Give Us Feedback
Outdoor Adventure needs your feedback! We would like to hear what you think of the program and what trips you might like to see in the future. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey so we can improve our programming.
Outdoor Adventure at Montclair State University gives our campus community new opportunities to explore the beauty and splendor of New Jersey and the surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of trips including canoeing, hiking, camping and tubing. Space is limited, and registration begins the first day of classes each semester. If you have any questions, ideas or would like to see other programs in this new area of Campus Recreation, feel free to get in contact with Alex Sperling at sperlinga@nihonnkazamidori.com.
Tab Group
Our Outdoor Adventure trips have limited spots available and many trips fill up quickly. If a trip does fill, we will maintain a wait-list for anyone interested. There is no fee for putting your name on the wait list. Like stand-by for flying, we highly encourage interested individuals to be at the Student Recreation Center prior to the trip departure and we will accept individuals for open spots first in the order of the wait-list, and next in the order of the time they sign in that morning. Payment for the trip occurs only if you get to participate.
Registration
Register Online:
All students have a Fusion account to register for Campus Recreation Trips/Events. To account, login through the Student/Staff portal using your netID.
Spring 2025 Events and Trips
Hang out with your friends on Friday night around the fire pit! Free snacks, such as s’mores and iced tea, will be provided. Lawn games, hammocks, and other items will also be available FREE via Equipment Checkout.
How do I sign-up?
- Registration not required
- Free with Montclair State University ID
Where and when?
- Fridays from March 21 – May 2
- 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Various Locations:
- Student Recreation Center – 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/25, 5/02;
- Student Center Quad – TBD;
- Bohn/Blanton Quad – TBD;
- Village – 4/11;
- Hawks Crossing – TBD;
Come spend the day on a trip through New York City! This trip includes an ice skating rental in Bryant Park, followed by a group walk through Central Park. Along the way, we will tour Grand Central Station, the Explorer’s Club, and the Belvedere Castle!
How do I sign-up?
- Please register in the Student Recreation Center main office.
- Cost for Students – $10 | Faculty/Staff – $30
Where and when?
- Saturday, February 8, 2025
- 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Begins and ends at Student Recreation Center
What to bring:
- Water, lunch, long pants, and sneakers.
Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.
A perfect trip for all levels of climber — novice to expert! A pressure-free, safe indoor rock climbing experience at the New Jersey Rock Gym in Fairfield, NJ. Dress to Move! Rental shoes are included in the price.
How do I Sign-up?
- Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
- Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20
Where and when?
- Saturday, February 15, 2025
- 12:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Begins at Student Recreation Center
What to bring: Water, long pants, sneakers.
Potential Hazards: Injuries caused by a fall from a height including abrasions, strains/sprains, and fractures.
We will enjoy a ½ mile nature walk in Columbia, NJ to a preserve, where we will be invited into an observation area surrounded by 4 packs of wolves! We will also get the opportunity to observe Lakota’s foxes, bobcat, and lynx!
How do I sign-up?
- Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
- Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20
Where and when?
- Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
- 12:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Begins at Student Recreation Center
What to bring: Water, lunch, long pants, sneakers, and sunscreen.
Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.
Join us for a gorgeous hike in South Mountain Reservation, NJ, for our Hemlock Falls Hike. The breathtaking easy hike spans about 5.8 miles of everything from beautiful hemlock waterfalls, cascading boulders, and even sightings of fair houses along the trail!
How do I sign-up?
Registration opens March 3
Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20
Where and when?
Saturday, March 22, 2025
10 a.m. – 4 p.m
Van leaves from Student Recreation Center
What to bring: Water, sneakers (boots are recommended), lunch, and a sense of adventure!
Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.
Join us for a gorgeous hike on the Columbia Trail along the Raritan River. The breathtaking easy hike spans about 3.6 miles of everything from beautiful hemlock, waterfalls, cascading boulders, and a get away from the hustle bustle of campus.
How do I sign-up?
Registration opens March 3
Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20
Where and when?
Saturday, March 29, 2025
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Van leaves from Student Recreation Center
What to bring: Water, sneakers (boots are recommended), lunch, and a sense of adventure!
Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.
Join Outdoor Adventure for one of the most strenuous but spectacular hikes of the New Jersey and New York area. As we hike the Bearfort Mountain ridge past the Greenwood Lake, rhododendron tunnel, surprise lake, and west pond. Sure to be a breathtaking view the whole way up to the summit of the mountain.
How do I sign-up?
Registration opens March 3
Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20
Where and when?
Saturday, April 5, 2025
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Begins at Student Recreation Center
What to bring: Water, lunch, long pants, sneakers/boots and sunscreen.
Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, and injury by running or horse, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.
Strap on a headlamp and enjoy this late-night hike under the light of the full moon with the Manhattan skyline view at the end! The moon will be rising at its fullest as the sun sets to create a beautiful skyscape and evening to hike. This easy hike will take place at High Mountain Park.
How do I sign-up?
Register in the Student Recreation Center main office, on Fusion, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
Cost for Students $10 | Faculty/Staff $20
Where and when?
Saturday, April 12, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m
Leaves from and returns to Student Recreation Center
What to bring: Water, sneakers or hiking boots, a snack, and a sense of adventure!
Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.
Get ready for a gorgeous day of frolicking through fields of flowers as we take you to Holland Ridge Farms, famous for their seasonal flower picking fields. As the HRF tulip festival gets started, join us for a day of fun including live music, petting zoo areas with farm animals, photo taking attractions, food trucks, a farmers and makers market, and a complimentary shuttle around the farm. Flower picking costs $1for each flower picked!
How do I sign-up?
Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
Cost for Students – $10 | Faculty/Staff – $20
Where and when?
Sunday, April 13, 2025
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cream Ridge, NJ – Begins and ends at Student Recreation Center
What to bring:
Money for spending, lunch, water, comfortable shoes, sunscreen.
Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies, insect bites, unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, and injuries, including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.
Join us for a gorgeous hike through Hacklebarney state park. The trail features the Black River as a centerpiece and is quite stunning in the spring season.
How do I sign-up?
- Registration opens March 3
- Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
- Cost for Students $10; Faculty/Staff $20
Where and when?
- Saturday, April 26, 2025
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Bus leaves from Student Recreation Center
What to bring: Water, sneakers, and a sense of adventure!
Planning a trip, but don’t have all the gear? Try Equipment Lending! Designed with students in mind, it’s perfect if you want to try out new activities but don’t want to spend a lot of money. We offer various packages including Sports, Barbecue, Beach, Camping and Backpacking. The program is free to students and open all year.
A La Carte
Build your own package. Choose items from all of our available packages (please choose three).
Bagg-O/Cornhole
Croquet
Frisbee
Football
KanJam
Knock Hockey
Ladder Golf
Paddle Ball
Soccer (with pop-up nets)
Washers game
Small grill
Chimney charcoal starter
Grilling utensils (brush, spatula, tongs, fork)
Rolling cooler
Choose two games
Four beach chairs
Beach table & carrier
Beach umbrella
Rolling cooler
Choose two games
Camp stove and propane
Electric LED lantern
Headlamp
First Aid kit
Rain ponchos (one per person)
Sleeping bags (one per person)
Ground covers (one per person)
Tents (one for every two people)
Portable stove and fuel bottle
Solo cooks set
Microfilter
Headlamp
First Aid kit
Solo tent
One sleeping bag
One mattress pad
One rain poncho
Cathole trowel
One large backpack
Two-person picnic bag
Large blanket
Choose two games
Ask about our trail maps and guide books to various outdoor activities and locations around New Jersey and New York – from the NJ coast up to the Adirondacks; these are available to lend as well.
As the weather gets warmer take some trips and explore nature while practicing social distancing! Here are tips for staying safe, top 10 trails in New Jersey, virtual tours of national parks and trails and tips and tricks for your hike!
Top 10 Hiking Destinations in New Jersey
Additional Online Resources
NJ Division of Parks and Forestry
SafeHome.org 2021 Outdoor Safety Tips
Tips
Everyone who participates in Outdoor Adventure trips through the Student Recreation Center or engages in outdoor activities on their own should always practice bear safety when out enjoying the wilderness. A few things to be aware of:
Never feed or approach a bear!
Remain calm if you encounter a bear.
Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands or making other noises.
Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead slowly back away.
Black bears attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back.
You can find more safety tips for bear encounters at the National Park Service’s Staying Safe Around Bears.
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. Please exercise caution when going outdoors in the coming months. You can get further information and safety recommendations from the CDC website.
What we know
No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus disease (Zika).
Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites (see below).
Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime.
Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.
Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by using condoms or not having sex.
Steps to prevent mosquito bites
When traveling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes, take the following steps:
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Always follow the product label instructions.
Reapply insect repellent as directed.
Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
You’ll be a happier camper if you know how to pack your sack strategically for both comfort and convenience. Your heaviest items should be placed on top of your sleeping bag and close to your spine. Usually these items will be your food stash, water supply, cooking kit and stove.
Share the weight of large communal items (e.g. tent) with others in your group. You carry the main body, for example, and your friend can carry the poles and rainfly.
Compression straps: tighten all compression straps to limit load-shifting.
Read the REI article about “10 Essentials.”
Know where to expect ticks.
Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. You may come into contact with ticks when walking through leaf litter or near shrubs. Always walk in the center of trails in order to avoid contact with ticks.
Use a repellent with DEET on skin.
Repellents containing 20% or more DEET can protect up to several hours.
Blisters are caused by friction and amplified by moist environments. Wear wool socks which wick moisture.
Should You Pop?
To pop or not to pop is the big and hotly debated question. Even the experts disagree about when to drain a blister. If you do end up popping the blister make sure it is as sterile as possible in order to prevent infection.
Comply with all local laws and regulations. Many municipalities have laws governing burnings including time of day, time of year and what substance can be burned.
Check the weather. It is never a good idea to engage in any type of burning if there are high winds. Wind can act as both an accelerant and can spread the fire.
Only use easily controlled locations for burning. Make sure all campfires occur in fully surrounded fire pits and limit the size of all fires. No matter how something is being burned, it is important to do it in a controlled area.
Reduce Trash. Be thoughtful about food portions when cooking. Good meal planning helps reduce trash, pack weight and dependence upon campfires.
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Don’t bring soil, plants of any kind (other than dead vegetables) or firewood(this can be purchased nearby). Clean and inspect clothing, gear and containers for weeds and other “hitchhikers” before you leave.
Stay on the trail and avoid unplanned shoot-off trails. Try to keep impact to flora minimal by staying on the trail. Avoid venturing off into areas where damage is just beginning, such as impromptu trails created by other hikers stepping off trail.
7 Tips for Social Distancing While Visiting New Jersey’s State Parks and Natural Areas
Resource: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Make space for others on the trails
To protect yourself and other park visitors while on trails, visitors should warn other users of their presence when passing by. As others pass, step aside for them.
Go solo or with immediate family.
Please visit parks with family members from your household or for solo activities such as dog-walking or biking. Follow carry-in/carry-out guidelines by cleaning up after your pet and taking home with you any trash.
Give yourself and others space
Do not gather in groups of 10 or more and maintain a six-foot distance from others at all times. If the recommended distance is not possible, go to another area of the park or visit the park another time.
Drop your line, keep your distance
As warmer weather and the spring trout fishing season approaches, anglers are reminded that the six-foot distance rule remains in effect. If the required distance cannot be maintained, find another area to fish.
Go before you go
As park restrooms are closed, please use the restroom before visiting a park. Do not attempt to open bathroom or other facility doors, which are locked.
Stay away from playground equipment and parks facilities
All playground equipment and all park buildings such as nature centers, bathrooms, offices and historic buildings are closed. Events have been canceled and all upcoming camping reservations through Thursday, April 30 have been canceled. Camping reservations will be refunded in full and new camping reservations will not be accepted.
Follow CDC and state health recommendations
Visit cdc.gov and covid19.nj.gov for the most recent recommendations to protect yourself and others from spreading COVID-19.
