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!
Many OEL activities and trips are adventure-based, off-campus experiences that may take place in remote environments where access to professional support, Bucknell resources, and local emergency services may be limited or delayed. To support participant safety, group well-being, and effective risk management, all participants are required to comply with the behavioral expectations outlined below.
Failure to meet these expectations may result in removal from the program and ineligibility for future OEL participation.
Behavioral Expectations
While participating in an OEL program, participants are expected to:
Comply with University Policies: Adhere to all applicable Bucknell University policies, including but not limited to conduct, alcohol and other drugs, and non-discrimination policies.
Demonstrate Respectful Conduct: Engage in behavior that is respectful toward self, other participants, trip leaders, and community members, as well as toward shared equipment, facilities, and the natural environment.
Maintain Personal Health and Self-Care: Take reasonable responsibility for personal well-being by following guidance related to hydration, nutrition, hygiene, rest, medication management, and other health-related practices necessary for safe participation.
Contribute to Group Responsibilities: Participate appropriately in shared group tasks such as carrying group gear, preparing meals, setting up and breaking down campsites, and maintaining common areas, consistent with trip expectations and individual ability.
Follow Safety and Risk Management Instructions: Comply with all safety protocols, trip guidelines, and instructions provided by OEL staff and trip leaders. This includes participating in required briefings, using equipment as instructed, and adhering to activity-specific rules.
Avoid Unsafe or Disruptive Behavior: Refrain from actions that compromise personal safety, the safety of others, or the overall group experience. Behavior that creates unnecessary risk, disrupts group cohesion, or interferes with the ability of trip leaders to manage the group is prohibited. Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use are strictly prohibited on OEL sponsored events.
Fall 2026 Trips
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.
Outdoor Picnic at Nature Preserve
October 2, 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.
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 – 4:00 PM
Location TBD
Details about Bird Watching:
Enjoy a day off campus, listening to nature’s sounds! We’ll head out to a local bird watching location to observe wildlife and hopefully add a few species to your life list!
Transportation, food & gear provided.
Hike at Turtle Creek
October 7, 2026, 4:30 PM – 7:00 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.
Indoor Climbing Wall Trip
October 22, 2026, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Climb Nittany, State College PA
Details about the trip:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.