2026-2027 Outdoor Adventure Programs

A pile of 5 people sit leaning on each other against a wooden shelter, smiling and lit by headlamps.

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:

September

a tandem kayak floats in the river watching the sunset with upward rays

September 5, Saturday - UMass Lowell (UML) Kayak Center: Rent boats or take a Sunset Tour

Join us for kayaking by yourself or with friends during our rental hours Saturdays 1 - 6 p.m. in September, or an amazing and relaxed Sunset Kayak Tour from 5-7 p.m. Come enjoy paddling on the river and see Lowell from a new angle! All instruction and gear is provided. It's easy and fun! More information can be found on the Kayak Center webpage.

A group of 9 people smile at the top of an overlook with mountains and a pond beyond

September 6, Sunday - Day Hike - Mount Osceola, New Hampshire

Escape to the White Mountains for a day on the trail! This classic hike winds through beautiful forests before opening up to breathtaking views. Despite being one of New Hampshire's 4,000-foot summits, it's surprisingly attainable for beginner hikers.

one woman balances on a green surfboard with arms out while she rides a wave

September 12, Saturday - Surfing, Rye, New Hampshire

Trade the classroom for the beach and experience the thrill of riding your first wave! Spend the day on New Hampshire's beautiful coastline learning surfing fundamentals from experienced instructors, with all equipment provided.

group floats in single kayaks together on a blue sky day with white fluffy clouds

September 12, Saturday - UML Kayak Center: Rent boats or take a Sunset Tour

Join us for kayaking by yourself or with friends during our rental hours Saturdays 1 - 6 p.m. in September, or an amazing and relaxed Sunset Kayak Tour from 5-7 p.m. Come enjoy paddling on the river and see Lowell from a new angle! All instruction and gear is provided. It's easy and fun. More information can be found on the Kayak Center webpage.

one woman smiles in a kayak on the ocean with the shore behind her

September 13, Sunday - Coastal Kayaking, Massachusetts

Spend the day exploring the picturesque coastline near Gloucester, Massachusetts! Paddle your kayak through calm coastal waters, take in breathtaking ocean scenery, and look for seals, seabirds, and other wildlife along the way. It's a fun adventure that's perfect for both first-time and experienced paddlers.

  • Cost: $40 Registration Deadline: September 10
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience needed. Gear and transportation provided. Physical exertion: Moderate.
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register Online - OAP 2026 - September 13 Coastal Kayaking
  • Group size minimum of 7 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
First person in kayak following second

September 19, Saturday - UML Kayak Center: Rent boats or take a Sunset Tour

Join us for kayaking by yourself or with friends during our rental hours Saturdays 1 - 6 p.m. in September, or an amazing and relaxed Sunset Kayak Tour from 5-7 p.m. Come enjoy paddling on the river and see Lowell from a new angle! All instruction and gear is provided. It's easy and fun. More information can be found on the Kayak Center webpage.

Two people roast marshmallows at a campfire.

September 19-20, Saturday-Sunday - Intro to Camping Trip, Massachusetts

Always wanted to try camping but didn't know where to start? This one-night adventure is the perfect introduction! Learn the basics of camping, enjoy a scenic hike, cook around camp, and spend the night surrounded by new friends and the beautiful forests of Mohawk Trail State Forest. Swimming may be offered if conditions allow!

Leaf covered trail in a forest in fall.

September 26, Saturday - Phone-Free Wellness Day Hike on Bay Circuit Trail, Massachusetts

Take a break from your routine and spend the day on the beautiful Bay Circuit Trail - unplug from your phone and recharge yourself! We'll enjoy a leisurely hike while mixing in mindfulness, reflection, and fun group activities led by the student trip leaders to help you relax and connect with others. As a companion event to this trip, there will be a screening on campus on Tuesday, September 22, of a new documentary, Hike for a Change, about finding peace on the Bay Circuit Trail after grief.

two people smile while floating in a green canoe on a sunny day

September 26, Saturday - UML Kayak Center: Rent boats or take a Sunset Tour

Join us for kayaking by yourself or with friends during our rental hours Saturdays 1-6 p.m. in September, or an amazing and relaxed Sunset Kayak Tour from 5-7 p.m. Come enjoy paddling on the river and see Lowell from a new angle! All instruction and gear is provided. It's easy and fun. More information can be found on the Kayak Center webpage.

Four people in colorful kayaks paddle in a row on flat ocean water with some blue sky and heavy clouds above

September 27, Sunday - Coastal Kayaking, Massachusetts

Ready to take on the ocean?! Join us for a day of sea kayaking along the stunning Massachusetts coastline near Gloucester. We’ll paddle through waves, explore rocky shores, and experience the thrill of the open water.

  • Cost: $40
  • Registration Deadline: September 24
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience needed. Gear and transportation provided. Physical exertion: Moderate.
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register Online - OAP 2026 - September 27 Coastal Kayaking
  • Group size minimum of 7 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

October

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

October 3, Saturday - Rock Climbing - Rock Rimmon Park, Manchester, New Hampshire

Take your adventure to new heights! We're heading outdoors to Rock Rimmon Park for a full day of rock climbing with the awesome rock climbing guide service Mooney Mountain Guides. Whether you're brand new to climbing, inside or out, or already have some experience, this trip is beginner-friendly and still offers plenty of challenge for intermediate climbers.

Two men stand wearing backpacks and smiling in a forest covered in leaves with the group beyond them in a line.

October 9-12, Friday to Monday - Backpacking Trip, Vermont

Make the most of your Monday holiday from school and join us for a beginner backpacking trip exploring the mountains of Vermont! Experience Vermont at peak fall color as you hike through vibrant forests, camp along the trail, and discover the freedom of carrying everything you need on your back. The adventure starts after class on Friday, and is perfect for anyone looking to unplug, challenge themselves, and make unforgettable memories.

  • Cost: $88
  • Registration Deadline: October 1 
  • Pre-trip in person meeting on the evening of Monday, October 5. (We will catch you up if you have class.)
  • Meets after class (likely 5 p.m.) on Friday at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Drive Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return on Monday by 5 p.m.
  • No experience needed. Transportation, food, and gear provided. Physical exertion: Moderate to High.
  • See our Backpacking webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register Online - OAP 2026 - October 9-12 Backpacking Trip
  • Group size minimum of 7 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 vista of fall colors and a lake beyond from a high rock outcropping

October 17, Saturday - Day Hike - Belknap Range, New Hampshire

Escape to New Hampshire for a day of adventure and fall foliage in the Belknap Range! Hike through scenic forests, climb to rocky overlooks, and take in sweeping views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains. It's the perfect mix of challenge, fresh air, and unforgettable New England scenery.

Outdoor Trip Leaders Image by Kevin Soleil

October 18, Sunday - Advanced Day Hike - Franconia Ridge Loop, New Hampshire

Ready for a next-level adventure? Traverse one of New Hampshire's most spectacular ridgelines with panoramic views stretching for miles. This challenging hike reaches three 4,000-foot summits and is limited to experienced hikers who want to tackle one of New England's bucket-list trails.

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

October 25, Sunday - Advanced Day Hike - Mount Passaconaway Loop, New Hampshire

Escape the crowds and discover one of the White Mountains' hidden gems. This is our second advanced hike for the semester, and also one of New Hampshire's 4,000-footers. It features rugged trails, beautiful forest scenery, and rewarding summit views. We have planned this trip for experienced hikers seeking a full day of adventure.

A group smiles with arms in the air on a leaf covered trail in fall.

October 31, Saturday - Halloween Day Hike - Purgatory Chasm, Massachusetts

Celebrate Halloween outdoors! Dress up in your favorite costume (optional) and spend the day exploring the caves, cliffs, and winding trails of Purgatory Chasm. You'll still make it back with plenty of time for trick-or-treating, parties, or whatever spooky fun the night has in store!

November

A group smiles at the top of a rocky summit; one person is wearing a turkey costume.

November 15, Sunday - "Stuffing Trot" to Lonesome Lake, New Hampshire

Don't let the name fool you—there's nothing lonesome about this hike! Join friends old and new for a Thanksgiving-themed adventure to beautiful Lonesome Lake. Enjoy crisp mountain air, stunning White Mountain views, and the perfect excuse to earn that extra slice of pumpkin pie.

A person stands smiling with their arm in a practice splint covered in white fabric next to another smiling person.

November 21-22, Saturday-Sunday - Wilderness First Aid Class - Lowell, Massachusetts

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 a wilderness context. This course is for those who enjoy getting outside and want to gain a better understanding of how to manage and treat a variety of medical issues in the backcountry. This course is open to the public.

  • Cost: Starts at $205. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification and housing optional add-ons.
  • Meets both days at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Drive Lowell, MA 01854). Expected finish both days by 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed.
  • Learn more and register on the Workshops and Certifications page.

January 2027 selected events

January 3-10, Sunday-Sunday - Wilderness First Responder, Lowell, Massachusetts

The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course presented by SOLO Wilderness Medicine is an eight-day-long (72+ hours) course and provides an in-depth look at responding to medical issues and emergencies in the wilderness context. This course is appropriate for anyone who participates in outdoor activities, whether for personal recreation or professional responsibilities. The students in this class are outdoor enthusiasts, search and rescue, ski patrol, summer camp/guide employees in the field, and generally anyone who is seeking to gain a better understanding of how to manage and treat a variety of medical issues in the backcountry. This course is open to the public.

  • Cost starts at $755. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) included. Housing optional as an add-on.
  • Meets each day, including weekends, at 8 a.m. at the Campus Recreation Center (322 Aiken Street, Lowell, MA 01854). Expected finish each day by 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed.
  • Learn more and register on the Workshops and Certifications webpage.

February 2027 selected events

A person smiles while looking up and climbing ice with two ice tools in the ice. Image by DJ Cremin

February 13-14, Saturday-Sunday - Ice Climbing Trip plus a winter hiking skills day hike, North Conway, New Hampshire

Make the most of the long weekend without giving up your Monday! We'll kick off the trip with a scenic winter hike through the White Mountains, spend the night warm and cozy in a bunkhouse, and start early the next day learning the exciting sport of ice climbing with expert guides on New Hampshire's famous frozen cliffs. You'll be back in time to relax, catch up on homework, and still enjoy the rest of your long weekend.

An instructor demonstrates how to make a leg splint with a hiking pole on a practice patient.

February 27-28, Saturday-Sunday - Wilderness First Aid, Lowell, Massachusetts

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 appropriate for those who enjoy going outside on day or overnight trips, and are seeking to gain a better understanding of how to manage and treat a variety of medical issues in the backcountry. This course is open to the public.

  • Cost starts at $220 for public and $205 for students. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification and housing are optional as add-ons.
  • Meets each day at 8 a.m. ( including weekends) at the Campus Recreation Center (322 Aiken Street, Lowell, MA 01854). Expected finish each day by 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed.
  • Read more and register at our Workshops and Certifications webpage.

March 2027 selected events

A group of eight people backpack in a line on a trail next to a small field of daffodils.

Spring Break 2027 - March 6-14 - Spring Break Trip Backpacking the Appalachian Trail

Experience one of America's most iconic trails on a 4–5 day backpacking adventure through the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. Carry everything you need as you hike through scenic forests, camp in the backcountry, and take in breathtaking mountain views. It's the perfect trip for anyone ready to unplug, challenge themselves, and experience life on the Appalachian Trail.

  • Registration opens September 15, 2026. Register your interest to get a notification email the day before.
  • In-person pre-trip meetings to be scheduled during last week of January and last week of February. (We will catch you up if you have class.)
  • Departs on Saturday, March 6 at 8 a.m. from the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Drive Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return late in the day on Sunday, March 14.
  • No experience needed! Beginners welcome. Transportation, food, gear, and overnight camping included.
  • Physical exertion: Moderate to High during backpacking. Low at camp.
  • See our Backpacking webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Group size is a minimum of 7 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

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.