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 $725. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Housing optional add-ons.
  • Meets each day at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA). Expected finish by 5 p.m each day.
  • Read more and register at our Workshop and Certifications webpage.
  • Group size minimum 12 people, maximum 20 people.
Three people cross country ski up a small hill in the woods.

January 31, Saturday - Cross Country Ski at Gunstock, New Hampshire

Hit the trails with us for an unforgettable cross-country skiing day trip at Gunstock Nordic, New Hampshire! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned skier, you'll glide through stunning winter scenery, enjoy plenty of laughs with fellow River Hawks, and make the most of a perfect New England winter day. Grab your spot, bundle up, and come experience one of the most fun and beginner-friendly winter adventures around!

February

Person hikes across a frozen lake backlit by sun.

February 1, Sunday - Winter Hiking Skills, Lonesome Lake, New Hampshire

Escape to the White Mountains for a refreshing day hike to Lonesome Lake, one of New Hampshire’s most scenic alpine gems! This trail rewards you with beautiful frozen lake views, a cozy Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) hut to relax at (and warm up in), and plenty of chances to enjoy crisp mountain air with fellow students. Grab your hiking boots and join us for a perfect adventure that blends relaxation, challenge, and unforgettable scenery.

4 people in winter gear, ice skates and helmets stand on smooth natural lake ice.

February 7, Saturday - Wild Ice Skating, Lake Morey, Vermont - backup date February 14, Saturday

Glide into winter adventure with a day trip to skate on the stunning wild ice of Lake Morey, Vermont—the longest groomed skating trail in the United States! Whether you're a seasoned skater or brand-new to the ice, you’ll love cruising across crystal-clear natural ice surrounded by gorgeous mountain views and great company. Lace up, breathe in the fresh Vermont air, and experience one of New England’s most unique winter thrills!

NOTE: Backup date is provided due to ice conditions. If the conditions are not good for February 7, the group will go instead on February 14. Please hold both days. 

A group in downhill skiers smile at the top of a snow covered run.

February 8, Sunday - Downhill Skiing, Pats Peak, New Hampshire

Carve up the slopes with us on a thrilling day trip to Pats Peak, NH—one of New England’s most fun and beginner-friendly ski mountains! With trails for every skill level, stunning winter scenery, and plenty of chances to ski or snowboard with friends, it’s the perfect way to break up the semester. Don’t miss your chance to hit the lifts, chase some fresh powder, and enjoy an epic day on the mountain!

A couple tents are set up in the snow with a few smiling people and a van, with the sun shining.

February 15-16, Sunday-Monday Presidents Day - Intro to Winter Camping

Take your outdoor skills to the next level with a one-night intro to winter camping adventure—just a short ¾-mile hike in! Learn the basics of cold-weather shelter, cooking, and staying warm while enjoying a peaceful winter night in the woods with fellow students. It’s the perfect chance to try something new, build confidence, and discover how fun (and surprisingly cozy!) winter camping can be.

Group of hikers standing atop Mount Moosilauke’s summit near an iced over marker sign with a snow covered mountain side in the background.

February 22, Sunday - Advanced Winter Hiking Skills, Moosilauke, New Hampshire

Challenge yourself with an exhilarating advanced day hike up Mount Moosilauke, one of New Hampshire’s iconic 4,000-foot peaks! This demanding route is perfect for experienced hikers looking for rugged terrain, big elevation, and sweeping summit views that make every step worth it. If you’re ready to push your limits alongside a motivated group of fellow adventurers, this is the winter hike you don’t want to miss.

March

Backpackers walk through a black landscape with green plants and craggy volcanic mountains beyond. Image by thehikinghi.com

Spring Break Trip: Hawaii!

We’re heading to Maui for a weeklong escape packed with jaw-dropping scenery, tropical vibes, and some serious outdoor adventure. The heart of the trip will be a four-day backpacking trek through Haleakalā National Park, where we’ll hike through the surreal volcanic crater, camp beneath the stars, and soak in the dramatic views of ancient lava flows. Before we lace up our boots and head into the backcountry, we’ll kick things off with a catamaran tour along Maui’s stunning coastline. This sail will take us out to some of the island’s best snorkeling spots, where we’ll dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs and tropical marine life.

  • Cost: $1,495, with some opportunities for fund-raising. Cost includes everything, including gear, food, flights and ground transportation. Campus Recreation is proud to help make this possibility available to students!
  • The applications for trip are now closed, and the trip is full with a waitlist.
  • See our Spring Break webpage for a full description.

March 21-22, Saturday-Sunday - Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course

The Wilderness First Aid 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.

a group walks down an icy trail in the trees Image by Rishab Vyas

March 29, Sunday - Mount Kearsarge, New Hampshire

Get outside and enjoy a refreshing, late winter, beginner-friendly day hike up Mount Kearsarge, one of New Hampshire’s most accessible and scenic peaks! The trail offers a manageable climb through beautiful forest, leading to a wide-open summit with gorgeous panoramic views. It’s the perfect adventure for anyone looking to try hiking, meet new friends, and soak in some classic New England scenery.

April

a group of people walk on a flat beach by the ocean with a blue sky above

April 11, Saturday - Phone-Free Wellness Day Hike, Coastal Massachusetts

Take a break from the noise and join us for a restorative, phone-free wellness day hike designed to help you reset and reconnect. We’ll wander peaceful beach and boardwalk at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, breathe fresh air, and enjoy meaningful, screen-free time with a supportive group of fellow students. Come unplug, unwind, and experience how refreshing a simple day outdoors can be. (We will carry phones with us in the van, but leave them in "phone jail" during the trip.)

Cyclists lined up with bright safety gear on a dark night.

April 19-20, Sunday-Monday Patriots Day - Midnight Marathon Bike Ride, Boston, Massachusetts

Join hundreds of riders for the unforgettable Midnight Marathon Bike Ride, where we’ll cycle the entire Boston Marathon route under the glow of streetlights and stars! It’s a once-a-year chance to experience this legendary course in a totally new way—fun, fast, and free of traffic. The whole course is van-supported, so you can bail if you get too tired or cold. Grab your bike or borrow one of ours, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for an exhilarating night you’ll be talking about long after the finish line.

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

April 25, Saturday - Day Hike Welch-Dickey Loop

Experience one of New Hampshire’s most iconic hikes on the stunning Welch–Dickey Loop, known for its sweeping ridge views and fun open-ledge sections! This moderately challenging hike is perfect for students who want to enjoy a relaxed, social pace. Come soak in incredible scenery, build confidence on varied terrain, and enjoy an unforgettable day in the mountains.

May

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

May 12, Tuesday - Senior Week Day Hike - Staff Choice

Celebrate Senior Week with one last adventure—a staff-choice day hike to a beautiful New England destination picked just for the Class of 2025! This relaxed, social outing is all about soaking up fresh air, sharing memories, and enjoying time outside before graduation. No matter where we go, you can count on great views, great company, and a perfect way to wrap up your UMass Lowell journey. (This hike is open to any student during Senior Week, you don't have to be graduating to join.)

Summer

Custom Group Paddle Tour posing for a picture all holding paddles and sitting on and around kayaks.

Summer at UMass Lowell (UML) Kayak Center

The UML Kayak Center opens in mid-June, 2026! Join us for regular kayaking by yourself or with friends! More information can be found on the 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!

STUDENTS! We will be hiring staff in the spring to work at the Kayak Center in the summer. This is your chance for a great summer working outside on the water, making friends and gaining new skills! Swimming ability and interest in working outside required, everything else can be taught during training!

lake view with trees framing a golden sunset

Wilderness Canoe Trip

Watch this page for more details coming on a multi-day wilderness canoe trip in late July for students and guests.

Future and Past Trips

Future Trips

Have a say! Do you have ideas or opinions on what trips you would like to see in the future? Please fill out our quick survey:

Outdoor Adventure Program Feedback Survey

Archived Trips

Please visit our Archived Trips webpage for a taste of recent trips that are already completed.

Contact Us

Contact Kate Ford, Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs, with any questions, concerns, or ideas for fun new trips at kate_ford@uml.edu.

Man wearing backpack standing near stream pointing at camera with smile Image by Daniel Cremin

Becoming a Trip Leader

Do you see yourself leading awesome adventures for UMass Lowell? Read more at our Becoming a Trip Leader page.