Fall Break – “Rock Climbing at Red River Gorge”
Red River Gorge, Kentucky, USA
October 9 – 13, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable adventure to Red River Gorge, Kentucky. This fall break is all about challenging yourself through rock climbing, reaching new heights, building friends with others, and experiencing the great outdoors. We’ll rock climb at premier, world class climbing locations in Red River Gorge, day hike through the beautiful valleys of the gorge, and camp at one of the classic locations for all climbers.
This trip is designed to help you connect with nature, with community, and with yourself. We will camp in tents, rock climb with professional guides, hike through the stunning Red River Gorge, and enjoy each other’s company around evening campfires. If you’re looking to experience a new outdoor activity, bond with friends, and explore the hills and valleys of Kentucky – sign up now!
Location
We’ll leave from our Basecamp on Bucknell’s campus. From there we will drive to Land of Arches Campground to set up and start climbing the following day!
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:
Monday, October 5, 7pm-8:30pm at Basecamp
Mandatory
This will be a chance for trip leaders and participants to get to know each other and review the trip logistics.
Logistics
Please read the sections below for detailed information about the schedule, registration process, trip cost, and more!
Day 1: Friday Oct. 9
Friday evening, we’ll gather at OEL Basecamp to prepare for our exciting adventure ahead! We’ll organize and pack all necessary gear, ensuring everyone has what they need for the trip.
Day 2: Saturday, Oct. 10
We will wake up early for a 4:30 AM drive to the Gorge. We’ll stop for lunch along the way. Before we head to our campsite for the night, we’ll stretch our legs for a sunset hike.
Day 3: Sunday, Oct. 11
Waking up well rested, refreshed, and in beautiful Red River Gorge, we’ll grab breakfast before heading out for a fun and full day rock climbing! We’ll return to camp for dinner and conversation under the stars!
Day 4: Monday, Oct.12
We’ll grab breakfast before heading out for a 2nd day of climbing (half day). Then we’ll get to explore other wonders Red River Gorge has to offer. We’ll return to camp for dinner and conversation under the stars.
Day 5: Tuesday, March 10
Early wake up! Today we make our way back to campus. We’ll stop for lunch on the way and return to campus in the late afternoon.
*This is a rough schedule with estimated times and locations that are subject to change.
Full Cost: $500 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: $300 (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 transferability policy below for more info.
Inclusions
- Transportation to and from Red River Gorge,Kentucky
- Meals and snacks from dinner on Friday (10/9) through lunch on Saturday (10/13)
- 3 nights of camping at a local Red River Gorge campground
- All group camping gear, including but not limited to tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, headlamps, all kitchen items, and more.
- 2 Day guided rock climbing experience *rock climbing equipment provided
- 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 for this trip will open on Monday, August 31st 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.
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.