Fall 2025 Outdoor Adventure Programs (OAP)

Leaf covered trail in a forest in fall.

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

Group of kayak center staff stand in front of the sign making silly faces and poses.

Saturdays, September 6, 13, 20 and 27: Visit the UMass Lowell (UML) Kayak Center! 

The Kayak Center is open on Saturdays from 1-6 p.m. for UMass Lowell students, as well as public.

Join us for kayak rentals by yourself or with friends! More information can be found on the UML Kayak Center website. Gear and instruction is always provided. You could even contact us to coordinate a guided tour for your group or club!

The Kayak Center is located at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA 01854)

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

September 7, Sunday - Hiking Day Trip, Welch-Dickey Loop

  • Take on one of New Hampshire’s most lovely loops—panoramic views, rocky summits, and end of summer vibes all around. Beginner-friendly but still a challenge, this hike is a must-do.
  • Cost $30. Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 4
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Bike Shop and Outdoor Center (5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed, transportation included.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register online: September 7 Hiking Day Trip to Welch-Dickey Loop, New Hampshire
  • Group size minimum 6 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
one woman balances on a green surfboard with arms out while she rides a wave

September 13, Saturday – Surfing at Rye

  • Always wanted to try surfing? Now’s your chance! We are heading to the beautiful wide sandy beach of Rye, New Hampshire, for a fun, beginner-friendly surf day.
  • Cost $82. Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 11
  • Meets at 9:30 a.m. at the Bike Shop and Outdoor Center (5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA). Expected return by 5 p.m.
  • No experience needed, transportation and rental gear included.
  • Physical Exertion: Easy to Strenuous, depending on how hard you want to keep trying to surf!
  • See our Surfing webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register online: September 13 Surfing Day Trip to Rye, New Hampshire
  • Group size minimum 6 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
a tandem kayak floats in the river watching the sunset with upward rays

September 13, Sunday - Sunset Paddle Tour on the Merrimack in Lowell

  • Unwind on your weekend with a peaceful evening on the water! Join our beginner-friendly kayak tour in your own backyard as we paddle along with the setting sun, making for the perfect end to your day.
  • Cost $20. Registration Deadline: Friday, September 12
  • Meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA). Expected dismissal 7:30 pm.
  • No experience needed, transportation and gear included.
  • Physical Exertion: Easy
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register online: September 13 Sunset Kayak Tour on Merrimack River
  • Group size minimum 9 people, maximum 21. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
Four people in colorful kayaks paddle in a row on flat ocean water with some blue sky and heavy clouds above

September 14, Sunday – Coastal Sea Kayaking near Gloucester

  • 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: $35. Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 11
  • Meets at 9 a.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA). Expected dismissal by 6 p.m.
  • No experience needed, transportation and gear included.
  • Physical Exertion: Easy to Moderate, but could become Strenuous due to wind conditions
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register online: September 14 Sea Kayaking on Coastal Massachusetts
  • Group size minimum 5 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
Four tents sit nestled in a grove of trees covered in brown leaves.

September 20-21, Saturday-Sunday - Intro to Camping on Cape Cod

  • Ever wanted to give camping a try? Now’s your chance! Join us on a one-night camping trip at Nickerson State Park on Cape Cod. We’ll set up camp, cook together, and hit the trails for some hiking—it’s the perfect intro to camping life.
  • Cost $65. Registration Deadline: Sunday, September 14
  • Pre-trip meeting on Monday September 15 at 6 p.m. 
  • Departs at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Bike Shop and Outdoor Center (5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA). Expected return by mid/late afternoon on Sunday.
  • No experience needed, transportation, food and gear included.
  • Physical Exertion: Easy
  • See our Special Events webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register online: September 20-21 Camping Trip to Nickerson State Park
  • Group size minimum 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
a group of hikers stands atop a rocky summit with the valley below shrouded in clouds

September 27, Saturday - Hiking Day Trip, Mount Cardigan

  • Climb to one of New Hampshire’s most scenic bare summits—360° views, rugged trails, and that classic mountain feel. A perfect hike for those looking for a big payoff!
  • Cost $30. Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 25
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Bike Shop and Outdoor Center (5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed, transportation included.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate to Strenuous
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register online: September 27 Hiking Day Trip to Mount Cardigan
  • Group size minimum 6 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
one woman paddles a solo kayak on the ocean with a lighthouse behind her

September 28, Sunday – Coastal Sea Kayaking in Plum Island Sound

  • Ready to take on the ocean? Join us for a day of sea kayaking in the Plum Island Sound. This sheltered tidal estuary is the perfect place to paddle—it’s calmer than the open ocean but still gives you that coastal adventure vibe. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot incredible wildlife like seabirds, fish, and maybe even seals, all while exploring winding waterways and salt marshes.
  • Cost: $35. Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 26
  • Meets at 9 a.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA). Expected dismissal by 6 p.m.
  • No experience needed, transportation and gear included.
  • Physical Exertion: Easy to Moderate, but could become Strenuous due to wind conditions
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register online: September 28 Sea Kayaking on Coastal Massachusetts
  • Group size minimum 5 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (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 4, Saturday - Rock Climbing at Pawtuckaway State Park

  • Take your adventure to new heights! We’re heading outdoors for a full day of rock climbing—no gym walls, just real rock and real fun. Whether you’re brand new to climbing or already have some experience, this trip is beginner-friendly and still offers a challenge for intermediate climbers.
  • Cost: $92. Registration Deadline: Sunday, September 28
  • Meets at 9 a.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA). Expected dismissal by 6 p.m.
  • No experience needed; transportation, gear and instruction included.
  • Physical Exertion: Easy to Strenuous, depending on how hard you want it to be! 
  • See our Rock Climbing webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register online: October 4 Rock Climbing at Pawtuckaway State Park, New Hampshire
  • Group size minimum 6 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
a group of twelve people stand smiling on a rocky outcrop with autumnal trees behind them and the ocean beyond

October 10-13, Friday-Monday - Camping and Hiking in Acadia National Park in Maine

  • Make the most of your long weekend! We’re heading to Acadia National Park no the coast of Maine to hike and camp. We’ll head out Friday evening after class, spend Saturday and Sunday hiking Acadia’s stunning trails, and wrap up the trip on Monday with a visit to a fascinating Indigenous museum before heading back to Lowell. It’s the perfect chance to get away, enjoy the fall scenery, and recharge outdoors.
  • Cost: $105. Registration Deadline: Sunday, October 5
  • Pre-trip meeting on Thursday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m. Departs after classes on Friday from the Bike Shop and Outdoor Center (5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA). Expected return by 6 p.m. on Monday.
  • No experience needed; transportation and gear included.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate for most hikes, with some strenuous moments possible.
  • See our Special Events webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register online: October 10-13 Acadia National Park in Maine
  • Group size minimum 6 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
A group of eight people in warm layers stands atop a bar summit with clouds beyond.

October 18, Saturday - Advanced Hiking Day Trip, Mount Eisenhower

  • Looking to take your hiking to the next level? This trip is designed for experienced hikers ready for a challenge. We’ll tackle rugged White Mountain trails and climb to an exposed alpine summit with incredible views of the Presidential Range. A true mountain adventure for those ready to go beyond the basics!
  • Cost $30. Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 14
  • Meets EARLY at 6 a.m. at the Bike Shop and Outdoor Center (5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • Significant hiking experience required, trip leaders will confirm your experience after you register before you are approved to go. (Anyone not approved will be refunded. If you are not sure, please email Kate Ford at kate_ford@uml.edu)
  • Physical Exertion: Strenuous
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register online: October 18 Advanced Hiking Day Trip to Mount Eisenhower, New Hampshire
  • Group size minimum 4 people, maximum 8. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
A group smiles with arms in the air on a leaf covered trail in fall.

October 25, Saturday - Wellness Day Hike to Wachusett Mountain

  • Enjoy a short hike on peaceful trails with fresh mountain air and summit views—the perfect wellness escape. Along the way, trip leaders will guide the group with fun, relaxing, and even a few silly activities to make the journey just as rewarding as the destination.
  • Cost $30. Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 23
  • Meets at 10 a.m. at the Bike Shop and Outdoor Center (5 Lawrence Dr., Lowell, MA). Expected return by 5 p.m. 
  • No experience or gear needed, transportation included.
  • Physical Exertion: Easy to Moderate
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register online: October 25 Wellness Day Hike
  • Group size minimum 6 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy

November

a small group smiles atop a viewpoint surrounded by fall colors

November 8, Sunday – Hiking Day Trip, Cannon Mountain

  • Take on a White Mountain classic—steep trails, rocky ridges, and jaw-dropping views of Franconia Notch, plus pass by picturesque Lonesome Lake. A big adventure with an even bigger payoff at the summit!
  • Cost $30. Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 6
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Bike Shop and Outdoor Center (5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA). Expected return by 6 p.m. 
  • No experience or gear needed, transportation included.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate to Strenuous
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register online: November 8 Hiking Day Trip to Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire
  • Group size minimum 6 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
Three people roll over a victim with a splinted leg and touch their spine in a medical scenario

November 15-16, Saturday-Sunday - 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. 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.
  • No experience or gear needed.
  • Read more and register at our Workshop and Certifications webpage.
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (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

November 16, Sunday - Stuffing Trot Thanksgiving Day Hike – Monadnock Mountain

  • Work up that Thanksgiving appetite with a fall adventure! Climb one of the most hiked mountains in the world—rocky scrambles, crisp November air, and 360° summit views. The perfect pre-holiday hike!
  • Cost $30. Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 13
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Bike Shop and Outdoor Center (5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed, transportation included.
  • Physical Exertion: Moderate to Strenuous
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity
  • Register Online: November 16 Stuffing Trot! Hiking Day Trip to Monadnock Mountain, New Hampshire
  • Group size minimum 6 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy

Selected Spring 2026 Events

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, Lowell, Massachusetts

  • The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) 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.
  • No experience or gear needed.
  • Read more at our Workshop and Certifications webpage.
  • Group size minimum 12 people, maximum 20 people.
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
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!
  • This trip will have a selection process for its limited spaces. Interested students must participate (or have participated) in an OAP day hike or backpacking/camping trip, and must submit two items for consideration: Register with a small deposit and submit the Participant Application before the October 1 deadline. A waitlist will be maintained.
  • See our Spring Break webpage for more information and to register.

March 21-22, Saturday-Sunday - 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. 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.
  • No experience or gear needed.
  • Read more and register at our Workshop and Certifications page.
  • Fill out your Required Outdoor Adventure Program (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.