Interested in getting outside with Outdoor Education & Leadership? Whether it’s a relaxing sunset paddle down the Susquehanna, adventurous spring break trip, or one of our many other unique trip experiences, chances are we have something for you. Check out one of the many trip listings below for more information and sign up today!
Unless otherwise noted, all trips leave from Basecamp on Bucknell’s campus.
OEL is proud to be able to offer many of our trips at no cost to students! Unfortunately, we have faced challenges with students registering for trips and then not showing up, or cancelling too last minute for us to be able to accommodate the wait list. In an effort to run full trips and increase the level of commitment to OEL trips, we are beginning a cancellation fee system.
By selecting “yes” to this Trip Attendance & Cancellation Policy, you are agreeing to show up for the trip or cancel with no less than 1 full week notice. In the case that cancellation occurs with less than one week notice, or you don’t show up, you will be charged a $10.00 fee for day trips, or a $25 cancellation fee for overnight trips.
- OEL Trips & Outings provided to Bucknell students have limited capacity. If a student signs up and doesn’t show for the program, it’s disruptive for everyone involved and takes away from other student’s experience.
- We understand that things come up and life happens. We get it. We simply ask that you notify us at least 1 week in advance of the trip and let us know of your cancellation. You can do this by going back to our Portal and clicking on the “CONTACT” button in the upper right of the screen.
- Failure to contact us of your cancellation in this predetermined timeframe is noted by the OEL Admin Team. After 3 instances (not showing up or cancelling less than a week prior to the trip 3 times), your ability to participate in OEL programs may be limited.
Here’s how it works:
- If you sign up and show up → Free!
- If you cancel at least 1 week in advance → Free!
- If you cancel with less than 1 week’s notice → $10 fee (day trips) or $25 fee (overnight trips)
- If you don’t show up at all → $10 fee (day trips) or $25 fee (overnight trips)
This helps us make sure trips run smoothly and that as many students as possible get the chance to participate. Thanks for understanding and helping us keep these adventures open and accessible to everyone!
Fall 2026 Trips
Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing
September 5, 2026, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Chickies Rocks, Columbia, PA
Details about Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing:
Join us for a Introduction to outdoor rock climbing at the beautiful cliffs of Chickies Rock in Columbia PA. Whether you’re brand new to climbing or looking to sharpen your skills, this day trip will feature climbing instruction, exciting routes, great views, and an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Transportation, food & gear provided. No previous experience required.
Thousand Steps Hike
September 5, 2026, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Thousand Steps Trail – Mill Creek, PA
Details about the Hike:
Ready for a climb up a historic set of quarry stone steps to a panoramic view of Juniata River Valley? Join us for a hike along historic industrial ruins, steady incline, and rewarding overlook views.
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Whitewater Rafting and Tent Camping
9 AM Saturday, Sept.5 – 4 PM Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
Hickory Run State Park, White Haven, PA
Details about Whitewater Rafting and Tent Camping:
Always wanted to white water raft? Excited by the thought of paddling down a river, working together as a team on and off the water? Join us for an unforgettable experience rafting the Leigh River. Enjoy the rapids and evenings at the basecamp.
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Biking for Ice Cream
September 9, 2026, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Buffalo Valley Rail Trail to Purple Cow Ice Cream Shop
Details about Rail Trail Bike Ride
Pedal your way to a rewarding sweet treat along the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail. We’ll cruise through the beautiful local countryside – the great sights and sounds of being outdoors. It’s the ultimate late afternoon activity to enjoy with friends.
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Intersecting Outdoors Paddling Program
September 13, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Milton State Park
Details about Intersecting Outdoor Paddling Program:
Looking for discussion and discourse around identity and it’s connection to the outdoors? Curious about how insights into nature could build dialogue amongst your peers? Join us at at Milton State park for some paddling on the water, conversation and community as we explore together identity and connection. We’ll start at Milton and end at the landing.
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Intro to Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
September 13, 2026 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Montour Preserve
Details about Stand-Up Paddle Boarding:
Ever wanted to paddle board? Montour preserve is the perfect place to learn and or enjoy some more paddling. Surrounded by lush forests and diverse wildlife, it’s the perfect spot for both beginners and experienced paddlers to enjoy a relaxing day on the water.
Transportation, food & gear provided.
R.B. Winter State Park Hike
Semptember 15, 2026 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
R.B. Winter State Park
Details about the Hike:
Escape camps and hit the trails for an energizing day hike up to the scenic vista at RB Winter State Park. We’ll hike through the shaded, hemlock-lined forest to the overlook. It’s the perfect time to unplug, hang out with friends & recharge!
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Outdoor Picnic at Nature Preserve
September 18, 2026 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Montour Preserve
Details about Outdoor Picnic:
Get ready for a fun day near the water, we’ll hike around, enjoy each other’s company and eat some delicious food.
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Sunset Hike & Yoga
September 20, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00PM
Shikellamy State Park
Details about Hike & Yoga:
Unwind after a long week of classes by escaping to an evening of fresh air and overlook views. We’ll hike around Shikellamy State Park followed by a relaxing, all levels yoga session. Space is limited, so grab a friend and sign up now to recharge your mind and body!
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Penns Cave Tour
October 3, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Penns Cave, Centre Hall, PA
Details about Caving Adventure:
Join us for an unforgettable excursion to Penn’s Cave, an all water cavern. We’ll glide through chilly, limestone corridors on a flat-bottom boat to see gigantic stalactites and stalagmites up close. Bring a friend to explore a hidden subterranean world, and see a side of Central PA you can’t find elsewhere.
Transportation, gear, and food provided.
Fishing at Penns Creek
October 3,2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Penns Creek
Details about Fishing Adventure:
Spend a day on the water at Penns Creek, one of the premier legendary trout streams in the Eastern US. Whether you’re a seasoned fisher or total beginner looking to learn, we’ll spend the day at the gorgeous waters of the PA wilds.
Transportation, gear, & food provided.
Chimney Rock Hike
October 4, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Chimney Rock Hike
Details about the Hike:
Leave behind campus and join us for a heart pumping, jaw dropping vista views. You’ll get a spectacular, panoramic view of the West branch of the Susquehanna River winding through the valley. It’s the perfect trail to experience with friends and get a breath of fresh autumn air.
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Bird Watching Hike
October 4, 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton, PA
Details about Bird Watching:
Get away from campus and experience one of the premier raptor migration hotspots! We’ll hike up to the North Lookout, where you can scan the skies for majestic eagles, and falcons soaring over the stunning mountain ridges!
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Hike at Turtle Creek
October 7, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Turtle Creek, Lewisburg PA
Details about the Hike:
Looking for a quick escape from campus? Join us for a relaxing day hike where we’ll explore the easy-going trails alongside the winding creek. Ultimate afternoon plan to chat with friends and get a breath of fresh air!
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Outdoor Craft Night at the Farm Firepit
October 16, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Lewisburg, PA
Details about Outdoor Crafts:
Join us for a cozy evening around the campfire for a relaxing evening of learning the basic of crocheting or painting a scenic canvas. We’ll supply all the materials, and chat away while leaning into our creative sides.
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Backpacking in Worlds End State Park
9 AM October 17 – 4 PM October 18, 2026
Worlds End State Park, Forksville, PA
Details about Overnight Backpacking:
Switch out the dorms for the deep woods and join us for an epic overnight backpacking experience into the heart of PA’s rugged and breathtaking terrain. We’ll hike through dense forested areas, conquer climbs to stunning mountain vistas and pitch camp under the stars.
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Tent Camping at Ole Bull State Park
9 AM October 17 – 4 PM October 18, 2026
Ole Bull State Park, Crossfork, PA
Details about basecamping:
Join us on an overnight basecamping trip to Ole Bull State Park! We’ll have a perfect launch pad to explore rugged forest trails by day and unwind by the crackling campfire next to Kettle Creek at night. It’s the perfect low-stress weekend getaway.
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Waterfall Exploration Day Hike
October 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Seven Tubs Recreation Area, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Details about the hike:
Discover one of PA’s coolest natural wonders with a day hike at Seven Tubs Recreation Area. We’ll trek through a shaded ravine to see a stream cascading through a spectacular series of deep, swirling potholes carved right out of the sandstone rock!
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
October 31, 2026, 2:00PM – 6:00 PM
Kohls Stony Hills
Details about Fall Festivities:
Celebrate the best of fall and test your navigational skills in the corn maze or search the patch for the perfect pumpkin patch. Enjoy some classic autumn treats like apple cider and hayrides. Bring your friends along to enjoy the autumn season and snap some great photos together!
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Horseback Riding Trail Ride
November 1, 2026, 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Mountain Creek Riding Stables
Details about Horseback Riding:
Hits the trails in style for an unforgettable day experience horseback riding! We’ll ride through beautiful winding woodland paths, and scenic mountain that is perfect for both absolute beginners and experienced riders alike!
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Intersecting Outdoors Hike
November 7, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location to be Announced
Details about Intersecting Outdoors Day Hike:
Join OEL and Multi Cultural Student Services on another day of intentional conversations, getting outside and exploring together!
Cabin Camping in Delaware Water Gap
November 14 – November 15, 2026
Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Details about Basecamp or Cabins:
Join us for an awesome overnight of cabin camping at the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center, hidden in the beautiful Delaware Water Gap. We’ll be basecamp out of rustic, cozy cabins along the shores of Catfish Pond, exploring the Appalachian trail, and experiencing other great outdoor activities.
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Rock Run Hike
November 15, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
McIntyre Wild Area, Ralston, PA
Details about Day Hike:
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of McIntyre Wild Area for a day hike to Middle Rock Rock Falls. We’ll trek through the deep forest to discover the stunning, crystal clear streams, bedrock cliffs and a natural rockslide waterfall. It’s the ultimate off the beaten path adventure to hangout with friends and experience another grand outdoor area.
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Indoor Rock Climbing
December 2, 2026, 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
State College, PA
Details about Indoor Climbing:
Swap the classroom walls for a day on the indoor boulders. Learn some new bouldering routes or scale the top rope wall. This trip is all about challenging yourself, having fun and hanging out with your friends while reaching new heights!
Transportation, food & gear provided.