Fall Break 2026 – WV

Fall Break – “A Tour of West Virginia”

Come along on a great tour of key highlights across West Virginia. We’ll take you on a cross country experience where you’ll get to be up high enjoy the cliff sides of West Virginia, explore the roaring falls of BlackWater State Park, and hike in the shadows of Seneca Rocks. This trip is something you won’t want to miss.

This trip is designed to help you connect with nature, with community, and with yourself. We’ll be camping in tents,climbing on a via ferrata with professional guides, hiking to pristine views, and enjoying the beautiful evenings around a campfire . If you’re looking to experience a new outdoor activity, bond with friends, and explore the great state of WV- sign up now!

You might be wondering: “What is a via ferrata?” A Via ferrata (Italian for “Iron Path”) is a climbing route that uses fixed steel cables, iron rungs, ladders and suspension bridges, allowing individuals to safely climb steep rock faces, enjoy spectacular views all while safely clipped in to the rock face via a steel cable. It differs from rock climbing in that there are built in rungs, ladders, bridges and other features that provide clear hand and foot placements every step of the way making mountain exposure more accessible.

Location

We’ll leave from our Basecamp on Bucknell’s campus. From there we will drive to BlackWater Falls State Park for our first day hiking at an overlook trail . The other trip locations include Seneca Rocks and Dolly Sods Wilderness Area.

Pre-Trip Meetings

There will be one pre-trip meeting for this extended break trip that is mandatory. During this meeting we will go over trip logistics, packing lists, and expectations:

​Logistics

Please read the sections below for detailed information about the schedule, registration process, trip cost, and more!

Schedule

Day 1: Saturday Oct. 10

We’ll gather at OEL Basecamp around 8AM, pack last things needed and hit the road to get down to BlackWater Falls State Park . We’ll stop for lunch along the way. After a great day of driving, some hiking, and enjoying the grand views, we’ll settle into our campsite at BlackWater Falls State Park .

Day 2: Sunday, Oct. 11

After a good night’s rest, we will explore Seneca Rocks & Spruce Knob that offer sharp cliffs, splendid overlooks and jaw dropping rock formations. We will return to our campsite, enjoy an awesome evening of food, games, and a campfire.

Day 3: Monday, Oct. 12

Waking up well rested, refreshed, we’ll grab breakfast before heading out for a day of climbing at the Via Ferrata at NRocks. We’ll return to camp for dinner and conversation under the stars!

Day 4: Tuesday, Oct.13

We’ll wake up, make breakfast, pack up and head over to Bald Knob in Canaan Valley for some fantastic hiking and beautiful sights before making the drive back to campus. We’ll stop for lunch along the way and make it back to campus in the later afternoon.

*This is a rough schedule with estimated times and locations that are subject to change.

Cost of the Trip

Full Cost: $460 per person

The cost associated with this trip helps offset the cost of meals, travel, lodging, guiding services, and equipment for this trip.

• Deposit 1: $200.00 (due within 72 hours of registration)
• Remaining balance: $260 (due September 21st)

Payments can made with cash or check only. Please drop off payments CAP Center (1st floor ELC, 9AM -4PM) or OEL Basecamp in Tustin Building (9AM – 4PM). Please reach out to oel@bucknell.edu to set up an alternative payment plan or with any questions.

Deposits are non-refundable. See payment transferability policy below for more info.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Transportation to and from Eastern Central West Virginia.
• Meals and snacks from dinner on Friday (10/9) through lunch on Saturday (10/13)
• 3 nights of camping
• All group camping gear, including but not limited to tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, headlamps, all kitchen items, and more.
• 1 Day Guided Via Ferrata
• Penn State Creamery Ice Cream Stop on the way home
• Some clothing as needed (rain jacket and rain pants, baselayers and mid layers)

Exclusions

• Personal gear and items
• Any food purchased separately from group meals (e.g. gas station snacks, additional meals beyond pre-planned group meals, etc.)
• Any souvenirs, shopping, or optional, non-predetermined experiences
• All expenses incurred in the event of early or late departure not related to an emergency (transportation, extra hotel night, etc.)

Registration Process

Registration for this trip will open on Monday, August 31st. Trips registration opens at 6:00PM Eastern. Registration materials are due within 72 hours of signing up. Spaces for this trip are limited and will be filled on a “first come first served basis”.

This trip is open enrollment to all current Bucknell students. A Bucknell ID number is required to register.

First Deposit is due within 72 hours of acceptance notification email.

Those not selected will remain on the waitlist in the case that a spot opens up later on.

Cancellation & No Show Policy

OEL Adventure Trips, including Extended Break Trips, 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 as soon as possible and let us know of your cancellation. You can do this by emailing oelinfo@bucknell.edu.

Cancellation Policy*

Trip payment, including deposits, are non refundable (except by the Payment Transferability Policy – see below).

Payment Transferability Policy*

All payments received specific to this trip are subject to the cancellation policy listed above in this section. In the event that a trip participant is no longer able to attend, all non-refundable fees paid can be transferred to another non-enrolled participant and yield a full refund. In simple terms, if someone is able to fill the spot of an already enrolled participant, non-refundable fees paid become refundable in full. The OEL professional staff will make attempts to fill any vacant spots by servicing an associated waitlist, marketing the availability, etc. There is no guarantee that a vacancy will be filled. If a participant cancels their spot on this trip, and it cannot be replaced by another participant, all non-refundable fees remain non-refundable.

No Show Policy*

Students who miss a trip’s preplanned departure from campus will not be allowed to join the trip at a later time. Students who miss a trip’s preplanned departure will forfeit all fees paid associated with this trip (no refund of any amount provided).

*Exceptions to above expectations and/or policies may be considered for adjustment on a case by case basis as determined by the OEL professional staff.